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When Jiang Cheng had been a little boy, before Wei WuXian came to Lotus Pier, before the tentative truce between his parents fractured completely, he had taken a dandelion in hand and blown the seeds into the air.

A-jie had told him that he should make a wish, that as the small umbrellas floated on the breeze, the wind would carry the secret wishes of his heart to the appropriate deity.

He had foolishly believed her. He had wished for many things. Not all for himself. He wished A-jie would always be happy, for her laughter was his favorite sound. He wished for a good harvest. He wished for less devastating rainstorms. He knew, even then, that some amount of flooding was necessary, for the floodwater carried silt that ensured fertility for the land. But he also knew that as water could give life, so it could take life too. He wished for the continued prosperity of the Pier Market, for the loud and boisterous atmosphere there reflected the lifeblood of Lotus Pier.

He wasn’t sure when he realized that the dandelions didn’t work. That he could make all the wishes in the world and blow at the fluffy plants until he was about to faint and none of it was guaranteed to come to fruition.

Maybe it was when he had wished for Wei WuXian to go away. For Father to have never found Wei WuXian. Or maybe it was when he wished his parents loved him. Or when he wished he could be smarter, stronger, just better, so that they would.

He couldn’t remember the last time he took a dandelion in hand and looked at it with hope.

He couldn’t remember the last time he even bothered to look for dandelions at all.

He did know, though, that he felt as small, as insignificant, as one of the tiny seedlings.

He felt battered by the winds of the world. There had been the massacre, then capture, then torture, then war, then rebuilding. There had not been any moment for him to breathe, to catch his breath.

He felt alone in the wind.

He was alone in the wind.

For A-jie was in Carp Tower. A-jie’s heart was given, had been given a long time ago. Not in vain, it turned out. Even though Jiang Cheng still didn’t like the Peacock.

But he couldn’t even commiserate with Wei WuXian, for Wei WuXian was in the Burial Mounds. Wei WuXian chose to be in the Burial Mounds.

Along with…

He remembered the biting coldness of the wind, as she returned a token to him. Her stoic expression and emotionless voice had chilled him further.

He still found himself bringing it out, still found himself staring at it and foolishly wishing for things to be different. Although, this comb was as unreliable as the dandelions had been.

He breathed out.

He could do it. He could fight Wei WuXian. He could truly cut ties. He could…could…

He was angry enough. He was tired enough.

But a part of him rebelled against the idea. A part of him wanted to bring the idiot home. A part of him truly loved his idiot of a brother. A part of him wanted to honor his Father’s memory and protect Wei WuXian. Even if Father would never know, would never indicate he approved or was proud.

A part of him wanted to be a rebel, like Wei WuXian. He could hear Mother’s voice berating him for bowing to the Jins. She had been a proud woman. She did not think herself less than any member of the Great Sects.

He wished she had passed along her confidence to him. He wished she had been more aware to recognize that she had taken part in preventing him from gaining such confidence.

It seemed he still wasn’t cured of the foolishness of wishing.

He forced himself to close his eyes, the better to keep the tears at bay.

He ought not cry. Crying was a sign of weakness. Mother had abhorred weakness.

He clutched at the object still held in his hand.

He ought to destroy it. It had served its purpose. It symbolized a wish. A foolish though earnest one. A wistful one.

But then did not all wishes imply some level of wistfulness? Weren’t all of the wishes he’d made been in earnest?

He opened his eyes. They had remained dry.

Wishes weren’t any good. He had to face reality.

A reality in which he had to lose both his siblings.

And suddenly, he was angry.

He put away the comb and held on instead to the weapon Mother had left him. Anger had sustained him through a war. Anger had enabled him to fight, to become Sandu Shengshou. He was ruthless, pitiless, remorseless in striking down his enemies.

His brother was not his enemy.

His brother would never listen to him.

He was not above using all the resources at his disposal to make his brother come home.

“What is he doing here?”

“A-Cheng…” A-Jie’s voice was placating but Jin ZiXuan answered for himself.

“I was not going to let her come to such a place unaccompanied.”

“Let?!” Jiang Cheng did not bother hiding how incensed he was.

It was all a family matter and the Peacock, no matter what A-Jie chose, was not family.

“Not let,” Jin ZiXuan said, his tone apologetic as he looked at A-jie, “but it’s not safe.”

“A-Xian would not hurt me.” A-Jie’s voice was still gentle.

“There is more than Wei WuXian here.” Jin ZiXuan observed.

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms. “Yes. So dangerous. The old, the young, the dying.”

He made sure to sound as sarcastic as possible.

Jin ZiXuan frowned at him.

“You’ve been?” A-jie asked.

Jiang Cheng scowled. He did not want the Peacock there at all. But he still answered A-jie. “Yes.”

“Take me to them.”

Jiang Cheng glanced at Jin ZiXuan.

“Where she goes, I go. I promised to protect her. I aim to keep my promise.”

A-jie blushed even as she repeated, “A-Xian would never hurt me.”

Jiang Cheng’s scowl just deepened. He did not need Jin ZiXuan of all people to make him feel inadequate too.

“No need,” he said, “we agreed to meet here today.”

“And do what?”

“He asked that I abandon him.”

“Tell me you didn’t agree.” A-jie sounded aghast.

“Hence why you’re here, A-jie. He never listened to me.”

A-jie sighed. “A-Xian has always just wanted to do the right thing.”

“At great expense to himself.” Jiang Cheng sniffed.

“On A-Cheng. Wen guniang did help us.”

Jiang Cheng shook his head. “It’s not just her.”

“Oh A-Cheng.”

He could not bear to see the understanding in A-Jie’s eyes. Particularly not when Jin ZiXuan was present.

“What is he doing here?!”

They all turned.

Wei WuXian had come.

He did not bother waiting for an answer. His eyes glowed red, a look of disgust and anger dawned over his features and he attacked.

“A-Xian!”

But something other than Wei WuXian seemed in control now.

Jiang Cheng never thought he’d defend Jin ZiXuan, and certainly not against Wei WuXian, but here they were.

“A-Xian!”

He heard A-Jie’s cry of distress. The moment cost him as he felt his arm crack.

He hissed.

Wei WuXian pressed his advantage.

Jin ZiXuan interfered.

Jiang Cheng was never going to thank him for it.

“Enough! Wei WuXian!” He cried out.

Wei WuXian did not heed him.

Jiang Cheng cursed and dove once more into the fray.

They might have continued to fight but for the sound of another voice.

“Xian gege!”

Wei WuXian blinked.

The split second of inattention allowed Jiang Cheng to land a lash with Zidian.

Wei WuXian gasped and fell.

“Xian gege!”

The child was fast as he raced towards Wei WuXian’s prone figure.

“A-Yuan?”

“Xian gege!”

“What are you doing here, A-Yuan? Where’s popo?”

“Xian gege, play.”

“A-Yuan…”

Jin ZiXuan looked openly surprised at the scene.

Jiang Cheng snorted. “As I said. The old, the young, the dying.”

“I didn’t think…”

A-jie had drawn close. She knelt next to Wei WuXian. Her voice was gentle. “A-Xian? Who is this?”

The child looked at her and immediately dove into Wei WuXian’s arms. He was shy, it seemed.

A-jie smiled a little.

“Wen Qing’s cousin,” Wei WuXian shared.

Jiang Cheng’s wound throbbed in pain even more at the sound of her name.

“How many are there, A-Xian?”

“He’s the only child.” His body was wrapped around the child, so protective.

A-jie reached into a pocket and pulled out a piece of candy. “A-Yuan, is it? I’m A-Li.”

“Shijie…”

“You know I always have sweets on me,” A-jie said softly.

A-jie was prone to headaches. Hunger was a trigger.

“A-Yuan? She means you no harm. She’s my Shijie.”

The child peeked. He looked at A-jie and then the candy. He considered the object for a long time. Then, he reached out and took it.

He grinned as he tasted the sweetness. “Yum.”

Shijie’s smile broadened.

“Jiang guniang.”

Both Shijie and the child turned towards Jin ZiXuan.

Whatever Jin ZiXuan was about to say, however, was lost as the child started to scream.

The candy dropped from his mouth and fell into the dirt.

He once more hid his face.

“What’s the matter?” Shijie asked, obviously distressed.

“He’s a Jin. Jins killed his family. Jins haunt his nightmares. To him, Jins are monsters.”

Wei WuXian stated coldly even as he patted the child’s back soothingly.

“I’m here, A-Yuan. Xian gege is here.”

It was remarkable how fast his tone could change.

“You’d better leave.” Jiang Cheng told Jin ZiXuan with not a small amount of glee.

Jin ZiXuan looked like he’d protest. But as the child continued to scream, he frowned and turned away.

“It’s alright,” Wei WuXian said soothingly, “the bad man is leaving.”

Jin ZiXuan paused for a moment at this insult. But as the child gave another cry of distress, resumed his walk.

“It’s alright.” Wei WuXian said again and started to hum a tune.

Gradually, the child grew silent.

“A-Yuan?” Shijie called softly.

But the child would not look at her.

“I can’t leave him.” Wei WuXian said softly.

“No,” A-Jie said softly, “I can see that.”

“He’s done nothing wrong. None of them has.” Wei WuXian continued.

“He can’t stay here either. This is no place for a child.”

“Where could they go?”

A-jie frowned.

“A-Yuan?”

They all turned.

The child peeked but then hid his face again.

Wen guniang walked towards them. Her gait was as steady as he remembered.

“You know better than to run off, A-Yuan.” Her voice was scolding.

A-Yuan shook his head and continued to avoid looking at her.

Wen guniang sighed.

“Jiang guniang.” She inclined her head politely.

Was she ignoring him?

Jiang Cheng kept silent.

“You’ve come to take him home.” She stated, voice emotionless.

A-jie blinked.

“He should go home.” Wen guniang continued.

“Wen Qing!”

She ignored him. “I’m glad you’re here to make him see sense.”

“I’m not going to abandon A-Yuan!”

“He’s young. He’ll forget.”

“And Wen Ning? I still haven’t brought him back to you.”

Her lips pressed together tightly before she said. “That’s my problem. He’s my responsibility. They’re all my responsibility.”

“Wen Qing.”

She looked at him so fiercely. “You’ve done more than enough.”

“I’m not going to…”

“I have an idea.”

They both turned towards A-jie.

“Shijie?”

A-jie straightened her shoulders. “I will explain to Sect Leader Jin. Wen guniang and I are sworn sisters. We have been, since she harbored us during the war. I asked A-Xian to find her. Everyone knows I’m the only one A-Xian heeds. I’ve asked A-Cheng to harbor her. He cannot deny me.”

Wen guniang stared at her and then shared. “It’s not just me.”

“So A-Cheng had said.” A-jie bit her lip, then said, “we’re going to lie. No one ever makes it out of the Burial Mounds alive. Your people won’t be any different. They’ll have to change their names. But I doubt the Jin will look too carefully for them.”

“And the dead Jin guards?” Jiang Cheng heard himself asking.

They all turned towards him. Even one of the child’s eyes was visible.

“They can take reparations out of my bride price.”

“A-jie…”

“That is, of course, if ZiXuan still wishes to marry me.”

“Marry?! Shijie!”

A-Yuan stirred and climbed down from Wei WuXian’s lap. He curled himself around Wen guniang’s leg.

“I’m still upset with you,” she told him sternly, even though she rested a protective hand on his back.

Jiang Cheng tore his eyes away from the sight.

“Yes. Marry. It’s A-Jie’s choice.”

“But…”

“I’m going to take A-Yuan back to popo,” Wen guniang stated. “This is no discussion for a child.”

“But you’ll return?” A-jie asked.

Wen guniang hesitated.

“Please.”

Wen guniang stared at her but then turned towards Jiang Cheng, unexpectedly, “you’re injured.”

“I’m fine.”

Her expression was unreadable. “I’ll return with some supplies.”

He watched her go.

He still wished. By heavens did he still wish.

“Shijie, are you really going to marry the Peacock?”

Wei WuXian’s question brought Jiang Cheng’s attention back to the matter at hand.

“Yes.” A-jie answered simply, adding, “A-Cheng, will you go fetch him? He should be part of this discussion too.”

Wei WuXian made sounds of protest.

“You’re going to behave,” A-jie told him. “If he rejects me, then you have my leave to do as you wish. But I really do think he’ll help.”

“Why would he do that?”

“For me. He’s hurt me too many times. He promised to make up for it.”

“And you believe him?!”

“I do.”

“Shijie…” Wei WuXian sounded like he was whining.

“Go, A-Cheng.”

Jiang Cheng had never heard A-jie sound thus. He was glad though, that she was taking charge. Heavens knew he couldn’t.

A part of him almost wished that Jin ZiXuan had truly left.

He didn’t know if he was disappointed or not when he saw Jin ZiXuan pacing on the path.

“A-jie has an idea.” He shared curtly. “You need not partake.”

“I support A-Li.”

“You don’t even know what her idea is.”

“I support her, nonetheless. Her kind heart is one of the things I value most about her.”

Jiang Cheng hated that Jin ZiXuan sounded so earnest.

“Even if it means lying to your Father?”

Jin ZiXian’s eyes widened.

“You can leave.” Jiang Cheng stated. “You can walk away.”

Jin ZiXuan shook his head. “I’ve hurt her enough.”

Good heavens. Jiang Cheng was not impressed, he wasn’t.

“She’s asked Wen guniang to join us too. Will you be able to refrain from killing her?”

“I never partook in any of the killings of the prisoners.”

“Not that it mattered to the child, did it?”

Jin ZiXuan actually winced.

Jiang Cheng reined in his temper. “Well come on.”

He did not remark on the chastised expression on Wei WuXian’s face.

He did his best not to feel smug about having asked A-jie to be here.

So much remained unresolved.

Still, he was beginning to hope that there was a solution in which he wouldn’t be left so alone.

Jiang Cheng had learned through war that there was no victory without risk. That high risks did not always mean high rewards.

Still, A-jie’s plan actually worked.

Wei WuXian was home again. Wen guniang was in Lotus Pier.

There was just one complication of which Jin ZiXuan reminded them.

The Seal.

His Father wanted the Seal. His Father may stop paying attention to the Jiang if the Seal was no longer an issue.

“I’m not giving it to you,” Wei WuXian had said derisively. “I’d rather destroy it.”

“Why don’t you?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“What?”

“The war is over. Why do you still need it?”

“So when the Jins invade, we can have a chance at winning.”

“We wouldn’t…” Jin ZiXuan started to protest.

Wei WuXian had scoffed.

“It paints a target on your back.” Wen guniang said thoughtfully, “power. Who can deny the allure of power?”

“But…” Wei WuXian made a jerk with his head, as though he wanted to speak with her privately.

She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

“Wen Ning.” He mouthed.

She stared at him but then lifted her chin determinedly, “my presence will be enough trouble. You don’t need more.”

“But…”

She ignored him and turned towards Jin ZiXuan. “Or are you like your Father and seek to own it too?”

Jin ZiXuan was frowning.

“I’m not giving it up.” Wei WuXian said, arms crossed recalcitrantly.

“I don’t want it,” Jin ZiXuan said at last, “it would be dishonest.”

A-jie looked proud.

Wen guniang gave him a look that could freeze hell.

Jin ZiXuan gulped but added, “I do not agree with Father’s ambitions.”

Neither Wei WuXian nor Wen guniang looked like they believed him.

“Then it’s settled,” A-jie said briskly.

“Shijie…”

She looked at him in much the same way Wen guniang had looked at the child, A-Yuan. “You’re coming home, A-Xian. You promised me that we’d stay together.”

“Shijie, I…”

“You’ll have to do it publicly,” Wen guniang said, “or else they’ll never believe you.”

“I’ll ensure they do not harass you when we get to Carp Tower.” Jin ZiXuan promised.

“You mean we’re doing this now?!”

“Why not now?” Wen guniang asked.

Wei WuXian did not have a good answer for her.

And so it was done.

They moved the Wen Remnants first. Jin ZiXuan kept out of sight, in case the child screamed again. But that didn’t mean he didn’t see.

Jiang Cheng supposed even the Peacock could be in possession of curiosity.

Later, he told Jiang Cheng, “the old, the young, the dying, indeed.”

“Your fault.” Jiang Cheng told him bitingly. Even though he knew such words were false. But it was easier to blame Jin ZiXuan than admit his own culpability.

Jin ZiXuan frowned but said nothing.

Jiang Cheng scowled. He still didn’t like the Peacock, even though he played his part beautifully.

Wei WuXian fainted. It was just as well. Jiang Cheng did not want to stay and face the pandemonium that had erupted in reaction to the destruction of a most powerful weapon.

He focused on getting home, to Lotus Pier. A-jie even came home with them.

“It’s not proper, otherwise,” she told them.

Even though she had stayed in Carp Tower without either of her brothers as chaperones already.

And so, here they were. All of them, in Lotus Pier.

A-jie wouldn’t stay, of course. She really was going to marry Jin ZiXuan.

But for now, for now Jiang Cheng finally felt like he had a moment to breathe.

Jiang Cheng purposefully did not ask about Wen Ning. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. And though he knew he owed a debt to Wen Ning, he couldn’t bring himself to care. It was enough that he hadn’t let Zidian connect.

He knew he was doing himself a disservice. If he was to have a chance, he should make nice with her brother. Jin ZiXuan had done himself no favors in the past in such a regard, after all.

But he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

He knew Wen Ning wasn’t dead, that he still lingered, though in a deeper sleep than he had previously.

He knew that both Wei WuXian and Wen guniang were still trying to find a way to wake Wen Ning.

He wasn’t sure he wanted to know what they were thinking.

He ignored the fact that it meant that the two of them were spending a lot of time together.

When Wei WuXian wasn’t looking after the child, of course.

The child was admittedly cute. He had a winning smile and was intuitive, as A-jie could be. But Wei WuXian too often used the child as an excuse to shirk the duties that should be his, as First Disciple.

Jiang Cheng was frustrated. Much as he had been when Wei WuXian hadn’t run away to the Burial Mounds.

But he also didn’t bother to command Wei WuXian anymore. He had seen the way Wei WuXian looked at his surroundings sometimes, as though he couldn’t believe it was all there, that he was still there.

He’d swallowed the lump in his own throat and went about his own tasks.

He was still busy. There was still so much to do.

He told himself that it was enough that his brother was back. That A-jie should get to baby Wei WuXian. That he didn’t begrudge him A-jie’s attention. That he was fine.

He was used to lying to himself. Enough so that he knew better than to believe his own lies.

Still. They were here. The Jins were too busy preparing for a wedding to pay them any mind. Or they truly had lost interest, now that the Seal was gone. Jiang Cheng remained vigilant though. He still didn’t trust them. Nor did he like Jin ZiXuan. He doubted he ever would. Even if it was petty. He wasn’t going to let go of the pettiness though. Jin ZiXuan still had a lot to prove.

He wondered if to Wen guniang, he had a lot to prove too. For he hadn’t done the saving. Wei WuXian and then A-jie had. She must think even less of him now. Wei WuXian had figured out a cure in Yiling. A-jie had solved the new crisis. What had he done but benefit from being a younger brother? No wonder she didn’t believe he’d help her brother. Even now, he couldn't bring himself to really care about her brother. He was a selfish being.

Still, his arm was healing well. She had been so professional when she dressed it. Her expression gave nothing away. It was as though the comb had never existed.

She hadn’t spoken to him since.

That was fine. She was alive. She wasn’t in the Burial Mounds. She was here.

She was even wearing purple. Well, she may not have accepted his name, but she was A-jie’s sworn sister, wasn’t she? They had actually bowed at an altar, with witnesses, to seal their sisterhood. He tried not to wish that it was another altar, another type of bow, and that he was participating rather than merely being an observer. He was not successful.

A-jie monopolized much of Wen guniang’s time. A-jie seemed determined to ensure that Wen guniang would take over her own tasks in Lotus Pier, once the wedding occurred. Wen guniang, Jiang Cheng was sure, proved a diligent student.

He should be happy. He really should. But how could he be, when A-jie was leaving them?

Soon enough, the actual day came.

A-jie looked beautiful.

Wei WuXian actually cried.

Jiang Cheng was not so sure he remained completely dry-eyed.

A-jie smiled at them, her own eyes suspiciously bright, “my boys…support each other, yes?”

“Yes, A-jie.”

“Yes, Shijie.”

They answered in unison. And Jiang Cheng suddenly had a flashback to the past, when they had all been children.

He swallowed.

She turned towards Wei WuXian, “have you thought of a name?”

“RuLan.” Wei WuXian said, voice soft.

“A good name,” A-jie said, “I’m glad A-Cheng suggested that you should have the honor.”

Wei WuXian looked at Jiang Cheng sharply.

Jiang Cheng refused to meet his gaze. “Lotus Pier is still your home,” he told A-Jie, “the Jins do not own you.”

A-jie laughed a little, “Oh A-Cheng. ZiXuan will treat me well. You’ll see.”

How strong was her faith! But Jiang Cheng did hope she was right. A-jie deserved all happiness.

Jin ZiXuan arrived soon, to take A-jie away.

He bowed at both of them, despite their open hostility. “I will treasure her. She is more valuable than any gold. She is pure and true and…and I do not deserve her.”

Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure what he said. Nor even what Wei WuXian said. He hoped Wei WuXian made threats. Though the way he was twisting that dizi of his surely provided enough warning.

They both watched as the boat bearing A-jie floated ever further away.

When it was smaller than even a speck, Jiang Cheng turned to return to his study.

“Jiang Cheng. Wait.”

“What?” He asked irritability.

“Drink with me?” Wei WuXian looked forlorn.

“Are you supposed to be drinking?”

“Wen Qing made an exception for today. Even offered me a bottle of Uncle Four’s latest brew.”

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms. He did not know if he quite believed Wei WuXian. And he certainly did not like the easy way Wei WuXian uttered her name.

“Drink with me, please?” Wei WuXian asked again.

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes but agreed.

They sat in A-jie’s favorite pavilion.

“I’m sorry.” Wei WuXian broke the silence.

Jiang Cheng downed his cup and poured himself another one. “No, you’re not.”

“No,” Wei WuXian agreed, “I’m not sorry I helped.”

Jiang Cheng snorted.

“I am sorry I made a mess for you to clean up again.”

“I’m used to it.”

“Jiang Cheng.”

Jiang Cheng stared into the cup. It was good wine. Sweet, fruity, but definitely strong.

“I…”

“Your problem,” Jiang Cheng interrupted him, “is that you never think. You don’t think of consequences. You likely don’t believe in consequences. You just want to prove you’re right, that you’re superior. You flaunt your freedom.”

“Freedom.” Wei WuXian repeated.

“Isn’t that what you want? To leave? To explore the world? To have adventures without me?”

“No, of course not.”

“Don’t lie.”

“We’re not Lans.”

Jiang Cheng glanced up finally, at the sharpness in Wei WuXian’s voice.

Wei WuXian set down his cup and rubbed his eyes briefly. “Lotus Pier is your home. I was always a charity case.”

Jiang Cheng heard the words and knew them to be truly how Wei WuXian felt. He felt angry again, at Mother, at the harshness with which she had treated both of them.

“You idiot.”

Wei WuXian huffed but resumed his drinking.

Jiang Cheng did too.

“I also did it for you.” Wei WuXian broke the silence again.

“What are you talking about?”

“You wanted to save her too.”

Jiang Cheng did not answer.

“She’s about to do something reckless.”

“What?”

“To save her brother. She’s come up with a treatment. It takes blood. A lot of blood.”

“What are you talking about?”

“He’s not all dead. Just mostly dead. She thinks if she can instill fresh blood into him, then he may yet live.”

“That’s…”

“Blood carries life. Especially the blood of a cultivator. He isn’t one, anymore, you know.”

Jiang Cheng had not known.

“He didn’t have much of one to begin with, was picked on for being so weak when he was younger. But after we left Yiling, Wen Chao must have really wanted to drive the point home.”

Jiang Cheng clenched his teeth to keep himself from speaking.

“She isn’t aware that I know. She keeps telling me it’s none of my concern.”

“How do you know?”

Wei WuXian snorted.

Right. Secrets had a way of becoming undone when Wei WuXian really wanted to know something.

“How much blood?”

Wei WuXian drank.

“How much blood?!” Jiang Cheng demanded, not even aware that he had risen to his feet.

Wei WuXian looked unimpressed. “All the blood.”

And Jiang Cheng’s own blood ran cold. “No.”

“You tell her.”

Jiang Cheng’s hands fisted. “She won’t listen. Just like you never listen.”

Wei WuXian just drank.

“When?” Jiang Cheng demanded.

“She didn’t say. Could be now, really. While we’re distracted by Shijie’s departure.”

No.

“Why are you telling me?”

Wei WuXian swallowed. “She wouldn’t listen to me either. Besides, I’ve done enough, don’t you think? It’s your turn to play the hero now. You know you want to.”

He was too old for Wei WuXian to goad him like this.

Jiang Cheng hated him. He really did.

“Where is she?” His voice sounded strangled to his own ears.

“With her brother. Where else?”

Jiang Cheng turned. He could not escape the image of her bleeding out.

He slammed the door open, heedless of the loud sound or that he might have actually broken the hinges.

She startled.

No blood.

He strode up to her.

She looked tired, worn, pale. But her eyes still focused on his with such intensity.

She didn’t ask him why he was there.

He bared a wrist, “take mine.”

She blinked, then frowned.

“Wei WuXian said you need blood to revive your brother. Take mine.”

Her lips parted but no sounds were forthcoming.

“Here.” He wasn’t sure where he got the knife, but he slit his own wrist. He didn’t even notice the pain. “Take mine.”

She sprung into action. “You idiot!”

She found some cloth and compressed his wound. Her touch was firm. The pressure was a reassuring connection despite the circumstances.

“He lost it for helping us. Wei WuXian told me.”

Her gaze remained on his wrist. “He had no right.”

“You can’t die. Not when Wei WuXian went through all the fuss to save you.”

She stayed silent.

“You can’t die.” He added, “and leave me to mourn you for the rest of my life.”

He was sure the alcohol was magical, for he’d never been able to have the courage to utter such words otherwise.

“I have no claim on you.” She said.

He laughed, though it may have been tears too. He wasn’t sure anymore. “You’re too clever to believe that.”

She finally looked back up at him. “I wasn’t going to die. It will be done in stages.”

His heart thudded loudly. Wei WuXian had set him up. Of course he had. But Jiang Cheng couldn’t bring himself to be angry.

It will be. She said. She was still going through with it.

“Let me help.”

“I don’t know if it’ll work.”

“Let me help, please.”

She shook her head. “It’s an experiment.”

“I trust you.”

Her brows furrowed.

“I want to help.”

She looked down and checked the state of his wound beneath the cloth. It was no longer actively bleeding. She still fetched some bandages and wrapped them around his wrist.

When she made to draw away, he grabbed her wrist to stop her.

“Sect Leader Jiang…” her voice was soft, almost sorrowful.

“I’m going to help.”

Her eyes widened.

“I’ve left too many things unsaid. I want to help you, and only you. I care about you, and only you. I’m selfish and petty and mean. But I’m going to do it and you’re going to let me.”

“Why?”

“You want your brother back. Just as I wanted my brother back. I know what that type of desperation feels like.”

“Why?” She asked again.

“You know why.”

She looked at him like she could see into his very soul. “I am not a damsel in distress.”

“I never said you were.”

“I don’t need a hero to save me.”

“Good. It’s one of the things I like best about you.”

“You’re jealous and insecure and volatile.”

“Yes, yes, and yes.”

She stared at him some more before saying, “unhand me.”

He did. “I’m still going to help.”

“You…” she pressed her lips tightly together.

He fought against the urge to kiss her. It would not help.

To his surprise though, she surged forward and kissed him.

Before he had realized what was happening, she parted from him.

“You are frustrating and conflicted and limited.” She said, “but by heavens, I…”

She did not continue.

“Is that a yes?”

She looked at him incredulously. “You’re impossible.”

“Well, I am Sect Leader Jiang.”

She looked for a moment like she wanted to laugh at his quip. She didn’t.

She pointed with her arm, “get out.”

“What?”

“I’m not going to kill myself. I won’t start yet. But you reek of alcohol. Go get sober. And if you still want to help then, come find me.”

He stood at attention and saluted her.

She ignored him in favor of gathering the unused bandages.

He stood for a moment in the doorway, just looking at her. She was once more at her brother’s side, holding vigil.

He still wished. But perhaps, his wish needn’t be so wistful after all.

“I’m not going to thank you.” He told Wei WuXian on his return to the pavilion.

Wei WuXian didn’t say anything, just lifted a cup of wine as a toast and drank.

Jiang Cheng poured himself another cup. “We promised A-jie.”

“Hmm?”

Wei WuXian’s eyes had a glassy sheen to them. But Jiang Cheng knew he wasn’t too far gone.

“To look after one another.”

“Hmm.” Wei WuXian lazily lifted the cup to his lips again.

“Will you actually let me?”

“Hmm?”

“Will you actually accept my help?”

“I’m fine.”

Jiang Cheng snorted.

They drank until the bottle was empty.

“I’m going to write to Cloud Recesses. The Unclean Realm too.” Jiang Cheng told his brother, knowing his voice was slurred.

“Whatever for?”

“You need friends.”

“I’m fine.”

“Well maybe I don't want you spending all your time with Wen guniang.”

Wei WuXian chuckled, “so possessive."

Jiang Cheng huffed.

Wei WuXian glanced up at the sky. “Such pretty stars.”

Jiang Cheng looked too. “Prettier than Lan Wangji?”

“What about Lan Zhan?”

“I know you too.”

Wei WuXian continued to look up, though his lips had curled into a smile. “Ah, Jiang Cheng.”

“Maybe he’ll be a good influence on you and make you more sensible.”

“I doubt it.”

Jiang Cheng huffed again.

“I’m a lost cause, I’m afraid.” Wei WuXian said in a sing-songy voice.

“Don’t break A-jie’s heart.”

Wei WuXian was silent.

Don’t break mine either, Jiang Cheng thought, but did not utter the words.

“Tomrrow,” he said instead, “when we’re both sober.”

Wei WuXian did not agree, but he didn’t protest either.

It was enough.

Jiang Cheng had a terrible headache.

What fruit did Uncle Four use for the wine?

He wasn’t going to ask. He was sure it was less the fruit and more Uncle Four that was the reason for its potency.

“No more drinking.” He muttered to himself.

It had been a stupid decision, in retrospect. Drinking meant both of them were out of commission. And if someone had attacked Lotus Pier, then the Jiang would lack leaders.

Jiang Cheng was still not sure he felt like a Sect Leader. There was so much he didn’t know, so much he had to learn through doing. If only Father had taken his role as Sect Heir more seriously. But then, Father likely thought there’d be time. Maybe he even planned to prepare Jiang Cheng better for his destiny after the lessons at Cloud Recesses. Jiang Cheng would never know.

For now, he splashed water on his face and thoroughly rinsed his mouth. It helped, but only a little.

He scowled at his reflection in the mirror.

He looked tired. The dark circles under his eyes reminded him of the same under hers.

Wen guniang. He dared not think of her name, even in his own mind. There was too much hurt and conflict tied to her name.

Although…

His finger lifted to his lips. Had she? Or was it a dream? A figment of his imagination spurred on by the wine?

A flash of white in the mirror caught his attention.

He glanced down at his wrist. Bandages.

Why was his wrist in bandages?

And then, suddenly, it came to him.

Good heavens. He had thoroughly embarrassed himself, hadn’t he?

And yet…

“I’m going to help and you’re going to let me.” He repeated the words now, in the light of day. His voice sounded hoarse.

It was his resoluteness that moved her, he was sure of it. She would look for truth in actions. Of course.

He washed his face more thoroughly, the better to clear his still fuzzy mind.

He was going to bathe, to wash off the wine and his own foolishness. Then he was going to look in on Wei WuXian. And then…

And then he was going to be brave, without the aid of alcohol.

He frowned at his reflection again for even it looked doubtful.

“I’m no hero,” he told it, “but she doesn’t want a hero. Her taste in men is no better than A-jie’s.”

His reflection grimaced.

He straightened his shoulders.

She was here. Wei WuXian too. He wanted them both here. When had he actually gotten what he wanted?

He lifted his chin in the proud way he remembered Mother had always done.

He was selfish. He was going to keep them both.

A lot of blood was an understatement. And not just any blood. She explained something about markers and compatibility and…hemolysis? He was not familiar with the medical terms. He just knew that despite her claims of the procedure being an experiment, she was still being as thorough and as careful as she could be. She wasn’t reckless, like he and Wei WuXian. He appreciated that careful deliberateness about her.

She tested the blood of the other Wens too. Jiang Cheng was not the only one to whom Wei WuXian had let the secret slip. They clamored to help. She was not angry. Or, if she was, she hid it well.

He wished she’d show her emotions more. As he did. He admired her composure and yet wished she’d show some sign of weakness. Maybe then he wouldn’t feel so inferior.

She did not address the kiss. He was brave enough when he was sober to tell her he wanted to help, but not brave enough to reiterate the reasons.

He did find himself looking at her lips though. And sometimes, if she caught him looking, he thought she might actually be blushing. But that could just be the light, or the heat from the medicines she was brewing.

Medicines he took, without question, because it turned out his blood was compatible, even though Wei WuXian’s was not. He felt somehow proud of that fact, even though it was not really anything he had done, even though more compatible candidates would have meant a faster treatment. As it was, there was just her, Uncle Four, and him. Well, there was the child too. But she was as protective of the child as she was of her brother.

She brewed medicine for Wei WuXian too. Jiang Cheng did not ask what they were. He didn’t even ask about the ingredients. He just felt…guilty, that it had never even occurred to him that Wei WuXian may be ill. And why should he? Wei WuXian’s Core was always too strong for him to suffer any common ailments. Besides, Wei WuXian always seemed above being sick.

He let her treat Wei WuXian. Even though she did not require his permission. Even though he’d have begged her to treat Wei WuXian had he even suspected his brother of being ill.

He did write letters.

Nie HuaiSang wrote back. It was too soon after the business at Carp Tower for a visit. He was waiting for the dust to settle. But he did pass along a book of poetry and declared that he would start to keep a regular correspondence with Wei WuXian. He heard Wei WuXian actually cackling as he read one such letter. He knew better than to ask. He might have rolled his eyes on the outside, but internally he was filled with gladness. He hadn’t realized just how different Wei WuXian had become after the war until he was suddenly more like his old self. And the sense of guilt filled him again. How could he, who knew Wei WuXian so well, not have noticed? He really was a selfish being.

ZeWuJun wrote back on behalf of the Lan. His brother was busy with repairing the musical scores and catching up on the nighthunts in their local region. However, if Sect Leader Jiang had need of assistance for nighthunts in YunMeng or the surroundings territories, the Lan would gladly render their assistance.

Jiang Cheng frowned. It was a matter of pride, not to ask for help in his own lands. But then, thinking about Master Lan’s attitudes towards Wei WuXian, it was not truly so surprising. He went through the pile of requests but an appropriate one did not yet make an appearance. He would continue monitoring.

Meanwhile, he was morbidly fascinated at the contraption Wen guniang and Wei WuXian had set up for Wen Ning’s treatments to ensure concurrent drainage of stagnant blood and influx of fresh blood. He didn’t ask too many questions.

He wasn’t sure he’d understand the answers.

He realized fully that they were both geniuses.

He should feel inadequate. It was an old feeling, almost comforting in its familiarity. But his awe at their brilliance far overshadowed it.

There was one thing, though, that stymied her. Wen Ning’s heart still beat, but it was slow. She worried that the fluid shifts would cause it to stop altogether. Short of opening her brother's chest and pumping the heart manually, she could not think of a more certain method. And she really did not want to subject him to such major surgery if she didn’t have to. Wen Ning had always been prone to illness, even when he had a Core. Such strain could prove too high a risk for infection.

The potential solution she proposed was a surprising one.

He had been by himself in the training yards. Twilight was around him, but he hadn’t had time that day to focus on his own forms.

He did not realize she was present until he had completely destroyed the manikins with Zidian.

She didn’t announce herself, didn’t make a sound.

He merely turned and saw her.

“Oh.” He was sure he looked quite silly as he gaped at her.

But her eyes were not on him, but on Zidian.

She walked towards him and reached out with a hand.

“May I touch it?”

His heart pounded, and not just from his recent exertion. He couldn’t speak, though he had managed to close his mouth. He just nodded.

Her fingers ran along the weapon. He wished her touch would slip and meet his skin instead. It didn’t. She was a master of precision.

“Lightning,” she murmured.

She withdrew her hand and looked up at him, “how much control do you have over it?”

“What?”

She repeated her question.

“Not as good as Mother’s was, but I’ve been training. More than I had over the course of the war.”

She frowned.

He winced internally. Why had he brought up the war?

“Does it have to strike to spark?”

“What?”

“Can you control the flow of lightning?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve never tried.”

She bit her lip, a telltale sign that she was thinking. The same way Wei WuXian would rub his nose when he was on the brink of some brilliant idea. His gaze drew to her lips again. He wanted to kiss her. He really did.

“Would you consider trying?”

“What?” He asked again, feeling somewhat fuzzy headed, as he dragged his eyes back to hers.

She took a deep breath. “I want to see if Zidian can help with A-Ning’s heart.”

He was sure he gaped at her again.

“It’s unorthodox,” she admitted, “but if lightning strikes can stop hearts, why can’t they restart them? With the right amount and proper control, of course.”

“How do I practice?”

She blinked, just once. “It may not work.”

“It’s going to work.”

She stared at him.

“I’m going to make it work.”

“It’s a weapon.” She reminded him.

Meant for death and destruction. She meant.

“It can do more.” He insisted, stubbornly, suddenly realizing that he wanted to be good for something other than death and destruction.

She stared at him so solemnly before saying. “Alright.”

It seemed anticlimactic.

“How do I practice?” He asked.

She frowned slightly, “I’ll think about it.”

“Do.”

She nodded and turned to go.

“Wen guniang!” He called out.

She turned around to face him. And suddenly he felt like he was back in the Burial Mounds when he had watched her walk away and bit his lip until he tasted blood to prevent himself from begging her to turn back, to change her mind.

“Will it work?” He asked. Even though that was not what he wanted to ask at all.

“I don’t know.” She admitted. “I’m mostly confident that the heart and blood will work. But he’s been in a coma for so long now…he may not be the A-Ning I remember, if he wakes.”

“He’ll wake.”

She shook her head, “hope is foolish.”

“But it is not absent,” he observed, “otherwise you wouldn’t go through all this trouble.”

She shook her head again, "Desperation, Sect Leader Jiang. Desperation can drive one to attempt impossible things.”

“Well,” he said after a moment, when it seemed like she wanted him to say something, “you’re in the right place for impossible things, aren’t you?”

Her lips parted a little, as though she was surprised at his words. But the moment did not last.

“I will let you know when I’ve thought of a way.”

He was, once more, watching her walk away.

He let out a long breath.

Was he desperate? Was that why he was still trying to prolong their interactions? To have her pay attention to him? To have her show some sign that she had meant to kiss him, that she wanted to do it again?

He shook his own head and studied Zidian.

“Let’s see what else you can do.”

Wen Ning remained in a coma. The cage of talismans around him had long been removed. But his pulse was strong once more. His cheeks looked less waxy and more flushed with life.

“He’ll wake,” Jiang Cheng told Wen guniang, who continued to hold vigil.

She looked up at him.

There were still dark circles under her eyes.

“He may not remember,” She answered. “I’m not sure if I want him to remember.”

He pulled a stool over and sat next to her. “Tell me about him?”

She did not speak, just looked at her brother.

He waited. He was not a patient man. But for her, he would learn.

“Sweet,” she at last shared, “thoughtful, righteous. Too righteous for a Wen. Too kind too. I do not know how he came about his principles. He was the one who wanted to help. I would have let things be. He forced my hand. He tried to shield them too, in the end, before he…” she lapsed into silence once more.

He continued to wait.

“He trusted me, so much. I was responsible for him. He never knew that he was my light, in the darkness. That I needed him too. Nightless City was not a particularly nice place.”

She reached and held her brother’s hand. “Resilient. He was bullied, but he never lost his way. He was always so…”

She did not speak anymore.

He noticed that she was crying.

She did not fuss about it. The tears simply silently rolled down her cheeks.

The sight of them, of her vulnerability, made him angry. Even though he had wanted to see if even she was capable of weakness.

He reached out, not knowing how he had summoned the courage, and touched her tears.

Her gaze flew to his.

“I should rejoice at your sorrow,” he murmured, “for you are a Wen. But I…”

She remained silent, though she did not move away from his touch.

“Wen guniang, I…” his gaze dropped to her lips again. It was awful timing. The worst. He shouldn’t…he was better than this…he would be taking advantage…he…

He withdrew his hand and sat back on his stool. “I’m sorry. You have suffered much.”

She frowned at him. “You…”

He looked at her brother. “I was never very nice to him. I will leave. I doubt that he’d want to wake in my presence.”

He stood and turned to go.

“Sect Leader Jiang.”

He paused, but dared not turn around. He wasn’t sure he could maintain his resoluteness to be a gentleman.

“Thank you.”

It was not what he expected to hear.

“I said I’d help.” He managed to say, before he made his escape.

He went for a swim. He needed to clear his mind. He needed to get away from her.

His lungs ached from holding his breath. His legs hurt from his kicks. His fingertips were ridged from the length of time he had spent in the water.

He gasped as he broke the water’s surface once more.

He made his way to the bank.

It was no good. His heart still hurt, still yearned, still wished.

What was he to do?

He bathed, he dressed, he tackled the pile of correspondences.

Ah.

There.

He wrote a letter to Cloud Recesses.

May HanGuangJun arrive soon.

“Yiling? You’re sending me to Yiling?” Wei WuXian looked incredulous.

“Who better, oh great Yiling Patriarch?”

Wei WuXian narrowed his eyes, “you’re teasing me.”

Jiang Cheng shrugged. It was honestly a ridiculous title. Jins, really. “I got you help.”

“Who said I needed help?” Wei WuXian said crossly.

“In case it’s a trap.”

“You think it could be a trap?”

Jiang Cheng shrugged again, “can’t be too careful where you’re concerned.”

Wei WuXian tilted his head. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Jiang Cheng ignored the question, just handed him a stack of bills and the name of the Inn where Lan Wangji would meet Wei WuXian. “You have to pull your weight around here sometime.”

Wei WuXian blinked and immediately looked guilty. “Jiang Cheng, I…”

“It shows you’re still trustworthy, that I still trust you.” Jiang Cheng interrupted. “Optics.”

“Since when did you…”

Jiang Cheng snorted, “I know you were at the same lesson.”

Wei WuXian swallowed, “I…”

“Are better,” Jiang Cheng interjected again, “or else I wouldn’t be sending you by yourself.”

“You’re not.”

“What?”

“You got me help, you said.”

Right.

Wei WuXian looked through the request for help again. He straightened his shoulders. “Well then. This should be fun.”

Fun was not quite what Jiang Cheng had in mind. Well, maybe a bit, once Wei WuXian realized the identity of his helper.

Still, he was glad Wei WuXian took the assignment. It was unlike Wei WuXian not to want an adventure.

He did not see him off at the pier, though a part of him was tempted. He wasn’t going to hover, that would be unlike him and definitely signal to Wei WuXian that a trick was about to be played.

He did worry, though he had plenty of distractions. There was always something going awry. Always some minor disaster to manage. Always some new decision to be made that had far reaching consequences.

He was tired. He really was.

But he was Sect Leader. It was his birthright, his duty.

He did breath a sign of relief when Wei WuXian sent a butterfly indicating he’d made it safely to Yiling. He grimaced at Wei WuXian’s next words, “we’re going to have a long talk about surprises when I get back.”

He sighed as the message dissipated.

Well. It was for the idiot’s own good. And it was good for inter-Sect relations. And…

A knock sounded at the door.

He rubbed at his temples. Now what?

“Come in.” He still said, only a hair gruffer than usual.

“Sect Leader Jiang.”

He immediately regretted his tone. “Wen guniang.”

Her hands were clasped in front of herself. “I’ve hit a roadblock in Wei WuXian’s treatment.”

He blinked. “Please sit.”

She did. Her posture was impeccable, could rival that of any Lan.

He pushed the errant thought away. “What can I do?”

“I don’t know.”

He blinked again. “What?”

“I have some ideas, but nothing concrete yet.”

“What do you need?”

“Books.”

“Books?” He parroted.

“I have a list.”

“Oh.”

“Some are quite rare. Some I knew were in Nightless City’s library, particularly the portion I took with me to Yiling. But I don’t know where they could have gone after…well…For all I know they could all be destroyed.” She looked offended at the idea, but continued. “Wen Chao was never a great reader. He may have burned them all. He’d be petty like that. Even though the books weren’t all mine, some were heirlooms. He was spiteful though and…”

She was rambling. It was a strange realization.

“I have some.”

“What?”

“Well. They’re in storage. I haven’t had the time to unpack or re-organize them. And our librarian…well. It’s a position that still needs to be filled. I was going to assign Wei WuXian the task, but I haven’t gotten around to that either.”

“Oh.” She looked hopeful and unfairly beautiful.

He cleared his throat. “I think Nie HuaiSang took some of the ones from Nightless City. The Lans took the most. They like to acquire knowledge and Wen Xu had burned down their Library Pavilion. I can write to them, in case you do not find what you need.”

“Would you?”

“Yes.” He had realized that he wanted to do things for her, even if she didn’t ask.

“Oh.”

He cleared his throat again and stood, “shall we?”

“Now?”

“Unless you have other tasks?”

She shook her head. “Popo is watching over A-Ning.”

“Any updates?”

She shook her head again, her expression somber once more.

He wanted to reassure her, but the words would not come to him.

“Shall we?” He just asked again.

She followed him, silently.

He wished he knew what to say. He wished he didn’t feel so awkward.

He paused suddenly at the top of the steps for the store rooms. “Will you be alright?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“There are no windows. Moisture can be a troublesome entity here in YunMeng. The room is spelled for dryness. Even so, our old librarian used to bring out all the books once a year and dry them under the sun.”

She blinked.

“Wei WuXian tried to make drying talismans for the books themselves, but after the first few only caused fires, the librarian begged him to stop. He had been quite protective of all the manuscripts.”

And now he was rambling. He forced himself to stop speaking.

“I will be well.” She said simply.

He nodded and led the way.

The torches lit with a touch. Something Wei WuXian had actually gotten right.

“I imagine it’ll take some time to go through all the boxes.”

She nodded.

“Show me the list?”

She blinked. “You’re staying?”

“It’s for Wei WuXian.”

She stared at him but handed over a list.

“I can start at this end if you wish to start at the other?”

She nodded again.

They worked in silence.

“A-Ning.” She said suddenly.

“What?”

“He’d always liked books. He also doesn’t like crowds and loudness much. The library would mean solace for him. He’s very detail oriented and meticulous. He’ll want to help. He can be the new librarian.”

Oh.

“When he wakes.” He said.

She did not answer at first.

He glanced in her direction. She was looking down at the tome in her hand.

“We’ll have to do a trial run, of course. Make sure he’s suited to the task,” he continued.

“When he wakes.” She repeated after a long moment.

Hope was a dangerous thing, he thought as he watched her put the book aside and reach for another.

It would take more than that afternoon for all the books to be reviewed.

Despite his wishes, he could not be with her all the time.

So he gave her the key and showed her how to set the sealing talisman.

She took the key solemnly. “Why do you trust me?”

“They’re really your books anyways.” He reminded her, in an effort to avoid her question.

She did not press him further.

“I will let you know,” she said,” when I’ve thought of a plan.”

He nodded.

“Sect Leader Jiang.”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Whatever for?”

“For what my people did to yours.”

He shook his head. “You’re not like them. You’re…”

Wonderful. Beautiful. Kind. Brilliant. Clever. Resilient.

But he couldn’t say any of these words to her.

She smiled a little sadly. “I will make it right.”

Wen Ning woke. The last thing he remembered was going to Yiling with his sister. He was physically weak, for it had been months since he was last fully alive. But he was resilient too, and in possession of a determined spirit.

He was, as his sister had noted, fond of silence and solace. Not to say he was unfriendly, just shy. He also liked to be useful. He liked to help.

“Thank you.” He told Jiang Cheng.

His earnestness made Jiang Cheng feel even worse about almost striking him with Zidian. Though, ironically, Zidian had played an instrumental part in bringing him back to his sister.

“Jiejie says you donated blood.” He continued.

“It’s just blood.”

Wen Ning nodded.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat. “Your sister wondered if you’d like to take over the library.”

“Oh.”

“Would you?”

“If Jiejie suggested it…”

Jiang Cheng tilted his head. How had it never occurred to him to realize just how sheltered Wen Ning was? Ah but of course, he had been much too preoccupied by his own troubles.

“What would you like to do?” He asked.

Wen Ning blink.

Had he never been asked that question?

“I…” Wen Ning paused as he thought. There was a deliberateness to him too, though different from his sister.

Jiang Cheng waited.

“I like to be outside,” Wen Ning at last shared, “in the fresh air. I like to plant things.”

“Then garden you shall.”

Wen Ning titled his head. “I also like to cook.”

“Then I must introduce you to ours.”

“What about the library?”

“We’ll find someone.”

Wen Ning looked at him thoughtfully.

“What is it?” Jiang Cheng asked, not completely able to keep his impatience at bay.

“You’re…nicer than I expected.”

How blunt of him.

Wen Ning blushed, “I mean…I…”

“I’m not nice,” Jiang Cheng interrupted. “I’ve just learned that people do a better job when they actually have an interest in the tasks they’re assigned.”

“Oh.”

“It’s not charity,” Jiang Cheng continued. “I’m not like Wei WuXian. I do not harbor you out of the goodness of my heart. I expect you to still contribute. We’re a small Sect, we are still rebuilding, will be rebuilding for years. No one can afford to be lazy.”

“I won’t be.” Wen Ning promised, still so earnest.

“No, you are her brother.”

Wen Ning blinked again.

Jiang Cheng stood. “Shall we?”

“What?”

“Introduce you to the gardeners and the kitchen staff?”

“Now?”

“Unless you have better things to do?”

Wen Ning shook his head.

“Well then.”

Wen Ning acclimated quickly. He was a steady worker, dependable and honest.

Jiang Cheng did not think much more of him beyond feeling relieved that the dark circles under Wen guniang’s eyes seemed to have lessened.

They still hadn’t gone away completely. She was as bad about rest as Wei WuXian could be when he got into an inventing mode.

Wei WuXian who was enthusiastic in his ravings about Wen Ning’s skill with a bow. So much so that Jiang Cheng finally agreed to see for himself.

Wen Ning was noticeably nervous, but he really did have good aim.

“I thought he could take over the youngsters’ lessons.”

“So you can shirk more of your duties?” Jiang Cheng asked bitingly.

“So I can go on more nighthunts.”

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes.

“I too want to pull my weight.”

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms.

“And he’d be a very patient teacher. They’ll love him.”

Jiang Cheng glared, not that he thought it’d have much effect. And it wasn’t so terrible an idea. Wei WuXian was more suited for tasks that needed more doing. And it was nice that he was actually indicating an interest in something.

“Fine. He can try. And only if he wants to.”

“You do, don’t you, Wen Ning?”

Wen Ning blinked. “I…”

Jiang Cheng turned towards him, “you don’t have to. It’s really his responsibility as First Disciple.”

“I…I’d like to try?”

“Are you asking me or telling me?”

Wen Ning blinked again.

“Oy, don’t frighten him.” Wei WuXian protested.

“Am I frightening you?” Jiang Cheng asked Wen Ning.

Wen Ning shook his head.

“Well not if you’re going to ask like that!” Wei WuXian exclaimed.

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “Well?”

“I’d like to try.” Wen Ning repeated, voice soft.

“Fine.” Jiang Cheng pointed at Wei WuXian. “You’ll supervise and take over if needed. I’ll watch.”

“Great!”

Wen Ning was a kind teacher.

“I was bullied,” he shared when Jiang Cheng told him he could take over the lessons if he wished to. “My cousins were not very nice. They made fun of me for learning, for trying. I never could hit the mark in their presence. But I practiced on my own, in secret. I didn’t want their mockings to be true.”

“Wen Chao wouldn’t have been able to hit a target if it was right in front of his face,” Jiang Cheng said spitefully.

Wen Ning blinked.

Jiang Cheng was beginning to think that was his default setting.

“You don’t seem so shy with the children.” He observed.

“Oh. I just think of them as A-Yuan. They’re so eager to learn, so enthusiastic. And so easily impressed.”

“Your skills are impressive.”

Wen Ning blushed at the praise.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat. Praise made his throat feel itchy. “You and Wei WuXian will have to discuss a suitable schedule. You’ll still have your other duties.”

“Oh yes, of course.”

Wen Ning looked like he’d say more but suddenly froze.

Jiang Cheng frowned. “Wen Ning?”

Wen Ning did not respond.

“Wen Ning?” Jiang Cheng tried again.

Still nothing.

Then suddenly, Wen Ning shuddered and clamped his hands over his ears. “Make it stop,” he whispered.

“Make what stop?”

“The screaming.” Wen Ning answered, but his eyes were still so far away.

“What screaming?”

Wen Ning shook his head and shut his eyes. Tears began to stream down his face.

“Three days and three nights,” Wen Ning murmured.

“Wen Ning?”

Jiang Cheng fought against the urge to strike him with Zidian again. He wasn’t possessed. Not really. Was he…

Wen Ning lowered his arms and gradually opened his eyes.

His gaze had returned to the present. “I remember.”

“What do you remember?”

Wen Ning shook his head. “Jiejie. Where is Jiejie?”

“What have you remembered?” Jiang Cheng did not mean to yell, but his instincts told him something was very wrong.

Wen Ning shook his head again. “I need Jiejie.”

Jiang Cheng frowned but asked, “would you like me to bring her to you or take you to her?”

Wen Ning wiped at his eyes. “Here, please.”

“Will you be alright by yourself while I go fetch her?”

Wen Ning wrapped his arms around himself, “yes.”

Jiang Cheng thought of sending a servant, but then thought better of it.

Wen guniang had started a catalog of all the books from Yiling.

She looked up at his entrance. Something in his expression must have alarmed her.

Her posture straightened immediately and her attention focused on him. “What’s wrong?”

“Wen Ning.”

“Where is he?”

“My study.”

She did not wait for him.

For such a petite woman, she could move quite fast.

“He said he remembered.”

She turned sharply towards him, her hand on the door of his study.

“He won’t say what though.” He continued.

Her lips thinned. “I’ll speak with him.”

He nodded.

She slipped inside.

He paced.

It was his study. He really shouldn’t let them keep him out like this. Particularly since the talismans on the door meant he couldn’t even eavesdrop. Father had always insisted that their people had a right to privacy.

Screams. He remembered his own screams, when they had tortured him. He didn’t remember losing awareness. He was grateful he had lost consciousness.

His hands fisted. He had done his best to bury those memories deep. He did not wish to recall any of them. And certainly not the great emptiness he had felt on waking.

Was Wen Ning remembering torture? Was it at the hand of Wen Chao or the Jins?

Jiang Cheng hated that he understood Wei WuXian a little better now.

Surely not all Wens deserved death. Wen Ning certainly did not deserve memories of torture.

The door opened, he exhaled sharply.

“A-Ning needs to rest.” Wen guniang told him solemnly.

“Of course.”

“Tomorrow too, likely.”

“As long as he needs.”

“Thank you.” She said, and then ushered Wen Ning away.

He watched them go, his frown deepening.

The hour was late when he had a moment to look in on Wen Ning himself. He hesitated about going at all. Rest, Wen guniang had said. He should let Wen Ning rest.

He still found himself outside Wen Ning’s door.

The sound of voices kept him from knocking.

“Wen Qing said you remembered.” Wei WuXian was saying.

“I did.”

“Don’t say anything?”

“He still doesn’t know?”

“No. And we’re keeping it that way.”

There was a moment of silence before Wen Ning shared. “I think I understand now, why you would have offered.”

“What?”

“Jiejie would do the same for me.”

Another silence.

Then Wen Ning continued. “I didn’t think he was worthy of it. But maybe…maybe I’m wrong. He’s…not how I thought he’d be.”

“Ah. Jiang Cheng’s bark has always been worse than his bite. Not that his bite is altogether harmless.”

“I wish I still had mine. Then I could give it to you.”

“Ah Wen Ning. I’m fine.”

“Jiejie will find a way.”

“I’m really fine.”

“Jiejie always finds a way. She brought me back, didn’t she?”

“Ah Wen Ning.”

Jiang Cheng did not stay to hear more.

He was not as clever as Wei WuXian. But he wasn’t stupid either.

What he had overheard…

He didn’t realize where his feet had led him until he pushed open Wei WuXian’s door. He found SuiBian stashed in the back of a closet.

He took the sword in hand and just stared at it. When was the last time Wei WuXian had worn it? Had he taken it with him for any of the nighthunts he went on? How could he not have noticed?

His hands shook, but he gripped the handle and pulled.

His reflection stared back at him from the blade.

What had Wen Ning said? Screams. Three nights and three days? He had been there. That must mean…

He was angry. Beyond angry. He was…

He slammed the door open, making Wen guniang jump. He did not scold her for still being in the storeroom, for still working, this late in the day.

He simply slammed the sword onto the nearest surface and demanded, “when were you going to tell me?”

Her expression became shuttered. Much as it had that awful day in the Burial Mounds. He hated it. He hated much more than her expression.

“Tell you what?”

“Yiling.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your brother was there. He heard screams. Which meant you would have been there too. There was never any Baoshan Sanren, was there?”

“Of course there was…”

“Don’t lie to me!” He vaguely recalled that he had yelled at her, back in Yiling too. And he was ashamed of it, but he also could not control the storm of emotions within himself.

She stared at him. She put aside the scroll in her hands carefully.

She straightened her shoulders. “No. There wasn’t.”

“It was you. And him. And you…” he could not say the words.

“Yes. And Yes.” She still answered.

“You destroyed him. You…you Wen!”

She did not wince, nor show any signs that his words hurt her. “I did.”

“How could you?”

“He asked me to.”

Of course Wei WuXian would.

“And you listened to him? Didn’t you know what it would mean for him? How could you?”

“Because it saved you.” Her tone was so matter of fact.

He hadn’t realized that he’d stalked towards her until he realized he was looking down at her.

Her expression was still so guarded.

Despite himself, her words gave him hope.

Oh yes, he was a selfish creature.

“Shut up.”

Even though that wasn’t what he meant, even though he actually wanted her to continue speaking.

She met his eyes fiercely. “You asked.”

“Shut up.” He said again.

Her chin lifted defiantly. “Make me.”

She was provoking him and she knew it too.

The attraction that had always simmered between them suddenly burst into flames.

He barely realized he had sent a wave of spiritual powers to shut the door before he grabbed her and pressed his lips to hers.

Unlike the way she had kissed him, he meant to bruise her. To hurt her because he was hurt. Because he didn’t know what else to do with the shock, the shame, the blame, the horror, the self recrimination, the self doubt and feelings of inadequacy that filled him.

It took him a moment to realize that she was no wilting maiden. She bit his lip, not enough to harm, but enough to stir his arousal even higher.

It was very much inappropriate. They should really be talking more about the whole thing in a civilized manner. But he was tired of being civil. What she had done was certainly not civil.

There was a roaring in his ears as he relinquished her lips so as to catch his breath. The intermission was brief. His lips were as greedy as he was and sought out other patches of her skin. He wanted to feel her warmth, taste her skin, feast on her pulse.

A sound filtered through his awareness. A whimper.

A sigh of weakness.

Something in him roared in approval.

And then…

“Jiang Cheng.”

Her voice was a whisper. Barely a whisper.

But it woke him from the frenzy that had engulfed him.

He drew back, though did not release her.

He was panting. Her own lips were parted. They were bruised and red and so tantalizing. He forced himself to meet her eyes. He expected to see disgust or fear or anger. Instead, he saw desire, much as the way she had uttered his name had suggested.

“You said my name.” He heard himself whisper. His own voice sounded hoarse to his ears.

“I did.”

He closed his eyes, the better to control himself from giving into temptation once more. “I’m going to marry you.”

“You’re not obliged. You haven’t actually compromised me.”

His eyes opened again.

She was still so self possessed. Even though her breathing was irregular too. He could feel it.

“You’re impossible.”

“Yes.” She replied, “and you like me for it.”

Oh he loved her. He had never possessed this much clarity about anything in his life or about himself. But he knew he loved her. Would never love anyone else the way he loved her.

“I’m going to marry you.” He merely repeated.

“And if I don’t accept?”

“It’s not a question.” He retorted.

She stared and then smiled.

He glanced at her lips again, just briefly. He narrowed his eyes as he met her gaze again. She knew exactly what she did to him.

“I still have books to sort.”

His arms tightened around her.

“The sooner I do, the sooner I can fix him.”

“Can you?”

“You tell me. You’re the one whose Sect motto speaks about the impossible.”

Her tone was at once teasing and sharp. How did she manage it?

“Do you regret it?”

“Saving you? No. Dooming him? Yes. It’s complicated.”

Yes. Because Wei WuXian had saved her brother, had been willing to sacrifice everything to protect her.

“You should choose him.”

“Should I?”

“He’s the hero. He’s saved your brother, twice even. He’s so righteous and dedicated to doing the right thing and…”

“You make compelling points.”

He stared at her, incredulously.

“I should choose him.” She agreed, “I didn’t. I don’t.”

“You should.”

“I don’t like being told what to do.”

“You deserve better.”

She huffed.

“Do you regret choosing me?”

“Yes.”

He felt wounded, despite himself. Even though he appreciated her honesty.

“I could have spared myself much heartache.”

“Heartache?”

“As you say, I deserve better.”

And yet, he still could not let her go.

“Besides,” she said, “it was not a choice I consciously made. It simply…was. And still is.”

“I have to tell him I know.”

“That’s your prerogative.”

“Shouldn’t you render an opinion?”

“I’m not your keeper.”

She was not going to manage him, she meant.

He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. “I can’t just give it back, can I?”

“No, you cannot.”

“Why not?”

“It would defeat the purpose. Besides, I could have killed you both.”

That dangerous then.

He took a deep breath. A mistake, since his nostrils filled with the scent of her, of herbs and books and ink.

He opened his eyes and at last released her. “We’ll get to it then.”

She blinked, looking for a moment like her brother.

He gestured around them. “The problem isn’t going to solve itself.”

She straightened her shoulders. “You’re staying to help?”

He shouldn’t, lest he lost his fight with temptation again.

But he just scowled at her. “It’s for him. I hate owing him.”

She pointed, “start with that box then. You know the books I’m looking for.”

He nodded. Before they both turned towards their task, however, he thought he saw her lips curl into a smile again.

He was careful not to look too carefully.

He had a brother to save.

He could not afford to be distracted.

He was a fool, though. He was not in possession of the Lans’ level for self control. His dreams became filled with the scent of her, the feel of her, the way she had whispered his name.

She haunted him. Flashes of memory teased him at the most inopportune moments.

He was no better than the pining maidens in Nie HuaiSang’s books.

It made him even more badly tempered than usual.

So he was not in a mood to be polite when Lan Wangji of all people showed up in answer to the advertisement for the librarian position.

“You’re vastly over qualified.” Jiang Cheng informed him.

“Is that not a boon?”

“Can ZeWuJun spare you?”

Lan Wangji was silent.

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. “Does he know you’re here?”

Lan Wangji remained silent.

“Does Master Lan know the Lan Sect Heir wishes to be a simple librarian?” He used his most mocking voice.

Lan Wangji’s jaw tightened, just minutely.

Enough to satisfy Jiang Cheng.

“Why do you want it anyways?” He asked, impatiently.

Lan Wangji thought for a long moment but then said. “Wei Ying. To be near Wei Ying. He is not well. He did not have his sword.”

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms. He disliked feeling stupid, but Lan Wangji just had that effect on him.

“We have the best healer in the world at Lotus Pier. What makes you think you can do better than she can?”

Lan Wangji stared.

“Well?”

Lan Wangji’s shoulders seemed to slump, though that may just be Jiang Cheng’s imagination. The impeccable HanGungJun was always proper.

“Wei Ying is…I care about Wei Ying.”

“And I don’t?”

Lan Wangi stared but then stood. He bowed. “Then I take my leave.”

He was almost at the door when Jiang Cheng called out, “I expected more of you.”

Lan Wangji paused but did not turn.

“You’ll need more gumption if you really want to pursue him.”

Lan Wangji turned slowly. “It was a test.”

Jiang Cheng snorted. “No. He’s truly unwell. Wen guniang truly is treating him.”

“I wish to help.”

Jiang Cheng studied him then stood too. “Come along then.”

Lan Wangji did not question him, just followed.

Jiang Cheng knocked before entering. He’d learned the hard way that her instinctive response when startled was to attack. He had dodged her needles, but it had still been a near thing.

She was scribbling some notes, a truly ancient tome was being held open with her other hand.

“HanGuangJun would like to help.”

Her eyebrow lifted.

“He doesn’t know. I think the idiot should tell him though. Maybe not all the particulars, but the true state of things.”

She frowned a little but then set down her brush.

She fixed Lan Wangji with a steely look. “And why do you want to help?”

Lan Wangji, to his credit, did not waver. “Wei Ying is dear to me.”

Jiang Cheng pushed down the feeling of jealousy at such blatant honesty.

“Dear how?” Wen guniang asked, tone obviously revealing that she was unimpressed.

Lan Wangji was silent.

Wen guniang waited.

“Soulmate.” Lan Wangji at last replied. “Fated one.”

“Is he aware?”

Lan Wangji nodded.

“Really?” Wen guniang’s doubt was clear, her voice carried not a little derision too.

Jiang Cheng was sure he fell in love all over again.

Lan Wangji blinked.

“He’s a right idiot, you know.” Wen guniang shared.

Lan Wangji looked like he’d protest.

“Oblivious.” She continued, “you could shout it from the highest peak in Cloud Recesses and he’d still think you’re joking.”

“Wei Ying is no fool.”

“That’s up for debate.” She said pointedly.

Lan Wangji actually frowned.

“But you want to help. He could use the help.”

She looked at Jiang Cheng. “He took A-Ning fishing.”

Jiang Cheng nodded. Time to fetch his wayward brother.

“You have a visitor,” he told Wei WuXian.

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei WuXian grinned his greeting. “See our catch!”

Things would never be the same between them after he confronted Wei WuXian with SuiBian. But Jiang Cheng felt that things were actually better.

“Visitor.” Jiang Cheng just repeated.

“Who?”

“The new librarian.” Jiang Cheng said sarcastically.

“What?”

“What have you done to HanGuangJun that he’d lower himself to apply for such a position?”

“Lan Zhan? Lan Zhan is here?”

Jiang Cheng do not quite sigh at the way Wei WuXian brightened.

“Yes. He’s with Wen guniang.”

“Why?”

“Why do you think?”

Wei WuXian looked genuinely confused.

Wen Ning tugged on his sleeve, “maybe he wants to help?”

“Help with what?

Even Wen Ning looked long suffering for a moment.

“Your situation.” Jiang Cheng answered.

“What situation?”

Jiang Cheng actually did sigh this time. “Do you want to see him or not?”

“Of course I do, only…”

“He figured out something’s wrong.” Jiang Cheng shared, “all on his own. He was going to be the librarian just so he could be close to you.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Idiot.” Jiang Cheng muttered.

“Wei gongzi, I think Lan er gongzi would like to be friends?” Wen Ning suggested gently.

“More than friends.” Jiang Cheng muttered.

Wei WuXian’s look indicated clearly that he had heard.

“Soulmate. Fated one. He said.” Jiang Cheng shared in a louder voice.

Wei WuXian actually blushed.

Oh good heavens.

“Oh.” Wen Ning’s eyes were wide.

“You reap what you sow,” Jiang Cheng told Wei WuXian. “You wanted his attention, well, now you’ve got it.”

“I…”

Jiang Cheng huffed and started waking.

“Hey! Where are you going?!”

“To tell your suitor you’re not interested!”

“Not interested?! Jiang Cheng!”

Jiang Cheng just continued walking. Wei WuXian would catch up; he’d always been faster.

“Jiang Cheng.” Wei WuXian whined.

Jiang Cheng paused at last and turned towards his brother. “He wants to help. Let him.”

“I don’t want him to know.”

“Too late. He’s figured it out already.”

“He can’t have.”

“Wei WuXian. He’s here, he has access to all the other books from QiShan. You’re really going to let this chance at recovery go?”

“I…”

“Even if you don’t want to get better, other people want that for you!”

“It’s not just some illness!” Wei WuXian exclaimed, “it’s impossible! It’s…”

“So you’re not even going to try?!”

“I…I don’t want to believe in false hope!”

“Hope for recovery or hope that he actually does care?”

“I…” Wei WuXian would not meet his eyes.

“If he’s still in one piece.”

“What?!”

Jiang Cheng shook his head. No. She’s too clever too. HanGuangJun’s death at the hands of a Wen would bring much too much trouble. Besides, she didn’t kill.

“Wen guniang.” He said simply.

“What about Wen Qing?”

“She’s very protective of people she’s claimed for herself. You are among the privileged ones, likely against her better judgement.”

“You are too, you know.”

Jiang Cheng snorted. “Definitely against her better judgement.”

“Ah Jiang Cheng, give yourself more credit.”

Jiang Cheng shook his head. “This isn’t about me. This is about you. You and Lan Wangji and how we’re going to fix you.”

“I…”

“We’re wasting time.” Jiang Cheng snapped and resumed his pace.

Wei WuXian caught up. “I don’t regret it.”

“So you’ve said.”

“I’m fine.”

Jiang Cheng did not dignify the comment with a response.

They walked in silence.

“He really said…fated one?”

“Would you lie to Wen guniang?”

“Lans can’t lie.”

“They can disobey their elders though. Or that’s just your influence.”

“What?”

“I don’t think neither his brother nor his uncle is aware he’s here.”

“Why would he…”

“Really?”

Wei WuXian fell silent. It was just as well. They had arrived.

Jiang Chen knocked again. Though he needn’t have bothered. Wen guniang and HanGuangJun were having tea. Quite civilly.

Well.

“Lan Zhan.”

“Wei Ying.”

“Oh don’t stand on my account!” Wei WuXian was almost bouncing on his feet.

“Wei Ying.”

They seemed quite content to just stare at each other.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat and joined them at the table. Wei WuXian followed his lead.

“So,” Jiang Cheng said pointedly, “you want to help.”

“Yes.” Lan Wangji answered.

“You looked for him too,” Jiang Cheng recalled. “Those three months.”

“Yes.” Lan Wangji answered.

“What if I told you he really was in the Burial Mounds during that time?”

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji’s gaze was direct.

Wei WuXian’s cheeks flushed but he still managed to utter, “Lan Zhan.”

Were they really just going to keep repeating each others’ names?

“Wen guniang has cleared the Yin energy, but he’s still…not whole.”

“I’m fine.” Wei WuXian, reflexively.

“Wei Ying.”

Wei WuXian looked pleadingly at both Wen guniang and Jiang Cheng. Neither of them gave him an out.

Wei WuXian’s lips twisted unhappily and his shoulders slumped. “I don’t have my Core anymore.”

Lan Wangji was silent. Then he uttered a single name with such hatred that Jiang Cheng was honestly impressed. “Wen Zhuliu.”

Wei WuXian shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I just don’t have it anymore.”

“But we’re working on fixing it.” Wen guniang shared crisply.

Lan Wangji looked at Wei WuXian with such sad eyes. There really was no other way to describe it.

“Don’t look at me like that, please.” Wei WuXian said softly.

“What can I do?” Lan Wangji asked, when he finally tore his eyes away from Wei WuXian.

“It has been rumored,” Wen guniang said thoughtfully, “that the Lan is in possession of Songs that can coax even flowers to grow.”

“A Core is not a plant.”

“No,” Wen guniang agreed. “But his meridians are as healthy as I can make them, they are…not unlike fertile soil. I’ll need a seed, a spark, if you will. Once planted, I’d like to accelerate its growth and development, otherwise, it’ll fizzle and die.”

Lan Wangji stared at her.

“It’s unorthodox,” she agreed, “and I’ve found medicines that can help, but even those would work too slowly. He seems to have an affinity for musical cultivation, so…”

“If such a thing existed, it would be in the restricted section. I have just recently been granted access again.” Lan Wangji answered thoughtfully.

Wen guniang nodded. “It may be a fool’s errand.”

“And the spark?” Lan Wangji asked.

“Besides the four of us, A-Ning is the only other one who knows. It’ll have to come from both me and Sect Leader Jiang. We force spiritual energy into him, overwhelm his system, a spark may ignite. The severed anchors for his Core are clean cut rather than burnt. They are…hibernating, rather than withered. I hope to wake them.”

“What are the chances of success?”

“I don’t know.” Wen guniang admitted. “It’s unprecedented.”

Lan Wangji thought and then nodded, sharply, once. “I will look. And if it does not exist, I will make my own Song.”

“Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji turned back towards Wei WuXian, “I wish to help Wei Ying.”

“Why?”

Lan Wangji hesitated.

Jiang Cheng stood. “Wen guniang, I’d like your assistance to examine the applications from the other candidates for the librarian position.”

She stood gracefully, “of course, Sect Leader Jiang.”

Wei WuXian was about to protest their exit when Lan Wangji summoned his guqin and started to play a tune.

“Oh.” Wei WuXian breathed out softly.

Jiang Cheng continued to walk. Wen guniang followed him.

He did not go to his study though, but to A-Jie’s favorite pavilion. He knew it had become Wen guniang’s preferred place for meditation, and had purposefully avoided it.

He did not sit on one of the stone stools but rather stood at one of the railings and looked over the blanket of blossoms that topped the lake.

“That was kind of you.” She commented after a moment.

Her hand rested next to his on the railing, but not close enough to touch.

He continued to look into the distance. “He deserves to be happy. He’d never seek it out for himself.”

She did not make a reply.

“Some things we cannot share. Some things we ought not to share.”

Still she kept her silence.

He turned towards her. She wasn’t looking at the view but at him. Her gaze was steady, thoughtful.

“You think it’ll catch because it should rightfully be his. You think the anchors will recognize it just as his sword recognized it.”

“Yes.” She answered succinctly.

“You don’t actually need his Song. Your medicines could work swiftly enough.”

“Maybe.”

“You’re giving him a role to play, so as to deepen their connection.”

“Perhaps.”

“You’re preserving my pride by saying you would provide spiritual energy too.”

“I do not actually know how much spiritual energy will be needed.”

He shook his head. “I could have lorded it over him, that Wei WuXian cares about me so much as to give me this precious gift. I could use the fact to tell him I’m more important to Wei WuXian than he would ever be.”

“Petty.”

“Yes.” He answered.

But she did not look like she judged him.

He moved his hand so that it rested on hers. Still, her gaze did not waver.

“Thank you.” He said, voice soft in a way he’d never be with anyone else.

“I broke him. I have a responsibility to fix him.”

“You broke my heart,” he told her, “will you fix that too?”

“You are a collection of broken pieces,” she observed, “the jagged edges poke out and cut with their sharpness.”

It was rather poetic, the way she described it.

“Your heart is a fragile thing.” She added. “Even more so than your ego.”

He didn’t say anything, because she wasn’t wrong.

“I have felt like a puppet, most of my life,” she reflected, “it has been a long time since I’ve had the freedom to be myself.”

“I would not restrict you.”

“I know.”

“Marry me?” He asked.

“When we fix him.” She answered.

“And not a day later.” He said determinedly.

She arched an eyebrow at him, even though her lips quivered with a suppressed smile.

“You actually like it when I’m a little 霸道 (bàdào: overbearing, domineering, bossy, high-handed, or autocratic).” He accused her.

“Maybe.”

He grasped her hand and daringly lifted it to his lips. He thought about it pressing it against his heart, but decided that was much too sentimental.

“So those applications, I can hand them off to you?”

She reclaimed her hand. Her words were teasing. “Are you shirking your duties, Sect Leader Jiang?”

“Not at all, Wen guniang. A-jie left you in charge of the household, did she not?”

“Hmm. So she had.”

“There are other roles that need to be filled too. I will see to it that a full list be made available to you.”

She inclined her head.

He wanted to kiss that slight smirk right off her lips.

He refrained.

“Shall we get to work?”

“We shall.” She agreed.

She proved to be efficient. Within two weeks, she had all final candidates picked.

She handed him the full list and started to describe her choices.

She was thorough in her assessments.

He held up a hand halfway through her report. “I trust you.”

“You should still know their names.”

“I’ll learn them when I meet them. I do better with remembering faces.”

She nodded. “One more.”

“Hmm?”

She placed a new sheet on his desk.

He looked down.

Oh.

He glanced up at her quickly. “Wen guniang…”

“You asked.”

He looked beyond her to make sure the door was closed.

He stood, walked around his desk to her, and pulled her to her feet. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Maybe not,” she answered, “but you think too well of me and I…I still choose you.”

He did not resist the urge to kiss her anymore.

He was far more gentle, this time. He wanted her to know just how much she meant to him. He wanted to show her as he couldn’t tell her just how much he valued her, just how precious she was to him.

She pecked him on the tip of his nose, when he relinquished her lips. “Silly.”

He did not tell her she was the one who had made a silly gesture.

“Happy.” He retorted instead.

Her smile was small but sweet. “We still have much to learn about one another.”

“I’m not going to change my mind.”

“You’ll never summon up the courage to look at another woman. Or so Wei WuXian claims.”

“He’s not wrong.”

“It is not out of pity, any of it.”

He hadn’t realized he needed to hear those words until she uttered them.

She shook her head, clearly amused. “Lans are not the only ones who are 专一 (Zhuān yī, dedicated, focused on one person).”

“The Jiang will have secured the second and third ranking young cultivators in the land. We have our own merits.” He sniffed.

She laughed.

He stared.

He’d never heard her laugh before.

“The two of you are stronger together than apart,” she remarked, “your sister tried to tell me. I had trouble believing it. But I’ve learned to see the merit in her words.”

“What else has she told you?”

“What do you want her to have told me?”

He considered and then shook his head. “Her words would not easily sway you. She speaks from the perspective of a doting sister.”

“Bravo. You are more insightful than you’re given credit.”

He was certain he was blushing.

She pushed at him and he released her.

They settled on opposite sides of the desk again.

He looked down once more at the words she had written.

Wife - Wen Qing.

He smiled too.

He looked up to see her staring at his lips.

He suppressed the urge to kiss her again.

She gained control of herself and looked into his eyes. “It will not be received favorably. It is selfish. Your allies will abandon you. I will be called 红颜祸水 (Hóngyán huòshuǐ: beauty who brings disaster). Worse, likely. A Wen whore at the very least.”

“You’re not…”

She shook her head. “I know.”

“I don’t care.”

“Now you sound like Wei WuXian.”

It was not quite a rebuke.

“We will be tied by marriage to two of the other Great Sects. Nie HuaiSang will think it terribly romantic. If I ask him to become sworn brothers, he’ll likely agree, just for the fun of it. The minor Sects and Clans will talk, but they will know better than to break ties completely.”

“Marriage?”

“Is that not what Lan Wangji wants?”

“They may already be married.”

“What?!”

“Don’t you remember? In Cloud Recesses? The Lan forehead ribbon.”

He blinked. He had honestly been too distracted by both her presence and the mix of anger and relief he felt at seeing Wei WuXian in the flesh.

He huffed. “It doesn’t count. There’s been no formal ceremony. They haven’t done the bows.”

She was amused again.

“Master Lan will not be happy,” he shared, “though ZeWuJun’s support is more important. He’s Sect Leader Lan.”

“They have it. I doubt ZeWuJun does not know how his brother feels.”

“Lan Wangji feels?”

She let his comment pass. They both knew he didn’t mean it.

He rubbed at a temple. “I never thought Wei WuXian would choose someone like him.”

“That’s what people likely said of his Mother.” She commented. “He is just following in their footsteps. Unconventional.”

“They’ve certainly called him worse things.” He muttered. Louder, he added. “He’ll want to travel, as they had too. Once things are calmer.”

“Will you let him?”

“Do you really think I’d be able to stop him?”

“You don’t want to stop him.”

“He deserves happiness. And not just because of what he’s done for me.”

“Brothers,” she observed. “I’m glad your bond was not torn asunder. That would have been another terrible crime to lay on my shoulders.”

“A-jie has always been the voice of reason, the glue that prevents us from fracturing.”

She nodded. “A peacemaker.”

“Wei WuXian has started to call you Qing jie.”

“It is an honor.”

“Would you like me to do the same?”

She stared at him but then huffed. She stood. “I have work to do.”

“Silly,” she also muttered as she turned away.

He let her go, but found himself smiling once more.

He glanced at the paper. He’ll have to store it carefully. It was a memento as dear to him as the comb he had once offered her. But certainly not more than how dear she was to him.

He shook his head at himself. Oh yes, Nie HuaiSang will be highly entertained.

All the better.

Jiang Cheng could not actually marry her the day Wei WuXian was cured.

He wanted to. How much did he want to! He wanted her with a shamelessness that was truly embarrassing. But he wanted more than her body. Her reminder to him that he was not just Jiang Cheng, that their relationship had other consequences, was practical and necessary.

But things shifted nonetheless.

She had accomplished two impossible tasks in quick succession.

Wei WuXian’s Core was not as strong as it had been, but he was once more wearing and training with SuiBian. He was reconnecting with the disciples, to their delight. He’d always been well liked, respected. They were aware he had been ill. It did much for her reputation that he gave her credit for curing him. Enough so that they started approaching her for cuts and bruises too.

She was what she had always been. A healer.

Her brother was well liked too. He was a hard worker, diligent. He dispelled all the rumored arrogance of the Wens simply by being himself. Liu popo, who ran the kitchens, became especially fond of him. But then, she was missing A-jie. And Wen Ning did have the same gentleness about him.

Her family remained farmers. Though Uncle Four, who renamed himself Wei, with a good natured wink at Wei WuXian, became quite a legend at the Pier Market for his wines.

All was, for the moment, well.

Some buildings were still being rebuilt. Some business contracts were still being renewed. The pile of requests for aid from Jiang disciples remained respectable.

The storms that year were manageable, the harvest adequate, and the Pier Market bustling.

Jiang Cheng paid respects to his parents in the family shrine. They would never utter words of praise or pride. But he found his hurt at such facts had lessened. There were people in his life whose opinions mattered even more to him. People who looked at him and did not find him wanting. People he still wished to please, but who made him feel he could actually achieve such goals.

He kotowed at them and examined the other names in the shrine. So many of his ancestors. May they understand the choices he had made.

He turned at the sound of footsteps.

“Shijie is progressing well.”

Wei WuXian came to his side and knelt on the cushion as well. He kotowed too.

Jin ZiXuan had sent a message as soon as A-jie’s labors had started.

“Childbirth is a dangerous business, Wen guniang says.”

“You still call her Wen guniang?”

Jiang Cheng ignored his teasing. He gestured around himself. “I was hoping they could render their help and watch over A-jie.”

“I’m not ready to be an uncle.” Wei WuXian shared.

“To a Jin no less.”

Wei WuXian barked a laugh but then added, “she’ll want Qing jie there.”

“What?”

“To meet the child. They’re sworn sisters.”

Jiang Cheng was instantly uneasy.

“She ought to have a weapon for the visit, don’t you think?” Wei WuXian added.

“She has her needles.”

“She is quite good with those. But something else.”

“She has a bell.” He had it made the day she had given him that paper.

“Jiang Cheng.” Wei WuXian scolded him.

Jiang Cheng frowned, though he did not disagree.

“I’ll take her to the armory. She should choose.”

Wei WuXian nodded his approval.

Jiang Cheng looked at him, “when should I expect to receive a formal delegation from the Lan?”

To his surprise, Wei WuXian did not evade the question. “After Shijie delivers safely. The Jins will want to throw a celebration. We’ll get to assess the state of the other Sects better.”

“And determine which are enemies and which are allies?”

“Something like that.”

“You are better.” Jiang Cheng commented.

“I always promised to support you, once you became Sect Leader.”

“So you had.”

They both faced forward. But he knew their attentions were less so on the past and more on the future. Nonetheless, there was one thing from the past he wished to address.

“We ought to have plaques to your parents made.”

“What?”

Wei WuXian turned towards him with widened eyes.

“You visit their grave, but they are family too. They deserve to be here too.”

“Jiang Cheng…”

Jiang Cheng stood briskly, “it’s decided then.”

“Where are you going?” Wei WuXian called out.

“To ask Wen guniang to choose a weapon!”

The sound of Wei WuXian’s laughter followed him out of the shrine.

He was obliged to wait until her class was over.

Formal training sessions had been cancelled for that day. Neither he nor Wei WuXian could focus well enough to lead them. But she had taken to teaching a handful of disciples about healing. Most of them had served as medics during the war. There was irony that she, a Wen, was teaching them, but somehow that was appropriate too. Though she had not been of the main branch, she was widely believed to be the only Wen left living. She still felt a need to pay some form of reparations. She was stubborn like that.

He hovered outside the door, trying not to be obtrusive.

Like her brother; she was a good teacher. Unlike her brother, she was far more strict. But then, mistakes could kill. Healers were bound to make mistakes, she had told her pupils, it was human nature, but that did not mean they ought not strive for minimizing such errors.

He had caught one of the disciples reading a treatise on the properties of dandelions and had found it out of curiosity. He had been surprised to see her name as the author. But then, why ought he be surprised? She had been a healer far longer than they’d known each other. Her name had been quite well known among other healers long before he laid eyes on her. She had a whole life before their paths met and intertwined. He was inexplicably jealous of all those who had met her beforehand. Even though he didn’t care to know if anyone else had pursued her in the past. It didn’t matter any more. She had agreed to be his.

Even though he didn’t own her. Couldn’t imagine such a thing. Didn’t really want any such thing. She was herself. He was just lucky she deigned to look his way and allow him liberties that were technically improper.

She dismissed the class.

He stood outside the doorway.

The disciples filed out and greeted him, as was proper. He nodded at them.

He did catch two of the female disciples giving each other knowing looks.

He ignored them. He was sure the whole Pier knew by now of his infatuation. Even if it was more than that. He didn’t bother hiding it. No one had raised objections. If anything, it was mostly received with amusement and good humor. He was certain A-jie had played her part in that too, even back in the beginning. Because it could be argued that A-jie had chosen Wen guniang for him. And he had always honored A-Jie’s wishes.

Nontheless, he was relieved. He could no more stop loving her than he could stop breathing, but it did make it easier that his people weren’t too offended by it.

He knocked.

She glanced up from straightening a stack of papers. Assignments, no doubt.

“I heard.” She said simply.

“Wei WuXian thought you should have a weapon. For when we go visit our nephew.”

“Our nephew?”

“You’re A-Jie’s sworn sister, are you not?”

“I’d be with her if it wouldn’t cause offense.”

“I’m not sure I want you there without either me or Wei WuXian present as well.”

“I can protect myself well enough.”

She had her own pride too.

“But a weapon would be helpful, no?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“You ought to choose.”

“To the armory then?”

He nodded.

He watched as she walked amongst the various knives and bows and shields. Though cultivators relied mainly on their swords, the war had taught him that it was best to be trained in other forms of combat as well.

She would take some in hand and either try the heft of a hilt or the swing of a blade. The sight of her among such sharp and dangerous objects made him feel…strange. He wasn’t afraid of her, nor for her. It was rather that…she was as sharp and as dangerous as any of these weapons. He was seeing her in a different light. He was reminded of the force behind her punch, back in Mount Dafan. He had already felt restless because of what was occurring in Carp Tower. He suddenly felt that he must fight her.

“What is this?”

She stood before a chain. A delicate looking thing that more closely resembled a decorative belt than a weapon. It looked to be of the purest silver but he knew it to be imbibed steel. It would not yield or break easily.

He walked to join her. “It had been A-jie’s, I believe. Grandmother had it made for her. A-jie never used it.”

“What is it?”

“A whip. But meant to be unobtrusive, easily hidden as an ornament. It has nine segments, to reflect the nine petals of the lotus of our Sect.”

“A whip.” She repeated.

“Yes.”

“May I?” She asked.

He nodded.

The whip slid into her hand easily. It was not sentient, the way Zidian was, but still seemed to curl around her hand naturally.

She straightened out the length with both hands. “Would your Grandmother be offended if I were to use it?”

“Grandmother perished in the war.”

“Oh.”

“Aunty is Sect Leader Yu now.” He said unnecessarily. He met her gaze. The war would forever be a sore point, but he would not let it stand in the way of what they were building. “A-jie would want you to have it.”

“You’ll have to teach me how to wield it.”

“It’s different from Zidian.”

“I’d like for you to teach me how to wield it.” She rephrased.

He breathed out. “Have you any other responsibilities today?”

“Nothing that can’t wait.”

Well then.

She was a fast learner. She was focused and precise and…and so beautiful.

She’ll be deadly, once she becomes accustomed to it.

For now, though, he made his own request. “A rematch.”

“What?”

“Mount Dafan. You lost on purpose. I’d like a rematch.”

She tilted her head, wrapped the whip around her waist, as it was meant to be worn, and raised her fists. “Ready?”

He almost smiled. He didn’t. They were in the training yards, anyone could see. He still had a reputation to maintain.

She was good. But out of practice.

He welcomed the effort it took for him to pay attention to her movements. Her fighting style was different, as he had expected it to be. She was also quick and nimble on her feet. She used her knowledge of acupoints to her advantage.

He won. But they were both panting heavily at the end.

“Would you like to join the disciples in their training sessions?” He asked when he’d caught his breath.

She deliberated but then shook her head. “I’ve managed to tread a delicate balance. I’m not going to upset it.”

Others may not like to be reminded that she was a cultivator in addition to being a healer, she meant. Some traumas may never heal.

“Then would you like to train with me?” He offered.

She thought for a moment more. “Yes.”

“We’ll have to examine our schedules.”

She nodded.

“Do you know how to swim?” He asked next.

“Some.” She answered, “enough not to drown. I much prefer solid land.”

“Fire and water do not mix?” He suggested.

“Steam.”

“What?”

“Fire and water make steam.”

And suddenly his heart was pounding for a different reason.

He cleared his throat. “I need to…to…”

“I promised to look in on Master Li’s leg,” she rescued him. “He tripped in the garden, A-Ning set it for him, but wanted me to double check that it was healing well.

“Of course.” He was grateful.

She brushed by him, the touch of her hand on his brief and light as a passing breeze.

He jumped despite himself.

She’ll want a rematch too. Neither of them liked to lose.

He went to the water barrel and dumped some over his head.

“That was quite the show.”

He whirled around.

“How long have you been there?” He demanded of Wei WuXian.

His brother smirked as he remained leaning lazily against a 木人桩 (Mù Rén Zhuāng: wooden martial arts practice dummy), “not long.”

“I don’t trust the Jins.”

“Who does?”

“Protective talismans?”

“In the works.”

Jiang Cheng nodded.

Wei WuXian drew out SuiBian. “Have you got it in you for another round?”

Jiang Cheng drew out Sandu in response. “I do owe you a fight, I believe.”

Wei WuXian laughed.

He was not quite at his old level yet either, but still bested Jiang Cheng.

“It’s poor form, you know,” Jiang Cheng complained once he’d reclaimed his blade. “To beat your Sect Leader.”

“Someone has to defend her honor.” Wei WuXian teased.

“Do I need to defend yours?”

“Jiang Cheng! He’s a Lan.”

“Who’s besotted with you. You’re a bad influence.”

Wei WuXia gasped in mock outrage, “me?!”

“Yes, you.”

Wei WuXian sheathed SuiBian and grinned. “Ah. I’m not truly so shameless, you know.”

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes.

“So.” Wei WuXian’s eyes were shining much too brightly.

“What?”

“You and Qing jie.”

Jiang Cheng scowled.

“Need any assistance?”

“From you? No.”

“Ah don’t be like that, Jiang Cheng.”

“She’s…important to me. I won’t have you mess it up.”

“And there it is!”

“What?”

“Your admission. Have you confessed to her too?”

“None of your business!”

“Aww Jiang Cheng. I promised to support you.”

“As Sect Leader.”

“You helped me, with Lan Zhan. I want to help you, with this.”

“I’m fine.”

“Jiang Cheng.”

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms. “I know I’m not a people person like you, but I’m really fine.”

“I’m sure you are, but…”

Jiang Cheng shook his head, “I need to do this on my own, do you understand? I cannot always be in your shadow.”

Wei WuXian’s eyes widened.

Jiang Cheng shook his head again. That was not what he had meant at all. “I just…”

Wei WuXian smiled slightly, maybe even a little apologetically. “I understand. You…you’ve had to stand on your own two feet, haven’t you? I…I really don’t regret it.”

“That’s not…”

“I was honestly surprised she agreed. But… maybe…you really don’t need my help, at least in this.”

“Wei WuXian…”

“I’m…I’m proud of you, you know? Well you likely don’t. And you may not care very much, given the troubles I’ve put you through. But I am. So…”

Wei WuXian cleared his throat.

They’d never been this direct or honest with each other.

Jiang Cheng sighed. “I care.”

“What?”

“I do care.”

“Ah Jiang Cheng.”

“And I don’t need your help because…because she’s already agreed to marry me.”

“She has?!”

“You don’t have to sound so surprised!”

“I’m not! I’m just…” Wei WuXian laughed and punched Jiang Cheng’s arm, playfully, “when were you going to tell me?”

“Eventually. It’s…private.”

“Ah.” Wei WuXian nodded his understanding.

“And don’t go teasing her about it.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms, “I mean it.”

“And I mean it too. She’s scary.”

“That she is.”

Wei WuXian snorted. “You’re so besotted.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t even deny it.

“But I am happy for you, and her.”

“It may be a while before we can share such news publically. She is still a Wen.”

Wei WuXian made a face. But he understood too.

He was about to say something, no doubt a complaint, when a butterfly reached them both.

A-jie had delivered. A boy. Both mother and child were safe and healthy.

“Oh!” Wei WuXian clapped his hands together in glee. “Jiang Cheng! We’re uncles!”

“Yes.” Jiang Cheng was glad, so glad that A-jie was safe. A part of him was excited to meet his new nephew. Another part wondered what it would be like to hear news of the birth of his own son.

“I’ve got to go finish the present!” Wei WuXian declared and ran off.

Jiang Cheng stood in the now deserted training yards for a moment longer.

He’ll have to announce the news to the rest of the Pier soon. A-Jie was well-loved. He and Wei WuXian were not the only ones praying for her wellness that day.

But he wanted to spend a moment, to indulge in thoughts of a future.

A child. Her child. His child. Their child.

Good heavens. He had thought he just wanted her, that he was already beyond lucky to have her here, to get to hold her in his arms. But a child…

There was such joy but also fear in such a thought.

She’d be wonderful with a child. She was already so wonderful with her little cousin, A-Yuan.

It was a wish he hadn’t known he could have. A wish so far into the future he didn’t know if he should even think about it. But a wish nonetheless.

He breathed out.

Too much.

He would not rush things. He ought not rush things.

Still, as he made his way to ring the assembly bell, to summon the disciples to share the happy news, his gaze caught on a tiny puff in the grass.

A dandelion.

And he was filled with hope.

As they approached Carp Tower, Jiang Cheng was sure something bad was going to happen. It wasn’t his paranoia, or rather, not just his paranoia.

Things had simply been going too well lately.

Heavens, had it been just barely a year ago when he had last come here? What a fiasco that had been.

Wei WuXian had promised to be on his best behavior.

Jiang Cheng wanted to believe him.

Wen guniang stood with them as they faced the gilded steps. Had there always been so many?

She looked resplendent in purple. But it was more than her clothing. It was the way she held herself. She was not intimidated, nor ashamed. She knew her worth.

But she was vigilant too. He knew her needles were stored in carefully concealed wrist holsters. Her hairpins also contained hidden blades. Wei WuXian had been quite proud of himself for altering them. The strand of silver encircling her waist and his full knowledge that she knew well how to wield it should have comforted him even more.

He still worried.

He worried through the formal greetings. He worried through the official introduction of his nephew to the greater cultivation world. He worried through the announcement of the babe’s name. He worried even as he hid a smirk at the way Lan Wangji stared at Wei WuXian on hearing the courtesy name. He worried when he met his nephew in private, even when he held A-Ling in his arms. Even when he looked down into the scrunched up face of the crying baby, even when his heart felt the stirrings of a love and a sense of responsibility that threatened to overwhelm him, he still worried.

Wen guniang stayed with A-jie, who did not wish to attend the banquet. The birth had been successful but draining for A-jie. She also insisted on attending to A-Ling herself as much as possible, despite the very capable nursemaids Madam Jin had hired. It was for Wen guniang’s protection too. A-jie may be an optimist, but she was well aware of the precariousness of Wen guniang’s position.

Jiang Cheng hoped Wen guniang would impress on A-jie the need for self care and rest.

He only sipped at the wine, for appearance's sake. He needed his wits about him.

Wei WuXian also did not imbibe much.

“I like Uncle Four’s much better,” he told Jiang Cheng. For he was on guard too.

“So you’ve written. When will I have the opportunity to try some of that famed wine?” Nie HuaiSang asked, his fan fluttering.

Wei WuXian greeted their friend, “I have invited you for visits, Nie Xiong, you just always find an excuse not to come.”

“Ah, you know me, Wei Xiong. Traveling is so draining, and the food on the road never agrees with me. So terribly drying for the skin too.”

“Then I suppose you’ll never get to taste it.”

Nie HuaiSang pouted.

Wei WuXian laughed. “Ah Nie Xiong.” He took out a flask, “a peace offering?”

“Ah!” Nie HuaiSang took it. “You are a man of your word, Wei Xiong!”

“I promise, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll brave all the poor food and dry skin to try more.”

“We shall see.” Nie HuaiSang said.

A gong sounded then and Nie HuaiSang took his leave.

Sect Leader Jin made a grand entrance. He tried to appear gracious but just appeared smug. But that may just be Jiang Cheng’s prejudice coloring his perspective.

The food was sumptuous. The musicians somehow balanced talent with unobtrusiveness. But everything seemed stilted. Congratulations were made, but they seemed more the words of sycophants than honest well wishes.

Jiang Cheng waited.

He was at once relieved and frustrated when his instincts proved correct.

Jin ZiXun. A bully and a fool.

Jiang Cheng didn’t understand why he’d accuse Wei WuXian of such a ridiculous curse. What did he hope the gain? Were the Jins so arrogant that they thought they could just pick an arbitrary fight?

Wei WuXian defended himself, of course he did.

But he did not stand alone this time.

Jiang Cheng defended his brother. Wei WuXian was many things, but he’d never use such a stupid curse that has blowback and harm his own flesh and ranking on the list of young cultivators.

His words as to Wei WuXian’s vanity caused a brief interlude.

Enough for Lan Wangji to stand and say into the silence, “it’s not Wei Ying. There is no blowback.”

There were so many implications behind so succinct a statement.

“And how would you know?” Jin ZiXun asked snidely.

“Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji walked to Wei WuXian’s side. “Nighthunt, the inn, Wei Ying was bathing. I was curious. I peeked. Wei Ying was not aware.”

“Lan Zhan!” Wei WuXian was blushing.

Lan Wangji looked at Jin ZiXun, as though daring him to comment more. “Lans do not lie.”

“That proves nothing!”

Jiang Cheng resisted the urge to strike Jin ZiXun. Violence would not solve the problem here.

“ZiXun…” Jin ZuXuan started to say, only to stop when Wei WuXian started to disrobe.

The only scar upon his chest was the Wen brand.

“There, happy now?” Wei WuXian said sarcastically.

Lan Wangji stood in front of him, and glared at Jin ZiXun.

“YunMeng Jiang has been deeply offended,” Jiang Chef declared, “how will Sect Leader Jin make up for this affront?”

Sect Leader Jin laughed, “so serious! When it’s naught but the effects of too much wine. Such a small thing among family surely should not be the cause for such friction.”

Jiang Cheng reined in his temper. “It is precisely because we’re family, Sect Leader Jin, that I claim such offense. Family trusts one another, leans on one another, believes in one another. Jin gongzi has shown that he does not consider us to be family. It wounds me greatly, particularly at this happy occasion. It makes me wonder if my sister has been treated with all the respect that is her due. You must forgive a brother’s care in ensuring that his sister is cared for in the new family she has joined.”

Sect Leader Jin’s smile froze.

Jin ZiXuan bowed. “All respect has been paid to A-Li. I offer formal apologies for the slight paid to Wei gongzi.”

“The apology would mean more from the offender himself,” Jiang Cheng insisted.

“ZiXun?”

“But ZiXuan!”

Jin ZiXuan shook his head, “you have gravely insulted a guest. Not just a guest but family. It is not the way a Jin ought to behave.”

Jin ZiXun scowled but muttered. “Sorry.”

He did not sound sorry at all.

But Jiang Cheng wanted this entire business to be over and done with.

“You will forgive us for retiring early,” he announced, “I seem to have lost my appetite.”

“We will as well,” ZeWuJun stood, “it is near curfew. Wangji?”

Lan Wangji looked mutinous for a moment before going to his brother’s side.

Wei WuXian had, thankfully, put himself to rights again.

The four of them walked out in silence.

ZeWuJun turned to Jiang Cheng, “it seems, Sect Leader Jiang, that I have been remiss in requesting a meeting on a matter of great import to both of our Sects.”

“Lotus Pier would welcome your visit.”

ZeWuJun smiled gently, “the battle lines have been drawn tonight, I’m afraid.”

“Have they?”

ZeWuJun’s smile did not fade, but his eyes were serious. “The Wens had been arrogant too. We all see it, only you and Wei gongzi have dared to remark on it.”

“I did no such thing.” Jiang Cheng insisted, “I only reminded them of the importance of courtesy and the duties of hosts. I still recognized them as family.”

ZeWuJun looked at him thoughtfully. “Of course, Sect Leader Jiang.”

But they both knew they would speak on much more than their brothers at their next meeting.

Jiang Cheng remained worried, however. The incident was too random. There could be nothing gained by insulting Wei WuXian. Unless the Jins also wanted to see who would oppose them.

He paced. He didn’t like it, not one bit.

His heart sank when Wei WuXian burst into his room. "Something's happened to Wen Ning.”

“What do you mean? How do you know?”

“His protective talisman. It warns me when it’s activated. It has a tracker. But I cannot track it. It takes a tremendous amount of power, or true cleverness, to disable it or destroy it.”

“We have to tell Wen guniang.” It did not occur to Jiang Cheng to doubt Wei WuXian.

Wei WuXia nodded.

They knocked on her door. But there was no answer.

Jiang Cheng did not like this at all.

They exchanged glances before jointly forcing the door open.

She was not there.

She was not with A-jie either.

Jiang Cheng did his best not to panic. There had been no signs of struggle. She must still have her weapons with her.

“A-Cheng…” A-jie looked concerned.

“Diplomacy be damned,” Jiang Cheng declared, “if one hair on her head is harmed, I will level Carp Tower myself, brick by brick if I have to.”

Wei WuXian looked faintly impressed.

Jin ZiXuan frowned but kept his peace.

Jiang Cheng took a deep breath. “She’s going to kill me.”

“What?” Wei WiXian asked.

But Jiang Cheng was more focused on drawing a rather complicated array.

He closed his eyes as his mind hurtled into the unknown. The blur of colors and shapes were quite disorientating and nauseating. He bit his tongue to retain his focus.

His eyes snapped open. “Burial Mounds.”

“How do you know?”

“Her bell. I had a tracker carved into it. I didn’t want to lose her again. I cannot lose her again.”

“Ah.”

Jin ZiXuan straightened, “I’m coming with you.”

Not again, Jiang Cheng thought.

“If it’s a Jin who’s holding her hostage, I can help.”

Jiang Cheng did not have time to argue. “Suit yourself.”

“Do be careful,” A-jie told them, worry etched into her features.

“Heads will roll.” Jiang Cheng vowed.

They left.

Somehow, Lan Wangji found them at the exit.

“Something felt wrong.” HanGuangJun explained. “I could not sleep.”

Jiang Cheng made no comments about 心连心（connected hearts), just lifted on his sword. It would be faster this way.

The Burial Mounds were silent. He had hoped never to be back here again. He had hoped she’d never have to be here again.

He led, the others followed. No one said a word.

They reached the area where the Wen Remnants had tried to build a home. He was too upset to appreciate the irony.

The cave yawned in front of them.

They looked at each other and silently nodded.

They fell into a form of battle formation.

Jiang Cheng still leading.

He made sure to be as silent as possible.

Voices, and flickers of light.

They paused.

“Ah, you were always so talented,” a voice was saying, “but I did not think even you could reverse death!”

“I have not.”

Jiang Cheng had never been so relieved to hear her voice.

“Your brother is supposed to be dead.”

“He wasn’t all dead.”

The first voice laughed. “I am impressed nonetheless. I am not easily impressed.”

“What do you want?”

A pause. Then, “as you can see, I have another patient for you. He’s done much wrong, but I did not even have the satisfaction of killing him myself. I’d like to amend this regret. My friend has been kind enough to fetch you for me. Will you do the honors?”

“And if I say no?”

“Then your brother will be all dead and my friend here will ensure that you meet your appropriate fate too. A shame, really, for you could have aided in my research quite nicely.”

“I didn’t help you in the past, I’m certainly not about to do it now.”

The voice laughed again. “You always were a feisty one. It’s why he liked you so much, I’m sure. Had he been able to, I’m sure he would have loved to claim you for himself. As it is, as you know, there is a price to be paid for power.”

Jiang Cheng peeked around the corner.

Her hands were bound. But she still stood so tall, so fearlessly.

It was the other sight that alarmed him.

XueYang was barely recognizable. He was missing an arm and an eye. His hair was singed in patches. Just what had Wei WuXian put in the protective measures?

In front of him were two slabs of stone. One held Wen Ning’s unconscious figure. His chest was laid open, blood dripped from the surface.

The other held a corpse in red Wen robes.

He frowned. Who?

“It is quite impressive," XueYang continued, “I had to examine him for myself, of course. Watching his beating heart is so delightful. You are truly gifted at your craft. But he can’t afford to lose more blood, can he?”

Wen guniang just looked at XueYang directly. “I must examine my patient.”

XueYang laughed and a figure came out of the shadows.

Jin GuangYao stepped forward and cut the tie binding Wen guniang’s wrists.

She walked towards the tables and looked. She appeared to be deep in thought.

“Well?” XueYang demanded.

She didn’t answer in words, just exploded into action.

Needles flew through the air and met their target. JinGuangYao dropped like a stone to the ground.

Her whip flashed through the air, but XueYang managed to catch the other end in his broken hand.

He laughed at her and would have no doubt made a mocking comment but for another whip wrapping around his throat.

Jiang Cheng pulled and pushed as much lightning as he could through Zidian. He’d learned that lightning could both start and stop hearts, after all.

XueYang was dead before he hit the ground.

“Are you well?”

Wen guniang looked at them. “Help me with A-Ning.”

“What do you need?”

Before she could answer, however, the sound of growls met their ears.

Wei WuXian rushed out of the cave and just as quickly returned. “Puppets. Not sure how, for he certainly can’t control them now. But puppets nonetheless. He must have built in a defense mechanism.”

Jiang Cheng cursed.

“Stay with her,” Wei WuXian told him, “we’ll handle it.”

Jiang Cheng did not argue as the others departed.

He wanted to hug her, to reassure himself that she was unharmed. He wanted to touch her hair, her face, every inch of her to ensure she had no wounds. But he knew well the moment was not right for such things.

“What do you need?” He asked again.

She had already reached into a hidden bag and was pulling out supplies.

“Blood.” She said curtly.

“You have it.”

He walked to her side.

She stuck a hollow needle directly into his veins. The other end went directly into her brother’s.

She worked silently, efficiently, to close the wound that was still gaping open. She made quick work of brewing medicines which she then massaged down her brother's throat.

“To prevent infection,” she explained, even as she applied some of the residual grounds onto the wound itself before bandaging her brother. “I’ll have to brew a better one when we get home. But it’ll do for now.”

Home. Despite everything, his heart soared. Although maybe that was partially his own blood loss speaking.

She bandaged his wrist too. “I could have handled it myself.”

“I spared you from having to kill,” he retorted.

Her lips thinned.

He shook his head. Tempers were frayed. They were both heart weary.

“What did he want you to do?”

“We should go help the others.”

Before he could answer, Jin ZiXuan returned.

“Wei WuXian says he’s got a fragment,” Jin ZiXuan explained, “or that he must. He’s controlling them, for the moment, with that dizi of his. HanGuangJun is guarding him. But he says the fragment must be destroyed.”

Jiang Cheng looked at the fallen body. He really didn’t want to search it. But he did what was necessary.

The three of them stared at the last Yin fragment in the world.

“Any ideas?” Jin ZiXuan asked.

Jiang Cheng did not know. He had not been present when the other pieces had been destroyed.

“You’re not going to keep it for yourself?” He asked.

“No.” Jin ZiXuan answered curtly.

Wen guniang rolled her eyes at them. “Brute force. We have no time for anything else.”

She started to push spiritual powers towards the shard.

Jiang Cheng and Jin ZiXuan looked at each other and then did the same.

They had been taught, since they were young, that spiritual energy, in its purest form, could be bent to the user’s will to accomplish any task. Such a way, however, required great discipline and could well lead to backlash and explosions that destroyed the cultivator.

Jiang Cheng concentrated on all the rage he had ever felt. But as images of his shidis, his parents, and all their visages flashed through his mind, another emotion began to replace them. Grief. He thought of A-jie and Wei WuXian and A-Ling and Wen guniang. His present and his future. He felt great love for them. This thing needed to be destroyed. This thing ought to be gone from this world. This thing could not be allowed to exit. He refused to let it jeopardize what he had managed to build, what he had managed to accomplish.

He wished and willed for it to be gone.

He vaguely heard the sound of an explosion, and then he heard no more.

He woke on a hard, cold, stone floor.

His head pounded.

He opened his eyes and frowned at seeing rocks.

His memories caught up to him and he jolted upright, only to wince again as his head throbbed a complaint.

“You did it.”

He looked at Wei WuXian. His face looked to be glowing.

No. It was rather the spiritual energy that was being passed to him that was glowing.

“What…”

“She’s fine too. Lan Zhan is helping her and JinZiXuan.”

He looked beyond Wei WuXian’s shoulder.

It said a lot about Lan Wangji’s cultivation that he could deliver two streams of spiritual energy while also playing on his guqin.

“You likely recognize the song.” Wei WuXian commented.

Song?

Jiang Cheng frowned but then listened.

Ah. The one to coax Cores to grow.

“I’m fine.”

Even though his words sounded slurred to his own ears.

Wei WuXian huffed at him. “It’s Wen Ruohan’s body.”

“What?”

Wei WuXian nodded with his head.

“Why would…”

Wei WuXian shook his head, “who knows. He was truly a madman.”

“What about Jin GuangYao?”

“Jin ZiXuan will have to deal with him.”

“We’d be within our rights to demand reparations.” His mind was growing clearer.

Wei WuXian shook his head. “Then we’d draw attention to her and to the fact that her brother is in fact not dead. She wouldn’t want that. You wouldn’t want that for her.”

Jiang Cheng hated that he was right.

He was still angry.

“I’m fine.” He repeated.

Wei WuXian paused a moment and evaluated. “For now, yes. You’ll want to eat a horse tomorrow though, after some proper rest. Trust me, I know.”

“I do.”

“What?”

“Trust you.” He felt that it needed to be said, here of all places.

Wei WuXian smiled a little, “ah, Jiang Cheng.”

Jiang Cheng paid him no mind, for Wen guniang was beginning to stir as well.

He moved to her side, not caring that Wei WuXian would tease.

He wanted to be the first thing she saw.

Her eyes blinked open.

“Hello.” He could kick himself for such an unimaginative greeting.

She stared and then said, “Jiang Cheng.”

He inexplicably felt like crying. He didn’t, but knew his voice was gruff as he said, “yes, I’m here.”

“A-Ning?”

He helped her to her feet and towards her brother. She didn’t push him away but rather leaned on his arm. It meant more to him than anything she could have said.

She performed her assessment and her tension reduced. “He’s going to need more care.”

“Let’s go home.”

She did not disagree but did look at the other figure. “Help me burn him.”

He frowned but did not ask her why.

He simply told Lan Wangji and Wei WuXian what they were going to do.

They dragged the body out into the open.

There were piles of other corpses laying around. Most wearing the red of QiShan Wen too. XueYang must have been experimenting.

Her lips thinned. “We’re going to have to burn all of them. Even dead, they can be contagious.”

He did not tell her that most people did not venture into the Burial Mounds.

He just helped her look for firewood and other fuel for a pyre.

She did not use flint and stone, however, but uttered an incantation. The pile ignited.

“It would not burn hotly enough, otherwise,” she informed him.

They stood there, just watching the flames.

The heat of it was almost painful, but she made no effort to move away.

“My mother was his favorite cousin,” she shared quietly after a long moment, her eyes fixated on the flames. “Not really his cousin, it turned out, but his half sister. Her mother had not been willing, but the Sect Leader got to do as he wished. Her husband belonged to another minor branch. She was a lady-in-waiting to the Sect Leader’s wife, before she was sent away for the pregnancy. She died in childbirth. Her husband refused to care for the child. My mother thus grew up in the Wen court. Despite everything, she was beautiful and bright and kind. He arranged for her marriage personally, when he became Sect Leader. He sent her far away, to Mount Dafan, for her protection. His own wife was the jealous sort even though he loved her purely as a younger sister. He also chose a kind man for her. Father was gentle and understanding. A man of few words, who showed his care more through actions. They loved each other deeply, even though their marriage was arranged. He told me he tried to spare her. But she wouldn’t part from my father. I didn’t want to believe him. I was too full of grief and hate and anger to believe him. But he did favor me. His sons inherited their Mother’s jealousy. But he always shielded me. I treated him because it was my duty, because it is the legacy of Dafan Wen. But I think I also tried to save him, in a way, the humanity in him, the part of him that truly mourned my mother. A-Ning doesn’t know, for all that he called him Uncle. I never could.”

She fell silent.

He looked at her.

A tear was trickling down her cheek.

He reached and brushed it aside.

She leaned into his touch. “I ought not cry for a madman. He unleashed so much harm.”

He reached and brought her into his arms. She did not resist.

“Let’s go home.” He said softly and felt her nod.

“If you wish to speak more of it, I will listen.”

She nodded again.

“I admire you so much for your strength,” he admitted, “but I hope you know that you do not have to be strong all the time. I am braver than I was. And it’s not just me. There’s Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji and A-jie and…”

He stopped speaking. Mostly because she was kissing him.

She parted from him. “We should check on the others. I will need their help burning the rest.”

He nodded and released her.

She straightened her shoulders and was once more the certain and collected Wen guniang.

He understood better now, though, just hard won such composure really was. It made him admire her all the more.

The flames lit up the sky and would likely alarm the people of Yiling.

They were also destroying evidence of the Jins’ wrongdoing.

There was nothing for it though. No one else ought to suffer or become endangered.

They decided that Lan Wangji would assist Jin ZiXuan in transporting his half brother back to Carp Tower. Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian would see the Wen siblings back to Lotus Pier.

Before they parted ways, she also made a surprising comment to Jin ZiXuan.

“He’s suffering from Yin poisoning, I don’t know if anyone’s ever treated him.”

Jin ZiXuan looked down at the still unconscious form of his half brother.

“He may well have murderous and malicious intent all on his own,” Wen guniang shared, “but such an illness definitely clouds judgement, warps one’s thought process, and emphasizes the worst of a person’s moods and whims. He also bears markings of self harm. I cannot imagine your father is kind. The world is never kind to bastards.”

She was unapologetically blunt in her words.

Jin ZiXuan frowned but said, “I will take your words under advisement.”

She inclined her head.

They boarded a boat, and were silent as they floated towards Lotus Pier.

After they had settled her brother, she turned towards them.

“We need to return to Carp Tower.”

Jiang Cheng frowned at her while Wei WuXian protested, “Qing jie!”

“We need to pretend nothing happened. We will leave early tomorrow, but we cannot slink off in the middle of the night. There will be questions none of us will want to answer.”

“I don’t like it.” Wei WuXian said.

She looked at her brother’s still unconscious form. “I trust popo and Uncle Four. I need not attend to him personally.”

Jiang Cheng hated that she was right.

“We cannot use this to hurt Sect Leader Jin.” She continued, “He’ll just claim no knowledge. And no harm truly befell me, so we have no leverage. Besides, I don’t think any of the other Sects and Clans are strong enough to truly oppose him, not that they would on my account. Dismantling his power has to come from within.”

“That’s…” Wei WuXian was looking at her with some wonder.

“I am not of the main line,” she explained, “but I grew up in the Wen court. I am not ignorant of such things for all that I do not like them.”

“That’s why you warned Jin ZiXuan.” Jiang Cheng realized.

She nodded. “Sect Leader may be power hungry. But he’s also lazy. Jin GuangYao is the true power at play.”

“And you can tell all this just based on one visit to Carp Tower?” Wei WuXian sounded impressed.

“It’s only a first impression,” she admitted, “I could be wrong. But one does not rise so high and so quickly in the Wen court without possessing some ability and not a little ruthlessness.”

She brushed a strand of hair across her brother’s forehead, the gesture so tender it made Jiang Cheng’s chest constrict.

She turned back towards them. “We’ll have a ready excuse for an early departure. Yiling fell to the Jiang to manage. The flames will not distinguish for a while.”

“Huh. Did you set it for this purpose?” Wei WuXian asked.

She shook her head. “It needed to be done. It is a fortunate side effect.”

They did as she bid.

They had not slept a wink and were the worse for it.

Jiang Cheng did not even have to pretend to scowl and show his bad temper at news of the disturbance in the Burial Mounds.

No one thought it notable at all that the Jiang delegation left early.

They went through the motions of investigation, but mostly focused on reassuring the civilians.

He did feel a tendril of amusement that the townspeople insisted on calling Wei WuXian the Yiling Patriarch with tones of clear admiration and respect.

“It’s a stupid title.” Wei WuXian still complained.

Jiang Cheng paid him no mind.

He just wanted to be home and sleep in his own bed. He was also, as Wei WuXian had predicted, ravenously hungry.

“Do you think Jin ZiXuan will actually do anything?” Wei WuXian asked as they drifted on the current towards home again.

“I don’t know.” Jiang Cheng admitted.

“Qing jie likely said something to Shijie too.” Wei WuXian said thoughtfully, “Shijie will be appalled.”

“I do not know if I could be so kind.”

“Hmm?”

“He caused harm to her brother.”

“Ah. That was more XueYang, I think.”

Jiang Cheng thought. “A distraction.”

“What?”

“Jin ZiXun. He was a distraction. To ensure our attention was turned elsewhere.”

“Huh.”

“I wonder what XueYang promised Jin GuangYao in return.”

“Why should he have promised anything? They’re clearly in cahoots with one another.”

“Does XueYang strike you as the type to trust others? Or to do anything that doesn’t serve his own self interest?”

Wei WuXian opened his mouth but then closed it. He shook his head in answer

Jiang Cheng grunted. “I’m not sorry he’s dead.”

“Jin ZiXun will be too.”

“Hmm?”

“The curse. I doubt someone is going to come forth and admit to being the perpetrator.”

“Good riddance to that too.” Jiang Cheng muttered vindictively.

“Even though he might have been used too?”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s a bully, and not a very smart one. Why would he accuse me without reason? Someone put him up to it.”

“Who do you think?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“I hope it really is just Yin poisoning.”

Jiang Cheng frowned.

“He’s had a hard life,” Wei WuXian said softly. “Nie Xiong always spoke well of him.”

“Sick or not,” Jiang Cheng declared, “he’s still the enemy.”

“Not everything is black and white, you know.”

Jiang Cheng snorted.

Wei WuXian smiled a little, as though he was aware of the irony of the statement too.

They drifted in silence before he said, “she’s good for you. You’re good for her. You’re actually good for each other.”

Jiang Cheng grunted.

Wei WuXian continued. “You’re both so utterly stubborn about being independent. And have such practical outlooks on life. You hide the softness within yourself deep. But it somehow works.”

Jiang Cheng did not answer.

Wei WuXian trailed a hand in the water, almost lazily. “I wasn’t sure that it would. You can both be so…prickly. But it really does, doesn’t it?”

Jiang Cheng grunted again. He was still not comfortable speaking of such things.

Wei WuXian flicked some water at him. “She’ll make a good partner for you. She’ll make a wonderful Madam Jiang. The people respect her. They’ll grow to love her too.”

“I know.”

Wei WuXian grinned at him. “I’m sure you do.”

Jiang Cheng huffed. He picked a lotus pod and threw it at Wei WuXian.

Wei WuXian caught it deftly and started to pick out the seeds. He munched on them with exaggerated enjoyment. “Delicious.”

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms. “So.”

“So what?”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

Wei WuXian swallowed, “then how else am I to answer your question?”

“You’re the one who asked a question.” Jiang Cheng reminded him.

Wei WuXian laughed.

“Lan Wangji. The inn.” Jiang Cheng asked, “did you know?”

Wei WuXian blushed, “I didn’t think he’d be so shameless.”

“The fact that he looked or that he admitted it in front of all and sundry?”

“Both.” Wei WuXian complained.

Jiang Cheng just grinned.

“What?” Wei WuXian whined.

“I had my doubts, but I think he’ll do just fine”.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Wei WuXian demanded.

“I do not doubt his dedication, nor his earnestness. But you must admit that the Lans are…repressed, in certain things.”

“Jiang Cheng!”

For all his flirtatious ways, Wei WuXian was shy too, about such things. At least when they really mattered.

Jiang Cheng just smirked.

Wei WuXian threw the pod at him.

Jiang Cheng ducked effortlessly and heard the plop as the projectile landed in the water.

“I think I’m going to have Wen guniang negotiate on your behalf.”

“You still call her Wen guniang?”

Jiang Cheng ignored him. “It’d be a household matter. And she is the de facto Mistress of the household. It’d also give her a chance to interact directly with another Great Sect in an official capacity. Our own people may accept her, but the rest of the world is still full of idiots.”

“Huh.”

“Besides, she is, as you say, scary.”

“You don’t have to sound so delighted about that fact.”

“Why not?”

Wei WuXian stared at him and then pointed an accusatory finger in his direction, “now who’s being shameless?”

Jiang Cheng huffed.

Wei WuXian lowered his arm. “Jiang Cheng?”

“Hmm?”

“Did you ever think things would be like this?”

“Like what?”

Wei WuXian waved an arm vaguely, “all this?”

“No.” Jiang Cheng answered succinctly. Though some things he had wished for, not believing they could ever become true.

Wei WuXian sighed.

“What now?”

“Just…” Wei WuXian waved his arm around again. “Despite the Jins and everything else, I’m…happy?”

“Are you asking me or telling me?”

Wei WuXian laughed. “Telling you, I think?”

Jiang Cheng flicked water at him.

“Aren’t you?”

Jiang Cheng thought. He was. He really was. But he did not say it out loud.

“I’m hungry.” He shared instead.

Wei WuXian just laughed again. “I told you so!”

He picked a lotus pod this time and handed it to Jiang Cheng. “It’s not much, but it’ll have to hold you until we’re home.”

Jiang Cheng bit down on the lotus seeds. Despite their bitter centers, he still tasted their sweetness.

Home, he thought, his heart filling with warmth. For home was where the heart resided. He was going to his heart and his home.

Yes. Despite everything, he truly was happy.

The Jins did not topple overnight. The Jins did not fall at all. But the Jins did experience a transition of leadership.

A-jie had brought A-Ling for a visit. He had just taken his first step. A-jie was the image of a proud Mama.

Wei WuXian introduced A-Yuan to A-Ling. A-Yuan smiled. A-Ling looked at the proffered candy and immediately decided that A-Yuan was his new best friend. Despite their age gap, they were inseparable for the duration of A-Jie’s visit.

“He’a going to be inconsolable,” A-Jie predicted, “when it’s time to leave.”

“Once the adoption becomes formalized, we’ll come visit,” Wei WuXian promised.

A-jie smiled. “I’m so happy for you, A-Xian.”

“Ah Shijie.”

“HanGuangJun is loyal. And powerful enough to curb your nonsense when needed.”

“Shijie!” Wei WuXian complained.

“You do have such impetuous tendencies,” A-jie noted.

Anyone else and Wei WuXian would have bristled. Instead, he said, “Lan Zhan is in possession of endless patience.”

“Mn. And he’s quite easy on the eyes, isn’t he?”

“Shijie!” Wei WuXian sounded shocked.

Jiang Cheng sputtered.

A-jie patted him gently on his back. “So many broken hearts, A-Xian. You can’t imagine. The second and the fourth ranked young cultivators become unavailable all at once? The maidens are all desperately disappointed.”

“There’s still Jiang Cheng!”

A-jie fixed him with a look. “We both know A-Cheng’s taken too. And really, A-Qing would eviscerate anyone who even dares to think of such a thing.”

“A-jie!” It was Jiang Cheng’s turn to feel embarrassed.

A-jie just grinned at them both. “I cannot just be happy for my brothers?”

Jiang Cheng traded a look with Wei WuXian. They would never complain and mean it.

A-jie’s smile did fall though. “ZiXuan has thought long and hard about what A-Qing said. He had a healer examine A-Yao. He has been gravely ill. Father-in-law would not hear it, A-Yao himself was disinclined to accept help. I had to tell ZeWuJun.”

“ZeWuJun?”

A-jie nodded. “A-Yao trusts very few people. He respects ZeWuJun. ZeWuJun has been playing Songs of Clarity for him. I wasn’t sure it was working. So I asked for a re-arrangement of staffing. Mother-in-law was indulgent. A-Yao was reassigned to our household. He’s terribly competent and quite good with A-Ling.”

“Why?”

“Hmm?”

“Why would Madam Jin assist you?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“Ah.” A-jie sighed, “she thinks A-Yao to be a threat. She believes in keeping friends close and enemies closer.

“Enemies?” Wei WuXian frowned.

“A-Yao is…capable. Father-in-law relies on him. She does not wish for A-Yao to overshadow ZiXuan.”

Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian traded another look.

A-jie sighed again. “I know. It’s all discomfortingly familiar.” She perked up though. “But ZiXuan took A-Qing’s words to heart. He insisted that A-Yao be examined and treated. A-Yao was surprised, downright shocked really, but he has actually allowed it. And he’s…not cured, not yet, but better. He’s…oh, he hasn’t said much, but the little he has shared…he’s been through so much. He’s also shared things he’s done for Father-in-law that shook ZiXuan. ZiXuan wouldn't tell me the details, but he was disheartened. More than disheartened. MianMian has been counseling him. Mother-in-law too. They’ve been planning something. He sent me away, to protect me. But…”

“So this is not merely a social visit.” Jiang Cheng concluded.

A-Jie shook her head, “No. I’ve been meaning to visit, of course, for I have missed you so. And especially since you had to leave in such a hurry. Not that I blamed you. But…”

“A-jie,” Jiang Cheng decided to be blunt, “is Jin ZiXuan staging a coup?”

“Maybe?”

“Maybe?!” Wei WuXian exclaimed and then gave a great whoop. “Who knew the Peacock had it in him?!”

“A-Xian!” A-jie protested.

“No, really,” Wei WuXian’s eyes were wide, “do you know what this means, Shijie?!”

“That ZiXuan will have much more worries and responsibilities on his shoulders. He has a kind heart. It means he’ll have to make difficult decisions. It means his principles will be tested. It means he’ll have to overcome his shyness and lead. It means he’ll have to turn his thoughts into actions. It means…”

“Shijie…”

A-jie shook her head, “I’m sorry. I did not mean to raise my voice. Only…ZiXuan is an idealist, like you, A-Xian. But he’ll have to learn to be practical, like you, A-Cheng. And I worry that it will break him, or at least dim his optimism. I do not know if I can bear it if he should become aware that the world is not truly as righteous or as honorable as he believes it to be.”

It was a testament to how much Wei WuXian loved A-jie that he did not make any demeaning remarks about what she had shared.

“He’s going to have to face it,” Jiang Cheng told her.

“What?”

“Did he tell you what we saw in the Burial Mounds?”

A-jie shook her head.

“Jiang Cheng…” Wei WuXian’s voice held a warning.

Jiang Cheng looked into A-jie’s eyes. “Experimentation. XueYang was experimenting on the corpses. Puppets. I imagine Sect Leader Jin has been trying to continue Wen Ruohan’s work, to create the perfect soldiers.”

“That’s…” A-jie’s eyes grew wide.

Jiang Cheng shook his head. “We saw worse, during the course of the war. I really wished we had burned all of Nightless City to the ground. I still might take Wen guniang there and let her have first try.”

“She’s not going to want to return there.” Wei WuXian said.

Jiang Cheng nodded his agreement. She wanted to move on from the past. It still amazed him that she wanted to build a future with him.

“He’s going to be a Sect Leader. He can still believe in goodness and justice and honor. But he’ll have to make impossible choices. He’ll face situations in which there is no good choice, where no one wins. He’ll need you, A-jie, to support him. You’ll be his light, his home, his reminder that all that he faces and does serves a greater purpose.”

“And what is that, A-Cheng?” A-jie’s voice was soft.

“He’ll have to remember that there are many who depend on him. That his decisions affect more than himself. That his actions have consequences. His purpose is not just to provide for you and A-Ling, but for a whole host of people, an entire way of life. He will bear the weight of legacy. He will also wish to make his own mark, for prosperity, so that when A-Ling’s turn comes, his burdens will not be as heavy.”

“Jiang Cheng…” Wei WuXian’s voice was odd.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat. He had said too much.

A-jie reached across and held his hand, “And that, A-Cheng, is why A-Qing has chosen you.”

“A-jie…”

A-jie smiled gently, “I know. I saw it in Father. I promised myself that when the time came, I would do better than Mother had. Forgive me my moment of frailty. I trust ZiXuan to do the right thing. For me, for A-Ling, for A-Yao, and for the Sect. I know neither of you like him much, but he does so want to do the right thing. He takes his time to deliberate, but once decided, he will see his decisions through.”

“You always have us.” Jiang Cheng reminded her.

She nodded, “I know.”

Jiang Cheng made a face, “And I suppose for your sake, we’ll try to play nice. If he succeeds, of course.”

A-jie laughed as she released his hand.

Jiang Cheng took a piece of pastry and bit into it.

“Do you think he’ll succeed, Shijie?”

“Mother-in-law is a force of nature. She is highly motivated. I think her bitterness has been growing and fermenting for years. She is likely all too delighted for ZiXuan to claim his birthright.”

“What will she do to Sect Leader Jin?”

“I’m not sure,” A-jie admitted. “He has shamed her, dishonored her, caged her.”

“Caged?”

“She’s like Mother. She cares only for cultivation. Well, cultivation and ZiXuan. All the gold and luxuries of Carp Tower are but a gilded prison for her. She has not been able to break free all these years because of ZiXuan. She knows A-Yao is likely not the only Jin bastard out there.”

“Well.”

But even Wei WuXian knew not what to say.

“You will have to be Madam Jin.” Jiang Cheng reflected.

A-jie nodded.

“You will be fantastic,” Jiang Cheng told her.

“Oh A-Cheng.” A-jie shook her head, “I’ve never wanted to be more than a wife and mother. I know it was impossible, of course. I’ve been too happy, I think, to have gotten what I’ve always wanted, what I’ve always wished for. But you’re right. ZiXuan is not the only one who has responsibilities outside of himself and our small family.”

“Your heart is big enough even for the Jins,” Wei WuXian told her. “And I think…I think they may need more heart, in the days ahead.”

A-jie’s eyes were suspiciously bright. “Oh my boys.”

“If he succeeds, of course.” Jiang Cheng repeated.

A-jie reached and held both of their hands. “It is not how I thought it’d be. But we are still all three of us united in our hearts, are we not?”

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng answered, his reply was echoed by Wei WuXian.

“Let’s make the world a better place for A-Ling?”

“Yes.” They answered again.

And so it was.

It was a bloodless coup. Sect Leader Jin was offered quite the happy circumstances for a peaceful transition and quiet retirement. He had an estate of his own and a suitable allowance to hire all the whores he wished to. It seemed world domination paled in comparison to other pleasures.

He would pass in a drunken stupor. He had overindulged in all manner of vices. Or so it was said.

Jiang Cheng suspected foul play. Jin GuangYao’s health took a sudden turn for the better at the news of Sect Leader Jin’s death, after all. But the matter was not pursued and really was pointless. Besides, Madam Jin may well have been the culprit too. Not that anyone with sense would actually blame her.

Jin ZiXuan ascended to Sect Leader. His half brother was not given much responsibilities beyond healing himself. Eventually, he would train formally with the other disciples. And when lessons resumed at Cloud Recesses, he was selected to go. He maintained his friendship with ZeWuJun throughout the years. The two of them would partner and co-authored many treatises on the benefits of music on mood and trauma. There were suspicions that they were partners in other ways too, though they were discrete enough that such rumors were never substantiated. Still, ZeWuJun never married. He did adopt a young cousin as heir. Mostly to free his own brother from the responsibility. And A-Yuan, though in name a Lan and the son of HanGuangJun no less, was certainly not a suitable heir. Lan Jingyi still fell under Wei WuXian’s influence, to Master Lan’s chagrin. He was honest, as a Lan ought to be, but too honest. He was righteous, as the rules demanded, but also too righteous. ZeWuJun, however, did not seem to mind. Indeed, he encouraged the younger generation of Lans to question, to consider, to debate. Even the timeless Lans, it seemed, were capable of change.

Madam Jin travelled. She often sent exotic toys and trinkets home to her grandchildren. Her grand-daughter would one day travel with her and earn herself quite the reputation for being a fearsome cultivator. But then, her grand-daughter had the blood of the Jiang flowing through her. The spirit of a rogue cultivator was her inheritance.

Wei WuXian travelled too. Lan Wangji was usually at his side. Where chaos was, both HanGuangJun and the Yiling Patriarch were sure to be. It did not surprise Jiang Cheng in the least to hear that some remote village actually worshipped them as lesser deities.

Not that he didn’t scoff in Wei WuXian’s face when he first made comments about it. Well, Wei WuXian did not boast about himself but rather his husband. His beauty, his strength, his infallible sense of justice. Lan Wangji would protest in his own way, with that particular uttering of ‘Wei Ying.’ Wei WuXian would just grin at him and then they would just stare so intently at each other. The two of them were truly shamelessly embarrassing.

Jiang Cheng himself travelled only when duty and family necessitated it. Like Nie HuaiSang, he truly was not so fond of being on the road. His wife, though, travelled more extensively, even though she preferred to be home too. But she had once been the best healer in QiShan and, once some time had passed and she carried a different surname, her expertise was once more sought regarding difficult and rare medical cases. Jiang Cheng told her he didn’t mind if she wanted to be called Wen Daifu (Healer Wen), but she just told him that being Madam Jiang opened doors, allowed her to help more people, than she could have had she clung on to her own name. In this, as in other things, her practicality overruled her pride.

Even though she was still proud. She was still Wen Qing. She still held herself with certainty and confidence. She still inspired respect and awe and, yes, even fear, in those she met. She was scary because of her competence. She was frightening in her self-composure. She was, simply, herself. Even though she was not simple at all.

He did finally learn to call her by her name. Though it suited him better to call her fu-ren (wife) in public. Her name was still a precious privilege for him. Just as she remained so very precious to him, to the very end of his days. He would love their children from the moment he held them in his arms, but it was she who would hold the most room in his heart. Though he knew love was not quite measured thus, that love could not and ought not be measured in such a way. Still, he had let very few people into his heart. A-jie, Wei WuXian, and her. Just them, for a long time.

Her. Wen Qing. His wife.

He remembered clearly the day she had told him it was time. They had been sparring. She had won. That was not an anomaly. Sometimes he won, sometimes she did. Always fairly. His pride prevented him from losing purposefully, even to her. And she would be greatly offended, anyways, if he had.

“Do I get a prize?”

He lifted an eyebrow at her. She’d never asked for one in the past. “And what is it that you want?”

She met his gaze squarely. “You.”

His heart, which had barely slowed from the fight itself, sped up again. “Wen guniang…”

She walked close to him, not close enough to touch. Honestly, they had been closer to each other when they had been sparring. “I think it’s time, don’t you?”

“Time for?”

“It has been a long time since I cured Wei WuXian.” She reminded him.

He stared at her.

She tilted her head. “Well?”

He smiled, and noted that her gaze had dropped to his lips momentarily. Well then.

He bowed, “shall we visit the matchmaker for a suitable date?”

She shook her head. “No need.”

“Oh?”

“I already have one chosen.”

Of course she did.

He took a step closer to her. “Have you indeed?”

“Yes.” She answered, though he heard the breathlessness in her voice. It was not, he trusted, just from their fight.

He felt suddenly giddy and wondered if he looked quite mad. “Wei WuXian!”

Her brows furrowed, “what?”

“He made me promise that he’d be able to plan the happy event, whenever it should happen.”

“Heavens forbid,” she muttered, though without heat.

He lifted a hand and cradled her cheek, “it’ll be worth it. Whatever madness he cooks up…it doesn’t matter. Only you matter.”

She did not call him sentimental. She merely straightened her shoulders. “Wei WuXian it is.”

He did not kiss her. They were still in public. Anyone could see. Not that anyone would judge, but what was between them was too dear to him.

Wei WuXian cackled, actually cackled, when she told him in her no-nonsense way that she wished to get married on a certain date.

Jiang Cheng felt a tendril of fear. But his joy quickly superseded it. He had to be extremely careful to school his features for the month leading up to the wedding, lest his reputation be damaged.

He should have expected Wei WuXian to get him drunk. He tried to resist, but he still found himself caught in Wei WuXian’s plots.

He stumbled into the bridal chamber. He had the wherewithal to apologize to her.

She just shook her head and handed him a flask from the bedside table.

Blessed woman, best one in the world. He had thought to himself.

Or, well, he thought the words were just in his mind.

She had rolled her eyes at him, even though a smile danced about her lips.

He drank the medicine, closed his eyes, and waited for the cloud to recede from his mind.

“You reek,” she told him honestly.

He opened his eyes. She did not look angry, just resigned.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized again.

She shook her head, “A-Ning warned me. I’ve prepared.”

So saying, she stood, and took off the outer layers of her wedding clothes.

His eyes tracked the movements of her hands.

“Stand up,” she told him.

He did. And watched as her hands untied his own clothing.

“Wen guniang…”

She looked up at him. Despite the deftness of her movements, her cheeks were flushed. “Are you really going to keep calling me that?”

He shook his head. No, he shouldn’t anymore, should he?

“Come along,” she said, amusement in her tone again.

He followed. He was sure he’d follow her to the ends of the earth if she asked.

She turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

Ah, so he was not quite all sober yet.

She gestured at the tub, steam rising from the water, “get in.”

He looked down at himself.

She sighed and stepped close. He felt the tremble in her fingers as she made short work of his under robes.

It was not how he’d imagined the night would go. But he could not truly complain.

“Oh you.”

Hmm. He was still saying things out loud.

“Get in,” she said again.

He did. He submerged himself, the better to get himself together. When he surfaced, he felt remarkably more clear headed.

She listed the herbs she had put into the bath water.

Ah. She truly had prepared well.

“Let me wash your hair?” She asked softly.

He nodded and leaned against the edge of the tub.

Her touch was gentle as she worked through the knots.

“I saw,” she told him, “the comb. Popo had used the comb for my hair.”

He wanted to say something, but the movements of her fingers were too soothing.

“I had wondered when you’d offer it to me again.”

He shook his head. “It’s yours. Has always been yours.”

“As you are?”

He opened his eyes and turned.

She was looking at him so intently.

“Yes,” he answered, “from the moment I first laid eyes on you.”

“Jiang Cheng.”

He’d only heard her say his name in that way once before. And the memory of it as well his presence circumstances made him feel suddenly wide awake.

He reached, heedless of the sloshing water, and brought her lips to his.

It wasn’t wrong anymore to kiss her like this. To do more than kiss her, really.

He parted from her, but only briefly. With a strength he didn’t know he could possess, he pulled her into the tub with him.

“This is not what I had planned,” she told him.

He shushed her as he pushed her against the side of the tub. He kissed her with intent. He kissed her like he was drowning and only she could save him. It was not so far from the truth, really, given how she had actually saved him.

“Jiang Cheng,” she whispered, as he let his lips map other parts of her face and travel down her neck.

“You like it when I take initiative,” he murmured against her pulse. It fluttered beneath his breath.

She whimpered.

He parted from her. Her eyes were so dark. Her cheeks definitely flushed.

“Wen Qing.” He made sure that the syllables of her name were as clear as he could make them.

“Yes?”

“Shall we get dry?”

She blinked but then nodded.

He stood, but with her held securely in his arms.

He stepped out of the tub and set her gently on her feet. He reached for her sodden clothes and delighted in the way she shivered as he peeled the wet fabric from her skin.

She made no moves to hide her modesty from him. She was still so brave.

He let his eyes sweep over her. “Heavens, you’re beautiful.”

She reached out and traced a water droplet as it flowed down his chest. “I’ve wanted to touch you like this for a long time.”

“You’ve touched me before.”

She looked up and met his gaze. “Not like this.”

He lifted her into his arms again. Water be damned. He had never been a very patient man. And the Jiang was a Sect built on water anyways.

He laid her gently on the bed. She gazed up at him so solemnly.

“What was your original plan?”

She swallowed.

She reached out with a hand, “may I?”

He nodded.

He hissed as her hand made contact with the part of him that had been straining for her touch since the evening had begun. Since long before then, really.

She bit her lip.

“Wen Qing.”

She stared into his eyes as her hand started to move.

He did not bother keeping quiet. He’d dreamed of this, wished for this, for much too long.

He did, however, have to put his hand over hers, sooner than he would have liked. “I will not last long if you continue.”

He should be embarrassed, perhaps, but he could not help but be honest with her.

“Oh.”

Her grip loosened. “I’ve only really read about such things. I…”

“Oof.”

He looked down on her. Her eyes had widened at the sudden change in position.

“Wen Qing,” he said again.

Her lips parted a little. He wondered if he sounded as she had, his naked want so blatantly obvious in the two syllables of her name.

He leaned down and kissed her again. He gave himself leave to taste her skin thoroughly. He’d like to pass his hands over her form thoroughly too, but there was once more a roaring in his ears. He did not merely want her anymore. He needed her. He needed her to want him, to beg for him, to be his irrevocably.

“I’ve only ever read about such things too,” he shared quietly before dipping his tongue into her naval and then reaching down to touch her most intimate place.

She squirmed a little, but not to get away.

He looked up briefly. He wanted to see her face. Her eyes were glassy, but she was still looking at him so intently.

“May I?” He asked.

“Please.” Her voice sounded hoarse.

He touched her gently, feeling wetness that was not just the bathwater coating his fingers. When she moaned, he dared to apply more pressure. When her eyes closed, he continued to press on the nub that he had read was the seat of female pleasure. He tore his eyes away from her face and looked down at his own finger. He wondered…

“Jiang Cheng!”

He did not pause, just continued to lick at her. The taste of her was musky, but he did not mind. He suspected he’d chase after this taste in all the days to come.

He felt her fingers enter his hair, but they were not gentle this time. He did not mind the slight pain as she tugged either.

It pleased him that he could get it right on this first try.

“Please.”

The word was barely audible, but he understood.

He sipped a finger into her channel. He moaned against her as he felt her tight warmth.

He gasped when he felt her constrict around his finger.

He looked up at her, and caught a glimpse of her open-mouthed, silent scream, before her body convulsed and then went still.

He did not dare to move until her eyes slowly reopened again.

“That was…”

“Have you ever done it for yourself before?” He was genuinely curious.

She nodded mutely.

“And?”

She looked incredulous for a moment before she chuckled slightly. “Are you fishing for compliments?”

“I just wish to know that I can please my wife.”

“Wife,” she repeated.

He watched her.

She bit her lip again before saying, “I am not your wife yet.”

He took it as an invitation.

“Will it hurt?” He asked as he hovered over her, then hissed as she was touching him again.

“I don’t care,” she told him, as she guided him into place.

“Wen Qing.”

“I want this. I want you.”

He was sure he’d never be able to deny her anything she asked of him.

He had to close his eyes, to gather himself, to prevent it from being over before he had even begun.

“I won’t last long,” he informed her again.

“We can do it more than once.”

“Shameless,” he told her as his eyes opened.

“Yes,” she agreed, “and you like me this way.”

He wanted to laugh. Because she was right. Of course she was.

But he had even better things to do with his energies at the moment.

He slid forward. She stiffened. He held still. She took deep breaths.

“Go on,” she said.

“You’re certain?”

She nodded.

He moved slowly, for her sake and his own.

She frowned, but not in pain. “It feels strange.”

“Does it?” He could barely utter the words.

Strange was not how he’d describe it. Heavenly, welcoming, right. Those words were closer.

“Jiang Cheng.” Her voice was a sigh.

Had he said that out loud again? Funny, he didn’t feel drunk. Leastwise, not the fuzzy headed kind. He had never felt so clear in his purpose.

She reached up and cradled his face in her hands, “kiss me.”

He adjusted and did as she bid.

She deepened the kiss and he moaned.

She wrapped her legs around him and pulled.

“Fuck.”

She bit his lip at the expletive.

He took it as an indication of her wants. He started to move faster. It took a moment to gather a rhythm. She bucked against him. Together, they synced their movements. All the time they had spent sparring each other proved most useful.

“Wen Qing!”

And it was over.

He panted as his hips gave the last feeble jerks.

She pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. “And now you may call me wife.”

He looked down at her. Had she always glowed like this? Or was it a trick of the light?

“The bed is wet.”

She blinked but then suggested. “The bath may still be warm.”

He raised an eyebrow at her.

“It’ll give the bed time to dry. And it is good hygiene to wash after such activities,” she informed him.

“Is it indeed?”

She licked her lips. “It is.”

“You’re trying to provoke me again.”

“Is it working?”

He parted from her and stood at the edge of their marriage bed.

She turned onto her side and watched him watch her.

He reached and cupped a breast. He had not had a chance to touch before.

He pulled back, but left his hand out-stretched, “shall we see?”

She smiled, an impish glint in her eyes, as she sat up and then took his hand.

Before long, he had her pressed against the side of the tub again. He did touch her this time. His hands glided down her shoulders, to her elbows, then her wrists. He placed her hands on his chest. It was only fair.

Her lips parted a little again, as she followed the planes of muscles to his naval. She did not reach lower, but rather wrapped her arms around his waist loosely.

He dipped his head to chase a water droplet. He followed it between her breasts and then let it travel unimpeded.

He turned his head and followed the swell of her chest to the rosy bud at the tip. It was a darker color than he had anticipated. It fascinated him. He licked it, earning himself a gasp. He drew his lips around it and sucked. Her hands tightened in their hold. He scraped his teeth, just slightly, experimentally, and she hissed.

He drew back.

“No. Don’t.”

He obeyed and attached his lips to her nipple again. He reached with his hand in search of the other breast. He cupped it, feeling its weight and rejoicing in its fit in his hand. He squeezed.

She moaned. It was a most beautiful sound. And he told her as much, before switching his lips to the other breast.

She whimpered as he squeezed the nipple that he had just been toying with.

“Sensitive.” She murmured.

“Good sensitive?” He asked.

“Yes.”

He needed no further response.

He suckled her until she pushed at his shoulders.

He parted from her and studied his handiwork. The peaks were particularly swollen.

“Jiang Cheng.”

“Yes?”

He felt her touch beneath the waterline.

“Just checking,” she said.

“Sensitive,” he echoed her earlier word.

“Hmm.”

The water sloshed, and suddenly she was astride him.

It was he who wrapped his arms around her waist.

She was still holding his shaft as she slowly lowered herself onto it.

He pressed his forehead to hers.

“We will work on your endurance.” She told him.

He huffed but said no more as he slid completely into her.

“Kiss me,” he requested of her.

And she did. She had to break the kiss though, for leverage.

She started slow, to get a feel for the change in pressure and alignment. She gradually gained speed. The water sloshed and overflowed, but neither of them cared a whit.

He hoped he would not bruise her hips too much, so tightly was he holding onto her.

He lasted longer this time.

She panted as she leaned into him.

“Did you…”

She shook her head.

He reached down and felt where they were still joined. It ignited a possessiveness in him that almost took his breath away. He searched and found the special nub. He tapped it, gently, then more insistently and at a faster pace. Her eyes closed.

“Wen Qing.”

She shuddered.

“Please,” he begged her.

She shivered.

He caught her lips in his. Words had never been his strong suit.

He swallowed her shout as she once more constricted around him.

Her eyes opened. “You’re a fast learner.”

He huffed a laugh. “Shall we actually dry?”

She moved and exited the tub and found two towels.

He joined her as they rubbed themselves dry.

She handed him a robe from the rack. He took it.

She wrapped herself in a gossamer cloth that was too see-through to be practical.

His mouth went dry.

She looked at him over her shoulder. “I’ve been told this manner of clothing is particularly popular in the brothels.”

“You’re not…”

“I know.” She turned slowly to face him. “But it does inspire me to be wanton.”

“Does it?”

Her hand rose to her neck, then traced down, ever so slowly, along the neckline. It followed the edge of the cloth to her waist, where she had tied a loose knot.

“I have thought about tonight,” she told him, “more often than you know.”

“Have you?”

“I tried to imagine how it would feel, what you would say, what you’d look like, how you would sound.”

His eyes were trained on her hand as it drew circles at her hip.

“You are quite the distraction.” She informed him.

“Am I?”

Her hand passed over the shadow between her legs before climbing upwards until she was cupping a breast.

“Yes.” She squeezed, just a little. “I’ve also wondered what you might taste like.”

His eyes flew to hers. She could not possibly mean…

“You’re not…” he began again, only to be interrupted once more.

“I know. But I am of a curious disposition. And I am determined to satisfy my curiosity.”

“Wen Qing…”

She smirked and dropped her hand to her side. She turned around and began to walk back to the bedroom.

He scarcely dared to breathe. She was a seductress, she really was. All her certainty and deliberateness applied to these activities was more arousing than he’d ever imagined.

She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder again. “Well?”

He took a step.

She smiled and turned away from him again.

He caught up to her, just at the edge of the bed, and pulled her close. She still faced away from him.

He let his hands pass over the cloth. It was thin, but still a barrier. And yet he found it not an obstacle but an enhancer of his attraction. He kissed a still clothed shoulder as he cupped both her breasts. She leaned against him with a sigh.

He alternately massaged them and passed his palms up and down the sides of her waist. He was sure he would never tire of it.

“Your hands are warm.” She informed him.

He leaned and ran his tongue over the shell of her ear.

She shivered.

“Are you cold?” He whispered into her ear.

“No.” She answered.

“No?”

“No. I’m burning.”

He turned her around then. “Someone once told me, fire and water make steam.”

“Is that not true?”

He leans his forehead against hers. “You undo me.”

“You made me want things I knew to be impossible.” She confessed. “I still wished.”

He kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, then the tip of her nose.

“Silly.” She murmured.

He kissed her smile.

“Could I try something?” He asked quietly.

“What is it?”

“Do you trust me?” He asked in lieu of answering.

“Yes.” Her answer was given so readily.

He loved her, he really did.

He placed his hands at her hips and indicated for her to turn again.

She did so, though not before giving him a curious look.

“Hold on to the bed post.”

She did as requested.

He passed a trailing hand down her spine.

He heard the slow breath she let out.

He held her hips again and made circles with his thumbs.

“I have thought often about this night as well,” he told her. “It has been torture to keep my hands to myself.”

“You needn’t have.”

He shook his head, even though she could not see. “Yes, I did. I wanted you, yes. But I could not dishonor you.”

“I would not have stopped you.”

“I would have hated myself for taking advantage. I wanted to marry you. Not just so that I could touch you. I wanted to care for you, to protect you, to shelter you. Even when I did not have the power, truly, to do those things.”

She sighed. “Jiang Cheng.”

He leaned forward and kissed a shoulder again. “It’s worth it. It’s all so worth it.”

He moved his hands down over the curve of her rump. She had such a shapely bottom. He had not noticed before, beneath the skirts of her clothing. He caressed her buttocks, relishing that he could.

“Part your legs for me?” He asked.

She breathed out again before doing so.

The covering over her body was scandalously short. He had no problem reaching and feeling the dampness of her core.

“All this, for me.”

It was not a question.

“Yes.” She replied regardless.

He withdrew his hand and indicated for her to turn again.

She looked at him with such clarity, such affection shining in her eyes.

He kissed her gently. “I too wanted to know how you’d taste.”

He parted from her and licked the finger he had used to touch her. “And now I do.”

She looked between the finger and his eyes.

He was provoking her. And she knew it too.

She reached and untied the knot of his robes.

He remained still.

She continued to hold his gaze as she slowly, agonizingly so, lowered herself onto her knees.

He cupped her cheek, “you need not do this.”

She turned and pressed a kiss to his palm. “It is not submission. I want to. I choose to.”

She parted the cloth and held his erect member in hand.

She visually examined it, as she might study the depiction of a particularly intricate medical procedure.

She ran a finger along the length and then encircled the base of the tip.

She leaned forward and gave the head an experimental lick.

He bit his lip to keep from crying out. He did not want to interrupt her exploration.

She looked thoughtful before she licked it again, this time more directly on the slit.

He focused on breathing.

“Salty,” she murmured, as though she was making a notation about a new medicine she was brewing.

And then she wrapped her lips around the whole tip.

Good heavens. He had to look away. He was going to burst. Despite her wish to taste him, he did not think she’d appreciate it happening so soon.

He gritted his teeth. No. He was going to allow her to do as she wished.

When she flicked her tongue over the tip of him again, he almost changed his mind.

But no. He could have better control over himself.

She hummed a little, almost thoughtfully.

His hands balled into fists.

Her hand moved downward, and then her mouth followed.

His lips parted. She was going to be the death of him.

She slid back again, slowly.

He breathed a sigh of relief, only to gasp when she moved forward again.

She glanced up at him.

He met her gaze.

“You are…” but he truly lacked the words.

She looked like she understood though, as she continued to move and lick and torture him.

He held back as long as he could.

“Wen Qing.” He touched her shoulders, knowing he was drenched in sweat from the effort of enduring.

“Hmm?”

“I need…” his hands shook. He was sure she could feel it. “I need to be inside you.”

She released him.

Her cheeks were flushed, her lips swollen. She looked so debauched that he felt certain he was no longer solid.

“Please.”

She stood.

“Turn?” He was not sure how he sounded.

She titled her head but did.

He stepped closer, “brace yourself.”

She shivered.

He placed his hands over her hips again. “Wen Qing.”

He pushed.

She gasped.

“Wen Qing.”

He wasn’t truly aware of what he was doing, or if he had even set a rhythm. He felt outside of himself and yet so gloriously within his own skin at the same time.

“Wen Qing.” His hand reached around and pushed through her slickness, insistently.

She whimpered.

“Come on, Wen Qing.”

She panted.

He was relentless. He was close, so close. He had been hovering at the edge, but he did not give himself permission to spill, not yet. Not until…

“I’ve dreamed of you, wished for you, wanted you, for so long,” he told her. “And now you’re my reality. I am never, ever, ever going to let you go.”

He didn’t know if it was his words or his actions, but he felt her contract around him.

Only then did he let go too.

The world came back to him gradually. Or rather, he came back to the world slowly.

They were still pressed against each other.

They may well need another bath after this. But he could not bring himself to move.

“Wen Qing?”

She took a moment. Then she straightened.

He mourned the loss of her warmth as he slipped out of her.

She turned to face him. Her expression was difficult for him to read.

“I…” he started, not sure what he meant to say.

She shook her head. She leaned up and kissed the tip of his nose.

“I am not going anywhere.”

Oh.

She didn’t smile, but her expression softened into something relaxed and warm.

“You were a wish I did not know I could have.”

Oh.

He reached for her. She came into his arms willingly.

He held her close. This amazing woman who challenged him, complimented him, loved him.

They might never say the words to each other, but he knew it to be true regardless. Both of them believed more in actions anyways.

He kissed the top of her head.

He may not deserve her. But here she was regardless.

He was sure he’d used up all the wishes of his life to have her here with him.

If that was true, then so be it.

She looked up at him. “Jiang Cheng?”

“Hmm?”

“I do like it when you’re a little 霸道.”

Ah.

“And you may use me however you wish.”

“Good.”

But no more that night. They had thoroughly exhausted each other.

Tomorrow, though, was another day

Tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that. And the one after that.

His last sight, before sleep stole over his consciousness, was that of her face.

And when he woke, it was to be the first sight of his day too.

Her eyes remained closed. Her breathing was still deep. She looked relaxed, sated, content.

He smiled.

He was a fortunate man.

Excerpt

Wen Qing was a healer. Healers were not to discriminate in their patients. If she could, she would have never treated Chief Cultivator. But no, that was not completely true either. She saw glimpses of the man beneath the monster. He had given A-Ning a bow. A well made one. Even better than the bows of his sons. They had made fun of A-Ning all the more. They saw it as an insult. But Wen Qing knew otherwise. Her Mother had been gifted at archery too. Even though, as a woman, such a skill was not looked upon with favor. Chief Cultivator had taught her personally. Chief Cultivator taught her other ways to protect herself too. He made the same offer to Wen Qing. Wen Wing declined. He hired her private tutors instead. Discreet ones who knew their lives were forfeit if anything about such lessons leaked.

She refused to touch a bow. She didn't know why. Maybe out of spite. She had been angry, after all.

She learned about poisons too. She supplied poisons to women who had suffered the same as her maternal grandmother. Not all of the women used it on themselves or their unborn child.

Healers were not to kill. But did the men who perpetrated such crimes not deserve to die?

She was sure Chief Cultivator knew. But so long as no one too high ranking died, he turned a blind eye.

So it was that when she was summoned to a brothel, she went.

It was not just because of the summons. It was the manner by which the note had arrived.

Fire. A weak flash. But fire nonetheless.

Only a Wen would know how.

The Madam was surprised to see her for many reasons.

She asked politely if there was anyone ill.

“No.” The Madam replied.

“Are you certain?”

The Madam frowned.

“What about pregnancy?” Wen Qing asked.

“We know what to do.”

Wen Qing had no doubt. “I’d like to examine her.”

“Why?”

“Please.”

The Madam studied her. “You’re a Wen.”

“Yes.” She had introduced herself with her whole name.

“You’re Sect Leader Jiang’s whore.”

How unkind. But Wen Qing wasn’t surprised.

“I am not.”

“No?”

“No. Sect Leader Jiang is honorable.”

“They’re all honorable at first.” The Madam scoffed.

“He is your Sect Leader. Do you not wish for him to be different?”

The Madam stared at her and then turned her back. Foolish, really. Though Wen Qing had no sword, she was not powerless.

She started to walk.

Wen Qing followed. It could well be a trap, but she had prepared contingencies.

The room was small, cramped. Not the sumptuous rooms meant for receiving guests.

A woman laid in the bed. Her eyes were closed. She was heavily pregnant. Wen Qing needed to do no more examination to know she would deliver any day.

“The child is killing her.” The Madam shared. “She managed to hide it. Somehow. It’s too advanced for me to get rid of it. But when it’s born…”

The child’s future was predetermined.

Wen Qing went to the woman’s side. She did not recognize the face.

She felt the woman’s wrist. The Madam wasn’t wrong.

“Even you can do nothing for her.”

“I wish to attend to her nonetheless.”

“Suit yourself.” The Madam left.

Wen Qing assessed more.

The woman had been a cultivator. But her spiritual powers were almost non-existent. Her Core wasn’t destroyed so much as…

Wen Qing frowned. What was it?

“You came.”

The woman opened her eyes.

Wen Qing met her gaze. “What happened to you?”

“Poison,” the woman said, “they forced us to drink it. Pain. Most died. Some of us survived. They forced us to do other things then. They forced themselves onto us. They sold us, afterwards. They were foolish. We would have turned a better profit, had we been left intact.”

“Who?”

The woman shook her head. “No names. But only the prettiest ones were chosen.”

“We?”

“Some managed to kill themselves. Some managed to escape. I was too cowardly to do either.”

“What poison?”

“An experiment. Inspired by the Core Crusher.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know.”

“How long have you been here?”

“I was with child before I arrived. The Madam here is brusque, but she has not been unkind. She does, however, need to run her business.”

She suddenly winced. “I want better for my daughter. I cried when I felt a spark. I used up all of it for the message. I could not think of what else to do.”

“You’re about to deliver.”

The woman nodded as she winced again. “Save my daughter. Please.”

“I can save you.”

The woman shook her head. “I am ruined. I no longer wish to live. But the child…despite how she came to be, the child is innocent.”

Wen Qing was silent. It was never easy in such situations to respect her patient’s choice.

“Please,” the woman said again.

“What is your name?”

But the woman shook her head again. “I am ashamed to own to it. They call me Peony, here.”

“And the child?”

“Save her.”

Wen Qing did not ask her how she knew the child would be a girl.

“Breathe.”

The woman did. Wen Qing soothed her pain.

The contractions lasted all that day and night. Wen Qing stayed with her.

The woman cried when her child let out a wail.

Wen Qing placed the babe into her arms.

The woman’s tears streamed down her face.

“You have to push again,” Wen Qing told the woman. “The afterbirth.”

Childbirth was a messy business.

“Let me hold her?”

Wen Qing nodded.

The Madam had not returned. Wen Qing did what she could under the circumstances.

There was no great hemorrhage. It was, truly, one of the smoother deliveries in which she had taken part. But her patient was still dying. Her patient was choosing to die.

She held her child but clung onto Wen Qing’s hand too. “Thank you, for coming.”

“Do you not resent me?”

The woman shook her head. “He loves you. Cherish him.”

“How can you know?”

The woman smiled tiredly. “Not all men are monsters. You are happy, cared for. I can tell.”

“You possess remarkable strength.”

The woman shook her head as she looked down at her child. “I lived for her.”

Her eyes fluttered closed. “Save her.”

There was no dramatic wail, no last cry of defiance. She simply slipped away.

Her child stopped crying and opened her eyes for the first time since she’d entered the world.

Oh.

Wen Qing frowned and examined her.

Despite the milkiness of her eyes, she was not truly blind.

Wen Qing gently took the child into her arms.

She cleaned it. At least the water in the basin was clean.

No. Not it. Her.

She needed to talk to the Madam.

As though her thought summoned her, the Madam entered again.

“Is she dead?”

“Yes.”

“The child…”

“A girl.”

The Madam stared at the babe. Her expression was unreadable.

“Did you know?” Wen Qing asked.

“Know what?”

“What she was?”

“And what was she?”

“A Wen.”

“All Wens but you are dead.”

Wen Qing shook her head. “We were too many.”

The Madam’s nostrils flared but she said nothing.

“She had been a cultivator. Her Core was destroyed.”

“The Jins.” The Madam suggested.

Or XueYang. But out loud Wen Qing just said, “that is a dangerous accusation.”

The Madam shook her head. “Sect Leader Jin used to frequent this establishment.”

“Used to?”

“He has not, since I took over.”

Wen Qing’s eyebrows rose.

The Madam looked at her fiercely. “What now?”

“Did you know?” Wen Qing asked again.

“No.”

“There are others like her.” Wen Qing said.

“So?”

“I wish to know, if you come into contact with any.”

“How would I know?”

“Jins.”

“They hide their tracks well.”

“You must be resourceful.”

“What’s in it for me?”

“I could burn this whole establishment down.”

The Madam’s eyes narrowed.

“Your Sect Leader would not question me.”

“You cannot save all of them. They may not wish to be saved.”

“Maybe,” Wen Qing admitted, “but I’d still like to meet them and give them a choice.”

“Why?”

“I survived. It would appease my guilt.”

The Madam stared but then looked at the babe.

“I’m taking her with me.” Wen Qing informed her.

The Madam did not look surprised.

“I will ensure that you’re well compensated.”

The Madam met her gaze again.

“This room is small, but clean. She was not malnourished, nor dehydrated. The beddings are plain but also clean. She has had prior infections, but they were treated adequately. She spoke well of you.”

The Madam remained silent.

“Not all establishments are thus,” Wen Qing said.

But she was still taking the child.

“And how would you know about such things?” The Madam’s voice was mocking.

Wen Qing did not rise to the bait. “This child is a cultivator. She will be raised as one.”

“Why should I trust you?”

“You’ll know where to find me.”

“You could run.”

“I won’t.”

The Madam stared.

Her next words were unexpected. “You actually love him.”

Wen Qing didn’t answer.

The Madam laughed. She guffawed, really.

The child was startled and began to cry as well. Wen Qing soothed her as much as she could. The child will need to be fed soon.

When she looked up again, the Madam was wiping tears from her eyes. “They said it was a love story. I didn’t believe it. The worst mistake a whore can make is to believe in love. But it’s actually true, isn’t it?”

Wen Qing just held the child close.

The Madam shook her head. “I will come to Lotus Pier myself if you do not return with the proper payment.”

Wen Qing inclined her head in agreement.

The Madam looked at the babe again. “I am not ashamed of what I am, what I have been. It’s a living. But…take her. Teach her. I will keep the secret of her origins.”

“She will know.”

“What?”

“I will not lie to her.”

“You’re not afraid she’ll want revenge?”

“She would be within her right.”

The Madam tilted her head. “Does he know you’re this ruthless?”

“Yes.”

“He’s the same though, isn’t he?” The Madam asked, though not as though expected an answer. “I’ve heard what he was like during the war. He’s a killer.”

“He is your Sect Leader.”

The Madam shrugged. “I am no cultivator. What care I who sits on the Lotus Throne?”

“But his choices and actions impact you.”

“There will always be business for whores.”

She was practical.

Wen Qing was too. “She’ll need to be fed.”

“You’ll have to sort it out.”

Wen Qing nodded. She looked towards rhe child’s mother.

“I will bury her.” The Madam said.

“I will reimburse you for the costs.” Wen Qing promised.

The Madam didn’t say anything.

Wen Qing walked past her. The baby took priority.

She did return, as she’d promised.

The Jiang Sect was by no means rich like the Jins or the Lans but their coffers had replenished thanks to Jiang Yanli’s bride price. Wen Qing had been given access to the household funds as well as money for medicinal supplies.

She didn’t know how much a person truly cost.

The Madam received her in a private sitting room.

It, too, was plain. Well. Wen Qing was no customer.

“You actually came back.”

“I said I would.”

“The baby…”

“Is being cared for.”

“Hmm.”

“How much?” Wen Qing asked.

The Madam tilted her head. “You’re not worried I’ll cheat you?”

“Are you going to?”

The Madam named her price.

Wen Qing handed over the money.

“You’re not even going to negotiate?”

“I give it in good faith.”

The Madam stared and then laughed again. “Oh I like you.”

“And the other matter?” Wen Qing asked.

“Will you pay me for that too?”

“Yes.”

The Madam laughed again. “You are a fool.”

Wen Qing kept silent.

“Fine.”

“Fine?”

“Yes.”

“I will draw up a contract.”

“Is my word not enough?”

“I do not know you.”

The Madam looked at her consideringly before saying, “my name is Sisi.”

“And mine is Wen Qing.”

“You’re still going to draw up a contract, aren’t you?”

Wen Qing just drew out papers and writing supplies from her qiankun bag. “Can you read?”

“A little.”

“I will keep it plain then.”

She wrote.

Sisi read the terms.

“Acceptable?” Wen Qing asked.

“What will he think of you coming to a place like this?”

“I am a healer. I go where I am needed.”

Sisi nodded before biting the tip of her finger and pressing a bloody fingerprint to the paper. “I cannot write.”

Wen Qing nodded and then followed suit.

She made sure Sisi had her own copy of the contract. She also healed Sisi’s wound. Her spiritual powers had already healed her own.

“Not even a scar.” Sisi examined her finger.

“I look forward to our business together,” Wen Qing told her.

Sisi gestured, “Can you do anything about these?”

Wen Qing glanced at the woman’s face. There were scars that the thick powder she wore did not completely hide.

“I can try.”

“You’re not going to ask how I got them?”

“No.”

Sisi looked thoughtful. “Another time. I have a business to run.”

Wen Qing inclined her head.

She returned to Lotus Pier.

She checked on the babe. Her cousin, who had recently had a child of her own, was gracious to share her milk.

“She needs a name.”

Wen Qing knew.

Her cousin handed the child over and covered herself.

Wen Qing patted the child’s back to ensure proper digestion.

“Well?”

Wen Qing said, “I’ll think of one.”

Her cousin nodded.

Wen Qing cradled the child in her arms and walked into the sunshine.

Her eyes caught on the kites in the sky. One bobbed as an arrow hit it.

She looked down at the child.

”阿箐 (A-Qing. Bamboo bow).”

The child stirred at the sound of Wen Qing’s voice.

Wen Qing met her strange eyes. “You’ll learn how to use one too, in time.”

The babe yawned and closed her eyes again.

Wen Qing looked again at the kites.

The war may be over, but its aftermath will be felt for years yet.

The sun had been shot down, but it was not gone. Sparks, remnants of its former glory still remained. What will this little one shoot down in the future?

Wen Qing didn’t know.

This child, and others like her, may well seek revenge in the future. The world may once more stand on the brink of war. By finding the other survivors, was she trying to prevent such a thing? Who was to say she would find other survivors? They may well find her. And not all would be as understanding as A-Qing’s mother had been. They may become embittered by the unfairness. They may become warped by their experiences and seek to kill her.

Could she blame them though?

The child made a small sound.

Wen Qing looked down at her again. She remained asleep.

“Forgive me,” Wen Qing murmured, “for deciding not to lie to you. May you find the strength to live with the truth and find your own way to navigate the horrible legacy you have inherited.”

Later, she went to find Jiang Cheng.

He looked cross. As he usually did when was doing paperwork. Well, he usually looked cross no matter what.

But his expression softened when he saw her. She wasn’t sure if he was even aware of it. Just as he hadn’t seemed aware he had been smiling when she had met him in Cloud Revesses. Not that it had been much of a meeting. She had merely opened the door after treating his sister and he had merely been there.

“Wen guniang.”

She ought to tell him. About the woman and A-Qing and the brothel in YunPing. And she will. But not now.

For now, she wanted to honor a dead woman’s wish.

“Teach me.”

“What?”

“Archery.”

Archery and swimming were to the Jiangs what music was to the Lans after all. She already knew how to swim.

He blinked.

“I never learned.”

He didn’t ask why. He just set down the paper he had been reading. “Have you other tasks today?”

She shook her head, “you?”

He glanced at the paper but then looked back at her. “It can wait.”

She didn’t ask if he was sure.

He led the way and she followed.

The archery practice field was deserted at this hour.

“Have you ever held a bow before?” He asked.

She shook her head.

“May I show you?”

She nodded.

He demonstrated.

She took the bow from him and tried to replicate the hand positions.

“Like this.”

He stood behind her and placed his hands over hers.

His nearness was very distracting. She forced herself to focus.

“It always surprised me how much force is needed to pull the string,” he informed her as he pulled, her hand still trapped beneath his.

He had not notched an arrow yet.

He released the tension gradually. “You have to be careful, the string is unforgiving. And the backlash from the elasticity can be…strong.”

“Hmm?”

“It hurts.” He parted from her. She turned to look at him. His expression was a wry one. “Trust me, I know.”

She did, she realized. She did trust him. He was flawed and impatient and brusque, but she did trust him. Even when he had been angry, even when he had kissed her like he wanted to replace the very air in her lungs with himself, he had stopped short.

She turned back towards the weapon in her hand.

She pulled.

“Better,” he told her.

She relaxed the tension carefully and tried again.

He nodded. “It took me much longer. But then, I was much younger. I did not have the control that you do.”

He was capable of controlling himself though. He was always controlling himself, around her. She never feared for her virtue, even though her body tingled from the way he looked at her.

She released and tried again.

“Would you like to try it with an arrow?” He asked.

“Show me?”

He nodded. He took the bow from her again. He notched an arrow and let it fly. It was just shy of the exact center.

“Ah.” He sounded embarrassed.

“Show me?” She asked again.

“Hmm?”

“I’ve never tried.”

“Oh.” His hands were over hers again. He pulled. She felt the tension. They released. The arrow was even further from the center.

“Well.”

“I will have to practice more,” she told him.

“Hmm?” He had drawn away to a respectable distance again.

“Practice makes perfect. I must practice.”

“Your brother could likely give you pointers.”

“I’d like to do it on my own.”

He smiled a little at her, as though he hadn’t expected anything else.

She wondered if he realized he was smiling at all.

She turned away from him and focused on the target.

She notched another arrow, pulled, and let it fly.

It went wide. It stuck with a thud at the outermost edge of the target.

Well. She was not the natural A-Ning was, that her Mother had been.

But she did share something with her Mother.

Her marriage would be a happy one too.

“Shall I leave you to it?” He asked.

She turned, “that correspondence did look important.”

He looked a little guilty at having been found out.

“You’ll just have to inspect my progress later,” she told him.

“Me?”

She nodded.

He looked like he wanted to say something but then thought better of it.

He inclined his head. “Don’t stay too long? Your arms will be sore.”

“I’ll manage.”

He nodded and turned to go.

She watched as his figure disappeared around a bend.

She turned back to the target.

She did feel guilty for surviving. She felt guilty that she was loved enough to be spared the horrors that A-Qing’s mother had endured. Even though he hadn’t really done the rescuing. But he was the one her heart had chosen, even when she couldn’t afford to, even when she didn’t think she could still feel such things.

She notched the arrow. It went wide again.

She would keep trying though.

Just as she really wouldn’t run, whatever the future brought.

And she certainly wouldn’t run from him.

Theirs was a love story, after all.