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After such a ruthless nightmare, Wei Ying gasped and immediately rose up from his bed to recollect his thoughts. He hadn’t had a nightmare since before his resurrection; back then, they were nothing but normal occurrences, but now? “Definitely some sort of omen…”, he thought. Worst thing? His nightmare contained Jiang Cheng in it… The nightmare’s contents were already fuzzy now that he had woken up, but he still tried to piece some parts of the nightmare together to try and understand why Jiang Cheng had appeared in it in the first place; while lost in thought, Wei Ying had failed to notice the dark brown eyes that were watching him rather confused.
“Wei Ying? What’s the matter?” Lan Wangji said, startling the other.
“Aiyo, Lan Zhan! You scared me!”
“… I’m sorry, i didn’t mean to.”
“No worries, no worries!” Wei Ying reassured him by kissing Lan Wangji’s forehead. “I guess i just spaced out for a bit, that’s all; no need to be concerned.”
“Mn. But you gasped rather loudly just now, did you have a nightmare?”
“Hah… more or less? It was definitely weird, but…”, Wei Ying’s expression stiffened. “Jiang Cheng appeared in it.”
Lan Wangji watched Wei Ying’s expression for a few seconds before deciding to let him continue speaking.
“And i can’t help but wonder if it’s a bad omen? Could it mean anything? I haven’t had a bad dream since 13 years ago, this must have some sort of meaning, whether it’s there or not, I…”
“Jiang Cheng is still in seclusion…” Lan Wangji added, interrupting his husband from his ‘monologue’.
Wei Ying’s expression softened considerably, this man knew him way too well. “But it’s worth a try, eh?” he smiled, “What can go wrong?”
He definitely regretted saying that, cause there were definitely plenty of things that could potentially go wrong if he were to pay an actual visit to Jiang Cheng, but still… He had to. They desperately needed to talk.
Lang Wangji could only sigh and nod his head.
“Then it’s decided? I need to properly talk to Jiang Cheng… At least try to…” So Wei Ying got up to get ready, with Lan Wangji also following behind him, but he was abruptly stopped.
“Lan Zhan, even though i appreciate how much you want to help and shield me from some potential dangers, i’m already progressing rapidly with cultivation, and plus, i think i should do this alone. It’s for the best…”
“Mn...” Even though Hanguan-jun didn’t want to let his Wei Ying go alone, he knew the brother’s relationship wasn’t something he could actively help reconcile since, truthfully, it wasn’t really his business, so he left it that way. “Be careful.”
Wei Ying could only smile; Lan Zhan was too adorable!
“Will be, Lan Zhan! Don’t worry too much, i promise i’ll return to Gusu, to you~” he said in a rush, his smile growing even more coy watching Lang Wangji’s embarrassed expression intensify, with his ears reddening.
───*.☽.*───
After packing a few essentials, Wei Ying left Gusu with Little Apple, who was already chewing on its fourth apple; he approximately calculated that he’d arrive in Yunmeng by noon the next day, so he definitely had plenty of time to reflect on what he could say to Jiang Cheng.
Wei Ying also explicitly told both Lan Zhan and Zewu-Jun to not inform anyone from Jiang Sect of his arrival since he didn’t think it was necessary, especially since this matter far exceeded any sort of official business he could’ve lied about if he were to inform anyone, so he obviously decided against it. Plus, even if Jiang Cheng was currently in seclusion, he’s definitely sure guards would at least be cordial enough to announce his arrival to their sect leader, which would initiate their conversation. It was obvious, no? At least, that’s what Wei Ying hoped would happen…
His journey went surprisingly smooth and Little Apple behaved uncharacteristically well, which inevitably spooked Wei Ying out, but oh well, they arrived.
He abruptly stopped exactly at the entrance of Yunmeng, close enough so he could see the city’s name written on a golden plaque: ‘Yunmeng City’. For some reason, he was feeling more nervous than ever, even though he had enough time to practice what he’d want to say to Jiang Cheng. Now that he’s here, this whole ordeal certainly seems harder than he originally thought. Nonetheless, he brushed this uneasiness away and entered the city.
He immediately booked an inn for two nights, since he definitely did not have the guarantee that Jiang Cheng would actually allow him to stay at Lotus Pier—which, fair enough, Wei Ying couldn’t really blame him for that.
After settling some unimportant stuff in his room and finding a cozy place for Little Apple to stay at for the time being, Wei Ying decided it was time. He must talk to his brother Jiang Cheng once and for all. He misses his best friend…
Wei Ying sighs, how did it even get this bad? While walking to Lotus Pier, he watches little children playing and can’t help but see his shijie and his cute little shidi in them. He misses those days so much, alas, that’s what he’s trying to get back, tho! Reminiscing about the past will only worsen his current situation and obviously cloud his judgement.
He smiled bitterly despite himself, “Jiang Cheng, you stubborn prick, i swear if you won’t at least hear me out this time…”.
Before he could finish that thought, Wei Ying’s thoughts were rudely interrupted by some guards who were blocking his path. Oh he’s home here.
One of the guards didn’t seem to recognise him at first so they said coldly, “State your business, Lotus Pier is especially busy today, Sanren-?! Wei-gongzi? What would be the reason for your sudden arrival?”
“We were not informed on your advent, please forgive our initial inhospitality…” the other guard continued with his head bowed.
“Ah, no worries, no worries, my arrival was not one that needed to be announced, so you couldn’t have known!” Wei Ying said awkwardly, “I just came to talk to my Shidi Jiang Cheng, that’s all…”
“Unfortunately you have come at a bad time Wei-gongzi, Sandu Shengshou is currently in seclusion and does not want any visitors—“
“Let him in.”
Everyone looked behind to see a disheveled Jiang Wanyin, with his hair messily tied back, his eyes bearing dark eye bags underneath, accompanied by some puffiness — which Wei Ying could only imagine was from excessive crying, oh…
“But Sect Leader Jiang–“
“Let him in. Announced or ‘not’, he’s…” Jiang Cheng seemed to not be able to finish his sentence, words stuck in his throat.
That’s how it was, huh? Jiang Cheng had known that he’d arrive, hence the attempt at somewhat tidying himself… Zewu-Jun definitely sent him some sort of notice… Wei Ying sighed, he’ll talk to his brother-in-law about this some other time.
The guards hurriedly got out of Wei Wuxian’s way and he was let in Lotus Pier. All the remaining guards or workers in the area scattered immediately after the seeing the two brothers, to give them their much needed privacy.
Silence. It was like either of them had forgotten how to speak and just ended up not uttering a word for quite a while.
Wei Ying knew this was hard, for him and for Jiang Cheng as well, the man before him lived in the dark for 13 years just to be slapped across the face with the truth, which ultimately broke him. He had read about their relationship was oftentimes portrayed in various writings about his past deeds, for example:
“In the realm of destiny's weave, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin danced a delicate balance, akin to the eternal struggle of Yin and Yang. Like the legendary phoenix and dragon, their bond soared amidst fiery clashes and tranquil moments, embodying both harmony and discord. Through cycles of camaraderie and conflict, they mirrored the celestial dance, bound by fate's intricate threads, forever intertwined in the tapestry of their shared heritage.”
When he first read that, he was honestly shocked, people portrayed them as rivals, opposites and oftentimes even enemies, but he always thought they were two sides of the same coin, so what’s so hard about saying this to Jiang Cheng himself? A lot of things are hard to tell Jiang Cheng straight to his face… but he needs to at least try, and so he does.
“Listen-“
“You-“
Ah… This really is something…
“Just say what you came here for, so you can leave, Wei Ying Wuxian.”
“Jiang Cheng, can we actually, genuinely talk? Just talk.”
“You- What makes you think that you’re entitled to speaking to me after-… after all that…” Jiang Cheng’s voice was hoarse, he seemed like he hadn’t spoken full length sentences in a few days.
“I don’t think i’m entitled to anything, i just want to talk to you, the past is the past, this is the present… let’s just talk, alright?”
The sect leader’s face twitched slightly, discomfort visible on his expression.
“What is there to talk about? That i owe you now? That you came to see this pitiful expression that i bear? To rub shit in my face now that you’ve started cultivating again? You want me to believe that you just came here to «talk» and nothing else? Just who do you think you are, Wei Wuxian?!” Jiang Cheng said coldly, trying not to show how much of his words he didn’t actually mean.
Ah… there it was again, that strange barrier his shidi liked to put up, whenever something bad happened, Jiang Cheng would always close himself up, but for how long has this door remained unlocked? How much can that lock endure before it breaks and everything explodes into chaos?
“Have you gone mute? Weren’t you that one that came looking for me? Or dare i say, both you and your husband seem to be actively interested in my wellbeing these past few days.”
Lan Zhan informed him?!
“I just want us to get along like before, eh? Is that so hard to believe?” There it was, he finally said it.
“…” Jiang Cheng’s expression was unreadable, he didn’t think Wei Wuxian would explicitly state his desire for the two of them to reconcile and so he was left speechless. “You-!” Jiang Cheng unconsciously reached out to grab Wei Wuxian by his robes but ultimately decided against it so he just flimsily retracted his hand; Wei Wuxian will not get the upper hand here! He won’t allow it!
“Ah… How about we go inside? Would that be possible?”
The two stared at each other for a bit, neither could read the one standing in front of themselves.
Jiang Cheng tsked. “…Fine. But after we’re done, you’ll be escorted out.”
Wei Ying was content with that and so he only nodded and followed Jiang Cheng inside.
───*.☽.*───
They walked in silence until they reached Jiang Cheng’s private quarters and went inside.
Before Wei Wuxian could speak, Jiang Cheng abruptly said, in a low, almost inaudible whisper: “I’m sorry…”
“???”
“What did you say???”
“… I asked you what was it that you wanted to tell me! After you’ve stated your case, i’ll decide whether or not i’ll throw you out.” Jiang Cheng replied, coldly.
You really haven’t changed at all, you big baby.
“Well, since you decided to be the baby here (Jiang Cheng’s face visibly twitching hearing his words), i’ll be the adult here: I’m sorry. How’s that for a conversation starter? Well, more of a reply if you ask me, but you get it now, right?”
Calculating his next words very carefully, Jiang Cheng only could sigh. “You promised…” Jiang Cheng caught his words before anything else could slip out, but it felt like the dam he had been meticulously building was starting to overflow.
“What?…”
‘He promised’ what exactly?
Oh.
“You promised you’d always be my subordinate, plus you already know i wouldn’t have actually treated you that way, you’re a cultivator for God’s sake! That day in Demon-Quelling Cave… How could you just dismiss me like that? So i don’t loose face? Hah, my foot! Do you have any idea how long i’ve been thinking about that day? Maybe I should’ve battled with you, reasoned with you, i don’t…” without realising it, the dam he fought so hard to not overflow it, finally broke, Jiang Cheng felt small droplets fall down his cheeks and Wei Ying reaching for his shoulders to keep him steady on his feet.
“I’m sorry, Wei Ying, I really am so sorry…” he didn’t know what possessed him, but Jiang Cheng reached for a hug and, oh, how much he had needed it.
“Don’t blame yourself entirely, i wasn’t thinking straight either, i just thought that if i were to still affiliate with the Jiangs, i’d ruin everything Uncle Jiang and Madame Yu had fought so hard to maintain and tarnish your name in the process as well, i couldn’t do that to you, especially since-“ it was the only thing you had for certain back then. But Wei Ying knew better than to say it aloud, he knew well that Jiang Cheng knew what he had wanted to say.
The silence that followed their exchange wasn’t like the one from before, it felt different, it was different; it was warm, welcoming even. It spoke for them better than last 13 years had done, they both ended up shedding quite a few tears before collapsing on the floor from a sudden burst of laughter… It felt raw, innocent, puerile…
“I missed you.” There they were: the words that Jiang Cheng had been holding back for so long were finally said, finally articulated enough for Wei Ying to hear.
Wei Ying chuckled softly and hugged his shidi again, “I missed you too, Jiang Cheng and i’m sorry again.” his hugged tightening.
“No, I’m sorry, i’m so sorry, Wei Ying….”
Who knew how long had passed till Jiang Cheng broke their embrace, but they had to get up, this was too silly …
“Get up Wei Wuxian!”
“Aww? Will Sect leader Jiang throw me out now? This late~?” replied Wei Ying coyly, now that they’re on good terms again, he can bully his shidi to his heart’s content.
“You-! You really haven’t changed at all…” Jiang Cheng could only sigh, oh how he missed this.
“You can… uh, well, stay in your old room if you want, though if you’ve already booked an inn i’ll send someone to inform them you’ll no longer need their accommodation.”
“Hahaha, Jiang Cheng, you’re being awfully nice to me all of a sudden, are you sure you’re the real deal? Or am i talking to a fake?”
“You’re really testing my patience, Wei Ying!”
“Then, if you’re not an imposter, i will gladly take on your offer, but i do have to bring Little Apple here as well, since i left it back at the inn~”
“«Little Apple»?” Jiang Cheng asked, what sort of name was that?
“My donkey! I couldn’t have arrived to Yunmeng without its help! I ought to buy it some fresh apples tomorrow morning as thanks for sure.”
“Alright, alright, actually, since things are somewhat ‘resolved’ i shall finally reply to your Hanguan-Jun’s letter, i’m sure that’ll interest you as well?” Jiang Cheng teased him back, don’t you think you can get away with bullying him, Wei Wuxian!
Wei Ying eyed him for a bit before defeatedly laying next to him and reading the contents of Lan Wangji’s letter:
Sect Leader Jiang,
My husband, Wei Wuxian, will be visiting Yunmeng in two days' time. I write to inform you of his forthcoming arrival, allowing time for preparations. May your conversations be pleasant. I hope your reunion goes well.
Respectfully,
Lan Wangji
“I can’t believe he wrote a letter to you…”
“Is that so? I figured you must’ve been too embarrassed to send me one personally so you had him do it, but i guess i was wrong, huh?”
“I actually explicitly told him and Zewu-Jun not to inform you at all…” Wei Wuxian was certainly still surprised that Lan Zhan was the culprit behind this. He really must’ve been worried, huh…
Without realising it, Wei Ying’s expression had softened considerably because he was thinking of Lan Wangji, which Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but notice.
“Ew. You honestly can’t be cheesier than this, right? I will throw you out if so…” Jiang Cheng eyed him, judging him silently.
“Hm? You’re the one to talk, you know, i’ve seen the way you look at Zewu-jun, you’re definitely guilty as well, hehe~”
“You-?!” Jiang Cheng practically jumped from where he was seated, “Get out now, Wei Wuxian before you regret it!!!”
“HAHA, I can’t believe i was actually right?!?! I was just pulling your leg, you know!!!” Wei Ying chuckled while avidly trying to dodge Jiang Cheng Zidian.
“OUT NOW!”
“Good night to you too, Jiang Cheng~~”
───*.☽.*───
Oh he really did miss this more than he thought he did, but Jiang Cheng seemed even happier than back then, more unrestrained? Now that he’s been sect leader for quite a while, he’s definitely more comfortable and confident in his own skin, Wei Ying’s glad. He’ll definitely enjoy bullying his shidi again, now that they’re on good terms again, he can finally stay in Yunmeng longer, he missed everything here… But now he has time, they have time, they can enjoy everything now, together.
THE END