#lan xichen is just going to love this new development :)
Text
King of Bunnies
When Lan Zhan accidentally gets drunk one evening, a stray comment from Wei Ying leads to a night of drunken shenanigans throughout the Cloud Recesses
Inspired by this post I made a while back!
Can also be read on Ao3
Evenings were Wei Wuxian's favorite part of the day. Not that he didn't like every part of his days in the Cloud Recesses. He loved working on talismans or other inventions in the workroom Lan Zhan had gifted him after their wedding; secluded enough that he could do noisy experiments without worrying about disturbing anyone, while close enough that he could walk there easily. He loved teaching the juniors and seeing them blossom under his tutelage. Especially when he got to teach A-Yuan and his friends. He loved taking tea with Xichen-ge and helping him with sect leader duties, as he slowly got used to the world again after his seclusion. He loved developing his cultivation so his new golden core would get stronger.
His days were stimulating yet peaceful. Even the harder side of things - like Lan Qiren's and the other Elders’ disapproval of him - were easy to ignore. But the evenings were his favorite part of the day, because then he could go home to the Jingshi and have Lan Zhan entirely to himself.
Wei Wuxian was sitting in Lan Zhan's lap, getting fed spicy food Lan Zhan had cooked for him and feeding his husband in turn, stealing kisses between bites and chatting about his day. Occasionally, he would drink from a cup that Lan Zhan kept filled with Emperor's smile, while Lan Zhan drank his fragrant tea. His heart felt full and warm, and so did his stomach. He hummed happily on wangxian and when Lan Zhan broke the no talking while eating rule to hum back, Wei Wuxian felt so happy he could die. He whined dramatically and hid his blushing face against Lan Zhan's shoulder. Lan Zhan just hugged him closer for a second before picking up another piece of the fried fish to feed him.
"Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan", Wei Wuxian chanted and his husband made a little inquisitive sound. "You really are the best. The most wonderful husband anyone could ever hope for, I love you so much."
Lan Zhan put down the chopsticks and turned to look at him. The full force of his devastatingly beautiful golden eyes were directed at Wei Wuxian. It never failed to make him feel giddy. "I love you too, husband."
Wei Wuxian squealed and clutched his heart. "Lan Zhan! You're too much! Be gentle with my poor heart!"
"I will always be gentle with Wei Ying's heart. It is precious."
"Nooo!" Wei Wuxian protested as his face turned completely red. Even months into their marriage, he still wasn't used to Lan Zhan's earnest words of devotion. He quickly grabbed his cup and drowned all the alcohol in it, in hopes that it would give him strength. That hope was immediately doused when Lan Zhan leaned down to kiss him deeply, the alcohol spilling from Wei Wuxian’s mouth.
Not that Wei Wuxian would ever complain about getting kissed, especially not these deep and filthy kisses Lan Zhan currently gave him. He nipped at Wei Wuxian’s bottom lip and then licked deep into his mouth, chasing the taste of alcohol and sucking on his tongue. It sent tingles down Wei Wuxian’s whole body and he moaned into the kiss. Lan Zhan only pulled back once he’d grown lightheaded, instead licking and biting down Wei Wuxian’s throat. Wei Wuxian tilted his head to the side to bare more of his throat to Lan Zhan’s clever mouth. More moans escaped him without his conscious input and he pulled Lan Zhan even closer, needing to feel his touch on his skin.
Then, Lan Zhan suddenly fell face first into Wei Wuxian’s lap. For a moment he thought it was because Lan Zhan had something special in mind, but as the seconds passed without Lan Zhan moving, Wei Wuxian started to grow worried.
“Lan Zhan? Are you alright?” He pushed on Lan Zhan’s shoulders to turn him around and then immediately groaned as he saw that Lan Zhan was asleep. He poked his cheek but there was no reaction. “Fuck! The alcohol!”
Wei Wuxian sighed and settled down as he waited for him to wake up, pulling Lan Zhan into a more comfortable position in his lap. Once he woke up, he would hopefully be able to put him to bed without much trouble. Meanwhile, he ate the rest of his food and downed the last of his alcohol. And if he occasionally petted Lan Zhan’s hair or stroked his face then that was his own business.
Just as suddenly as he had fallen asleep, Lan Zhan woke up. He sat up and blinked in confusion at the room around him. Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but feel endeared by his cute expression. He giggled and when Lan Zhan looked at him in question, his nose scrunched up, he only laughed more. “Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan, you look just like a bunny! So cute!”
“... bunny” Lan Zhan said and his forehead wrinkled with how hard he was thinking. Then he suddenly stood up and moved towards the door. Wei Wuxian scrambled after him, cursing under his breath. Lan Zhan couldn’t be allowed to wander through the Cloud Recesses in this state. He would embarrass himself, and only Wei Wuxian was allowed to see him like this.
“Lan Zhan! Wait up!” he called out and latched onto his arm. Unfortunately, Lan Zhan continued walking as if he didn’t even notice Wei Wuxian hanging off him. Damn that Lan strength! And so, despite his efforts, Lan Zhan managed to open the door and walk outside, Wei Wuxian dragged with him. With a sigh, Wei Wuxian resigned himself to his fate and started following his drunk husband. If he couldn’t stop him it was better to willingly go with him and hopefully stop him from committing too much shenanigans.
They walked through the paths of the Cloud Recesses and Wei Wuxian had never before been so grateful that all the Lans followed the rules about curfew. It meant only a few guards were out to see Lan Zhan drag him around. And it was extra lucky that the rules against gossiping would make sure they kept quiet about what they saw. Wei Wuxian waved at the guards they passed, grinning sheepishly as they stared in concussion at Lan Zhan.
“Where are we even going, Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian asked when they had been walking for several minutes and had gotten deeper and deeper into the back hills. The only thing back here was the bunny meadow. Wait … “Lan Zhan, are we going to see the bunnies?”
“Bunny”, Lan Zhan said and nodded in his typical serious manner. As usual, he didn’t seem very drunk, except that his eyes were distant and he was so single-minded in his focus.
“Lan Zhaaan”, Wei Wuxian complained and tried once more to fruitlessly make him stop walking. “We can go see the bunnies tomorrow, they’re probably asleep already, like we should be.” Not that he usually went to sleep this early, but if it could convince Lan Zhan to go back home it was worth a try.
“Bunny”, was all Lan Zhan said in response and Wei Wuxian groaned, even as his heart skipped a beat at just how cute his husband was when drunk. Well, maybe it wouldn’t be too bad if he played along. There should be no one else by the bunnies at this hour, so Wei Wuxian could indulge in his husband acting silly without having to worry about him ruining his reputation.
They reached the bunny meadow soon enough, and as Wei Wuxian had suspected, the bunnies were all hidden away in their burrows. Lan Zhan sat down in the middle of the meadow, pouting. “Bunny…” he said sadly and Wei Wuxian felt an urge to both bully his husband further and to immediately go digging into the burrows to find the bunnies so he wouldn’t be sad.
“The bunnies are asleep.” Lan Zhan pouted even more at those words and Wei Wuxian couldn’t resist the urge to lean in and kiss that protruding bottom lip and give it a little nip. Lan Zhan gasped and chased after his mouth when he leaned away. He was so cute that Wei Wuxian worried his heart would explode. He relented and let Lan Zhan pull him into his lap to steal a couple of deep, filthy kisses. His mouth tasted slightly of alcohol and Wei Wuxian chased the taste happily, humming in pleasure.
Lan Zhan pulled him flush against his chest and kissed him breathless for several long minutes, remarkably coordinated in this action even while drunk. Then Lan Zhan suddenly pushed him away, making Wei Wuxian fall on his ass in the grass. He gasped in surprise at the action, especially since the push wasn’t followed by Lan Zhan pushing him to the ground to make out. Instead, Wei Wuxian watched in disbelief as a couple of bunnies jumped up to him, crowding around his lap and even climbing onto him. Lan Zhan eagerly gave them all pets and cuddled them closer.
“Lan Zhan! Did you just push me away to cuddle the bunnies instead?” Wei Wuxian whined.
“Bunny”, was Lan Zhan’s response and Wei Wuxian couldn't help it. He started laughing, loud enough that the bunnies startled and tried to hide in Lan Zhan’s clothes.
“You really like the bunnies, huh Lan Zhan?”
“Mn.”
Wei Wuxian couldn't help but soften as he regarded his husband, kneeling on the ground and surrounded by the bunnies who had woken up just because they sensed Lan Zhan was close. He kept trying to pet them all at the same time and seemed distressed that he only had two hands. His husband was too cute. “Ah, Lan Zhan, you really like the bunnies and the bunnies really like you. It’s like … like you’re the King of bunnies.”
Lan Zhan’s eyes sharpened. He looked at Wei Wuxian, making him shiver, and then turned those intense golden eyes upon the bunnies. “Mn…”
He scooped two bunnies up into his hands. They wiggled for a second and then settled down happily in his big hands. Absurdly enough, Wei Wuxian felt a little bit jealous of the bunnies. He wanted to be cradled in Lan Zhan’s big hands. Lan Zhan gazed down on the bunnies for a second and then he stood up, turned around and started walking away from the meadow. Wei Wuxian gaped in surprise after him and then he scrambled to catch up with him.
“Where are you going now? Lan Zhan, the bunnies should stay in the meadow!” He was ignored, Lan Zhan marching determinedly on. Wei Wuxian sighed and resigned himself to follow and try to mitigate any damage Lan Zhan might do. Hopefully he just wanted to bring a pair of bunnies into the Jingshi.
Except when they reached their home, Lan Zhan didn’t stop. He didn’t even stop when they reached the more central parts of the Cloud Recesses. The guards eyed them in confusion and Wei Wuxian grimaced as Lan Zhan barreled past them like a man on a mission, bunnies in hand. Hopefully, they would keep quiet about this too.
Lan Zhan reached the center of the Cloud Recesses and without warning, jumped onto the roof of the Main Hall. Wei Wuxian cursed and scrambled to get up on the roof after him. “Lan Zhan! Get down from the roof!” Lan Zhan just looked at him with his shining golden eyes, a tiny pout on his lips. The bunnies he was holding only made the scene even cuter and Wei Wuxian was a weak man when it came to his husband.
“Damn it!” he said and then sighed in resignation. Surely it wouldn't be too bad if he let Lan Zhan do whatever it was he wanted. It would at least be quicker than trying to convince him to abandon his plan. “Alright, Lan Zhan, go ahead.”
The tiny smile on Lan Zhan’s lips made it all worth it. He raised the bunnies above his head and then took a very deep breath. “I AM THE KING OF THE BUNNIES!” he bellowed at the top of his lungs, the words echoing across the silent Cloud Recesses. Wei Wuxian was so surprised by the sound that he almost fell off the roof. Never before had he heard his husband make such a loud noise.
“Oh shit!” Wei Wuxian cursed. There was no way people hadn't heard that. Maybe he could convince the Lans that he had been the one to yell that? After all, no one would be surprised if Wei Wuxian yelled some nonsense late at night. As long as he got his husband home before anyone could come check what the noise had been, they would be alright.
Before he could implement his plan to get them away from there, Lan Zhan laid down on his back, put the bunnies on his chest and fell asleep right there on the roof. Wei Wuxian stared at his sleeping husband in utter disbelief for a second. Then he started laughing so hard that he had to sit down on the roof to make sure he wouldn’t fall off it.
It was to that scene four guards and Lan Qiren arrived a few minutes later. Hanguang-jun sleeping on the roof with two confused rabbits on his chest and the Yiling Laozu howling in laughter next to him. The newly arrived Lans just stared in confusion for a few long seconds, before Lan Qiren gathered his wits enough to remember he was supposed to be angry.
“Wei Wuxian!” he yelled and jumped onto the roof. The other Lans followed his example and gathered to awkwardly glance between the sleeping Hanguang-jun, the laughing Yiling Laozu and the Grandmaster. “What is the meaning of this? Why are you outside after curfew, yelling loud enough to wake people up? Why are there rabbits here? And why is Wangji sleeping on the roof?”
Wei Wuxian forced himself to look away from his sleeping husband or he wouldn't be able to stop laughing long enough to answer. He still giggled occasionally as he tried to explain. “Ah, Grandmaster Lan, all those things can easily be explained by one thing; Lan Zhan drank some alcohol by mistake.”
Lan Qiren’s face immediately shuttered as if he was in pain and then he took a deep breath to compose himself. “Are you telling me that Wangji was the one who yelled?” Wei Wuxian nodded, thoroughly amused by the way it seemed to cause Lan Qiren further pain. “And he was the one who brought the rabbits here?” Another nod. “And the reason he’s asleep on the roof is because he’s drunk?”
“Got it in one. Uh, also can I borrow these Lans to help me carry Lan Zhan home?”
“It’s too late for this.” Lan Qiren closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Sure, why not, do what you must. I’m going to bed.”
“Goodnight, Uncle!” Wei Wuxian called out to his retreating back and snickered at the glare he got in return. Then he turned to the remaining Lans. They were too disciplined to show their discomfort, but Wei Wuxian caught more than one of them glancing between him and Lan Zhan uncertainty. Wei Wuxian clapped his hands and had to suppress a snicker at the tiny jumps they did. He pointed to the Lans in turn. “Alright, you carry the rabbits back to their meadow, you guys take one limb each and I’ll support Lan Zhan’s head.”
They all relaxed as he took charge and seemed especially relieved Wei Wuxian would be the one to hold his head. Since Lan Zhan still wore his forehead ribbon, there was no way Wei Wuxian was going to let anyone else close enough to risk touching it. And it would have been really undignified if they just let his head dangle without support, not to mention uncomfortable for Lan Zhan.
They got into position and lifted Lan Zhan up together. Wei Wuxian was very glad for the help to carry him. He knew from experience just how heavy his husband was, being not only taller but also more muscular than himself. While he had carried Lan Zhan in the past and wouldn't hesitate to do so again if necessary, they were quite the distance from the Jingshi and Wei Wuxian would rather spare his back if possible.
The Lan carrying the bunnies also made sure to steer all other guards away from them, so that as few people as possible saw Lan Zhan get towed around Cloud Recesses like a sack of potatoes - though a very loved sack of potatoes. Since they consequently didn’t have to worry about being discreet, they could walk directly to the Jingshi and arrived within minutes. Wei Wuxian led the others inside and together they lowered Lan Zhan down onto the bed.
“Thanks for the help, everyone!” Wei Wuxian chirped and got four “you’re welcome” of various degrees of awkwardness in return. The moment the Lans closed the door behind them, Wei Wuxian started undressing his husband and getting him as ready for bed as possible in his unresponsive state.
He lovingly moved Lan Zhan’s limbs out of his clothes and removed his ribbon and combed his hair out. He washed his face and made sure there was fresh water next to the bed just in case Lan Zhan woke up before him - he usually didn’t when he got drunk, sleeping in for once in his life - and was thirsty. Then he tucked Lan Zhan into bed and climbed in next to him, resting his head on his shoulder. While he loved it when Lan Zhan doted on him and took care of his every little need, Wei Wuxian loved it when he got a chance to dote back. It usually only happened when Lan Zhan was drunk, so he had to take a moment to appreciate it.
Wei Wuxian pressed a kiss to his husband’s lovely cheek. “I love you so much”, he whispered and then extinguished the last candle and settled down to sleep.
🐇👑🐇
Lan Wangji’s head was pounding, he felt slightly nauseous and there was a stale taste in his mouth. Despite having only experienced it a handful of times, he immediately knew what it was. He was hungover. However, he could not recall having consumed any alcohol the night before. What had happened?
He stifled a groan as he opened his eyes and the light immediately stabbed into his sensitive eyeballs. “Take it easy”, an angelic voice said, a voice he would recognize anywhere - even in a new body, even in death. Wei Ying, his husband. Lan Wangji opened his eyes completely, despite the light, for he couldn’t bear not gazing upon his beloved’s face for even one second longer. Those precious silver eyes met his own and a brilliant smile, brighter than the morning sun, lit up his dear face.
“Wei Ying”, he said, just to say his name. It was his favorite thing to say in the world, followed closely by “I love you” and “my husband”.
“Lan Zhan”, Wei Ying echoed back, his smile turning even more illustrious. He was so beautiful Lan Wangji sometimes felt like he would go blind looking at him, and yet he would never again turn his gaze away, like he had done when he was a foolish teenager.
Wei Ying reached out and tenderly helped him sit. It made Lan Wangji’s head pound harder but the cup of water that was pressed into his hands a moment later made it worth it. He drank it all down greedily and immediately his mouth and stomach felt better and the headache lightened slightly. After he sat the cup down, he tried to subtly take in the room around them.
They were in the Jingshi and it looked as it normally did, though a little bit messier as Wei Ying had just let their clothes from the day before fall on the floor. He'd probably forgotten that Lan Wangji wouldn’t be capable of folding them up in his drunken state. Otherwise, there was nothing that hinted to what he might have done the night before while drunk. Everything seemed as it should.
Lan Wangji did not trust it. He had managed to pull the full truth from Wei Ying about what he’d done while drunk in the past and was therefore aware of how … mischievous he could be while drunk. So he knew that something must have happened. “What did I do last night?”
Wei Ying hesitated, gnawing at his plush bottom lip. It managed to distract Lan Wangji from his question for a second, as he was overwhelmed with the desire to put his own teeth on that lip. But he forced himself to concentrate, as Wei Ying hesitating like that never bore good news. It meant he was considering how much to say so he wouldn't make Lan Wangji feel embarrassed, which meant there was something to be embarrassed about. It only made Lan Wangji want to know even more, for how was he to make amends if he didn’t know what he’d done? Luckily, Wei Ying knew by now that Lan Wangji genuinely preferred to know the full truth, no matter how embarrassing.
“Lan Zhan!” he exclaimed and pouted in an exaggerated manner. “You were so cruel, refusing to kiss me and instead going to the bunnies and cuddling them instead!” That didn’t sound too bad, but he knew from the look in his husband’s eyes that there was more to come. He hummed and braced himself for what would come next. “Then you stole two bunnies away, climbed on top of the Main Hall’s roof and yelled for all of the Cloud Recesses to hear ‘I am the King of the Bunnies!’ and then you passed out on the roof.”
Mortification coursed through him and Lan Wangji could feel his ears burn. “Please tell me that you are lying”, he said, even though he knew that Wei Ying was being honest, having learned his tells by now.
Wei Ying looked at him, very seriously, and cupped his face in his hands. “I would, but then I would be lying to the King of Bunnies.” And then he started laughing so hard he fell to the floor. Lan Wangji’s heart soared at the sound, as he would never tire of hearing Wei Ying’s laughter, but his ears also burned hotter.
“Wei Ying”, he complained, which only made him laugh harder.
“Your Uncle found you there, asleep on the roof”, he said between his laughter and Lan Wangji cringed. “He and a couple of guards! I explained what happened and he just left! Luckily the other Lans stayed and helped me carry you back to bed.”
Lan Wangji coughed into his sleeve to try and cover for his embarrassment. This was worse than he had feared. “I must apologize to Uncle and the guards for my conduct.”
“Aww, Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying said, still giggling a little bit but also squiggling around on the floor until he could drape himself across Lan Wangji's lap. He reached up to hold Lan Wangji’s face again and since Lan Wangji was unable to deny Wei Ying anything, he leaned into the touch despite his embarrassment. “Don’t be embarrassed! You were so cute! And you’d make a wonderful King! Also, does that make me the Queen of Bunnies, as your wife?”
Wei Ying looked him right in his eyes and then licked his lips and wriggled his hips in a very suggestive manner. Lan Wangji felt heat flood through him for an entirely different reason. “I think the titles fit us very well, considering we breed like bunn-”
Lan Wangji threw himself over Wei Ying before he could finish the sentence, kissing him silent. Wei Ying squealed in delight and kissed him back just as enthusiastically. All embarrassment was forgotten after that and Lan Wangji ended up proudly accepting his title of Bunny King, at least in private.
79 notes
·
View notes
Text
So, I keep seeing MDZS comparison posts...
There are people who fell down the MDZS rabbit hole via the novel, and followed the developing media that paralleled the novel, and others who only know the CQL drama. While the content on both sides does differ, based on media control, these facts remain the same:
Jin Guangshan is the most vile character:
Constantly cheated on his wife
Raped his best friend's wife, resulting in Qin Su
Made false promises to his conquests, especially women who were desperate for a better life where they weren't looked down upon for doing what they needed to, to survive/Meng Shi (possibly Mo Xuanyu's mother as well)
Strung his son along
Sneered at the Wens, but was against the Sunshot Campaign like a coward
Punished the innocent if it made him look good
Started all the BS by pushing MY/JGY down the steps of Koi Tower when he was a child
Lan Xichen is the most tragic character:
Felt helpless as Wangji was brutally punished, and live with depression after Wuxian's death
Couldn't say goodbye to his father
Learned his best friend was killed by someone he loved with his own family's arts
Mortally wounded JGY for a reason that may or may not have been true
Was willing to die with JGY, only to be spared and watch him die at the hand of his deceased best friend
Meng Yao/Jin Guangyao is the cruelest character:
Killed the man who gave him a new life after his mother died
Betrayed the boy who saw him as a brother from day one
Killed his own family
Made Wei Wuxian a scapegoat
Was willing to kill a bunch of kids and frame Wei Wuxian AGAIN
Almost killed a majority of the cultivation world in the same plan
Threatened the life of the nephew he raised after killing his brother
Threw Mo Xuanyu away instead of helping him
Betrayed Lan Xichen, yet still claimed he never hurt him
Nie Huaisang is a scary genius:
Spent ten years planning Jin Guangyao's demise, complete with back-ups and fallbacks.
Is actually a very capable cultivator despite not following the "normal" methods (at least he doesn't follow demonic cultivation) because how else could he have successfully sealed the coffin?
Lan Wangji is the most loyal character:
Continued to support Wei Wuxian despite everything going downhill.
Proudly took any and all punishments dealt out by his sect's rules
Visits Xichen during his Seclusion, just as Xichen visited him during this three-year Seclusion
These are my personal analysis of these characters, I have no expectations of others to agree.
#mdzs#lan wangji#mo dao zu shi#wangxian#cql#lan zhan#jin guangyao#jin ling#lan xichen#jin guangshan#meng yao#nie mingjue#nie huaisang#wei wuxain#lan sect#wei ying#character analysis#the untamed#the grandmaster of demonic cultivation#the founder of diabolism#personal opinion#this took longer than i thought#it took so long to write this
36 notes
·
View notes
Text
Futures past pt3 / On AO3
Nie Huaisang meets a potential new friend, all thanks to Lan Xichen
The Cloud Recesses were impossibly boring and extraordinarily fun at the same time, Nie Huaisang decided roughly a week into his stay there.
The boring part was the lectures, of course. He frequently fell asleep during those, drawing the ire of Lan Qiren… and apparently asking that the old man speak in a more lively manner was not the right reaction to being caught like that. Nie Huaisang had already been punished to copy Gusu Lan’s rules a few times in just those first few days. It didn’t bother him too much. If anything, he counted that as part of the fun. Back at home being punished meant running around the courtyard a hundred times, or carrying heavy buckets, or some awful boring thing like this.
Copying rules, by contrast, wasn’t so bad, especially after the first few times. Once Nie Huaisang knew them well enough, he stopped paying attention to the words and was free to focus entirely on his calligraphy skills. After a year of this, he was sure he’d have the best handwriting in the world, which he felt was more important than whatever Lan Qiren actually intended to teach him.
Other fun things to do included fishing (technically forbidden), catching birds (forbidden), exploring the back hills (forbidden), and chatting with other bored people outside of class (tolerated, though Nie Huaisang’s loud laughter was forbidden). Nie Huaisang had already found several places he couldn’t wait to paint, as soon as he found a way to escape punishment for a day. The light just wasn’t good enough for it when he went into the back hills too late, so that was a concern, but he was sure he’d manage sooner or later. He just needed to figure out how to fall asleep inconspicuously, and that would solve most of his problems.
During the middle of his second week, Nie Huaisang finally managed to go through a full day without getting scolded at all. It was, in all honesty, not thanks to anything he had personally done. But Jin Zixun had been particularly unbearable that day, attracting all the attention of the substitute teacher, who’d had to replace Lan Qiren at the last moment because sect business had needed urgent care. So Jin Zixun had been the one punished, and he’d made such a huge deal of it that very little teaching had happened after that, meaning that Nie Huaisang hadn’t had a chance to get in trouble as well.
When the bell rang to signal the end of the lectures for the day, Nie Huaisang ran (forbidden) to the little house he shared with the other Nie and hurriedly grabbed all his painting equipment, eager to make good use of the lovely light they had that day. He then made his way toward the back hills, only to hear his name called out just as he was about to leave the last set of buildings behind him.
He turned around, saw Lan Xichen walking his way, and almost cursed. So much for his much desired painting session.
“Were you going somewhere, Nie gongzi?” Lan Xichen asked. Noticing the painting equipment, he smiled indulgently. “Oh, I see. The light is truly lovely for it today. Are you going to the Plenitude Creek?”
“I don’t know if it has a name,” Nie Huaisang replied. “But there’s a nice little clearing when you follow the river long enough, and from there there’s a lovely view of the mountains.”
Lan Xichen nodded. “I think I see the place you mean, and it is quite nice as well. But if you would allow me, I really think you might enjoy the Plenitude Creek. It is hard to find when you don’t know where it is though, so I could guide you there. It’s not far at all, and I believe you might enjoy it as a subject.”
It was very tempting to refuse, if only because Nie Huaisang already had a plan, and he wasn’t sure at all when he’d get another chance to do as he pleased. At the same time, his future self had insisted on the need to be on good terms with Lan Xichen, hadn’t he? And everyone said that Lan Xichen was a very skilled artist already in spite of his youth, so he would know how to spot a nice scenery.
“If Lan gongzi has time to waste on me, I’ll gladly take this offer,” Nie Huaisang said. “Please lead the way.”
Lan Xichen did just that, careful to match his pace to Nie Huaisang’s, just like he had during that tour of the Cloud Recesses a while ago. It really was considerate of him, and Nie Huaisang appreciated it more than he should have. He was used to trailing behind others because he just couldn’t make the effort of walking fast enough, so having his speed taken into account for once was nice. On the down side, it felt quite awkward to be side by side like this in silence. It was probably fine for Lan Xichen, because Gusu Lan preferred the quiet, but Nie Huaisang didn’t like to be around others and not chat. Silence was only for birdwatching, or when he focused on something for once.
“I’m surprised you’re not scolding me for this,” Nie Huaisang said after a while, only to immediately want to slap himself. It was such a stupid thing to say, only made worse when he opened his mouth to add: “Your uncle gave us all that homework to do, I probably shouldn’t be thinking of painting. Da-ge would surely be scolding me. Poor da-ge, he lost the didi lottery, and you won it.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t think that at all,” Lan Xichen objected.
“Oh, he does. He told me as much. I almost forgot my sabre at home when preparing to come here, you see, and he got angry, and he said Wangji would never be such an embarrassment, and how I need to grow up already and all that. But the way I see it, it’s not my fault. I think your brother stole all the accomplishments there were to be had in my age group, so of course I was left with nothing at all.”
“Now you’re unfair to yourself,” Lan Xichen scolded, his voice oddly detached all of a sudden. “I’m sure… I’m quite sure Nie gongzi is skilled at many things, and just needs the chance to show it off.”
Surprised to hear something that very nearly sounded like a compliment, Nie Huaisang pondered a moment on that as they followed along the path.
“No, I don’t think I have any skill at all,” he decided at last.
Lan Xichen frowned, and motioned for Nie Huaisang to leave the path with him.
“The other day, you said your father used to compliment your ear for music,” Lan Xichen noted. “And you paint, don’t you?”
“Oh, very poorly. It’s just something I do because it’s fun. If you were to see it…”
“I would like to.”
Off the path, the ground was rougher, with roots everywhere. Nie Huaisang told himself that he tripped for that reason alone, and not at all because the request surprised him so much. Lan Xichen caught him before he could really fall, but that just made it worse, and Nie Huaisang quickly pulled away, puzzled by that sudden goodwill. Lan Xichen had never taken notice of him before, or only to nod along when Nie Mingjue scolded his unruly little brother in his presence, so why the change?
“Did da-ge ask you to keep an eye on me?” Nie Huaisang bluntly asked. “Is this… are you just going to lecture me, or to take me somewhere to meditate instead of paint?”
His brother used to do both, when he was younger. He would agree to take Nie Huaisang out to admire a landscape, then turn their outing into a cultivation lesson, or make him meditate in a place that was supposed to be particularly rich in energy. Over time Nie Huaisang had learned to run the opposite direction if his brother offered to go for a walk, and apparently he might need to do the same with Lan Xichen.
“Of course he asked me to look after you,” Lan Xichen said, looking puzzled. “He is your brother and I am his friend. But I really just want to show you a place I think you’d enjoy to…”
“That’s what da-ge would say too,” Nie Huaisang retorted, deeply annoyed now. “Thanks, but no thanks. Have your own fun meditating, Lan gongzi, but I have better things to do!”
Nie Huaisang bolted away, running as fast as he could in what he vaguely believed was the direction from which they had come from. He thought he heard Lan Xichen calling his name after the initial surprise had passed, but the older boy made no effort to run after him. Possibly because it would have been undignified for someone as elegant as Lan Xichen to run, and also because it might have been against one of those rules that Nie Huaisang still couldn’t be bothered to remember. Nie Huaisang, meanwhile, was only concerned about getting away from this heinous trap.
He ran until he found the path again. Then, fearful that he’d be too easy to find if he returned to the Cloud Recesses or followed the path deeper into the mountain, he decided to keep running into the woods on the other side of that path, and find a quiet spot where to wait. If Lan Xichen was anything like Nie Mingjue, it might take him a shichen or more to accept that Nie Huaisang wouldn’t be so easily manipulated into behaving.
Worried about being pursued and forced to study, Nie Huaisang kept glancing behind as he ran. That was how he only noticed too late that he’d stumbled into a clearing, one in which there was already a person present.
To be precise, he discovered this other person due to running into them at full speed, causing both of them to fall on the ground. Nie Huaisang initially counted himself lucky, since he’d fallen on top of the stranger, but that sentiment didn’t last long when he was roughly pushed aside, knocking the breath out of him.
“Can’t you watch where you’re going?” the other person snapped as he sat up. “Look at that, I’ve got grass stains now!”
It was a boy roughly Nie Huaisang’s own age, dressed all in white… or in robes that were originally white, anyway. A Lan disciple then, but not a member of the Lan clan: the ribbon on his forehead wasn’t embroidered, marking him as an outer disciple.
“Sorry, I was trying to escape,” Nie Huaisang said, sitting up as well and rubbing his back. “If you want, you can blame me for the robes, just as long as you don’t tell Lan Xichen you saw me if he comes here.”
The Lan disciple squinted at him unhappily.
“What did you do to Lan gongzi?”
“Nothing! He was the one trying to trick me, so of course I had to escape!”
The Lan disciple squinted harder, unconvinced.
“Lan gongzi is too boring to even think of tricking anyone, you must have misunderstood.”
Nie Huaisang gasped, delighted that finally someone else also realised Lan Xichen was so very boring. Delight, though, soon gave way to guilt and a little bit of shame.
Whatever defects Lan Xichen had, his personality was honest and straightforward. If he had wanted to lecture Nie Huaisang, he would have said so, just as he wouldn’t have lied if he thought he knew a place where meditation would be more effective. Someone like him just didn't have the imagination needed for trickery. Which meant that Lan Xichen had probably really just meant to show him a nice scenery to paint. Which, in turn, meant that Nie Huaisang had just behaved in an impossibly rude manner toward the person he was supposed to befriend if he wanted to save his brother.
"You're not going to tell anyone?" the Lan boy asked, his face contorted with terror. "I shouldn't have said that about Lan gongzi, please don't…"
"Don't worry, I think he's boring too," Nie Huaisang distractedly retorted, waving his hand. "But damn, even someone with as little personality as him might take offence… ah, what a bother."
The Lan disciple squinted at him.
"Who are you exactly, to speak like that of Lan gongzi?"
Nie Huaisang winced. There was a rule against rudeness, he vaguely remembered, and maybe also one against disrespecting one's host.
"I'm Nie Huaisang. And you are?"
The Lan boy frowned, then paled and bowed deeply before Nie Huaisang.
"This humble one apologises for not recognising Nie gongzi. This humble one begs for forgiveness, and…"
"Please don't bow," Nie Huaisang complained. "It's not necessary. And don't worry, I'm not important, so nobody ever recognises me. Listen, just don't tell anyone I was running, and I won't tell anyone that you…" he hesitated, and waved his hand toward the other boy. "That you have an actual personality, unlike everyone here. Actually, I think it’s nice!”
The Lan disciple winced, and remained bowed until Nie Huaisang grabbed him by the elbows and forced him to stand straight again.
“There, no need to be so formal! What’s your name, by the way?”
The other boy hesitated a moment longer than was truly polite, and glared down at his feet when he finally answered.
“I’m Su She. I am a disciple of Gusu Lan and… and I should report both of us for punishment for being rude about Lan gongzi.”
“But you won’t do that, right?” Nie Huaisang begged. “Please, you’re the first Gusu Lan person I’ve met that sounds even a little cool, please don’t ruin it?”
Su She hesitated, which Nie Huaisang took as an excellent sign. So far, he’d never seen any Gusu Lan disciple even consider breaking their precious rules. Then again, they usually always moved in groups, meaning they couldn’t be properly negotiated with.
“I suppose I can let it slide for this time,” Su She pondered. “And you really won’t tell that I was… not perfectly polite either, right? I’m doing my best, but apparently I have a bad temperament.”
“I think you’re just fine,” Nie Huaisang replied, feeling very generous now that he was certain not to be punished. “But why are you here anyway?” he asked, before noticing a book of sword forms carefully laid on the ground which they’d very nearly fallen on earlier, as well as a training sword, the sort that wouldn’t even cut through congee. “Oh, were you practising?”
It was an odd place for it, Nie Huaisang thought, because Gusu Lan had a few perfectly fine training grounds, where seniors were usually hanging out and could provide help and advice to improve one’s posture. But maybe those same seniors were the reason why Su She didn’t want to practice on the training grounds. If his personality was judged unpleasant, or if his skill was deemed insufficient… Nie Huaisang understood that too well, having the same problem. Even on those occasional moments when he’d considered training for real, he’d ended up discouraged when he’d felt everyone judging him for his low level.
“I prefer to be on my own,” Su She announced, before quickly adding: “Not that… not that Nie gongzi is bothering me of course. You can stay if you want.”
The offer sounded so forced that Nie Huaisang snorted. “I might stay,” he said, mostly to tease, and Su She looked as if he’d bitten into a lemon. “Oh, don’t worry, even if you were the worst swordsman in the world I wouldn’t judge. No matter your level, I’m worse than you.”
“I’m not that bad,” Su She proudly retorted, bending down to pick up his sword. “Just because I’m not as good as those who were born in the sect… but I didn’t start cultivating until four years ago, and my parents are… well, I’d never picked up a sword until they tried to get me into a sect, that’s the only reason I’m a little behind.”
Nie Huaisang nodded. “Those born in sects or from a rogue cultivator have a bit of an advantage.”
“A lot, you mean!” Su She snapped, before taking a deep breath and making himself smile. “But that just means I have to work harder to catch up, and of course I’m grateful that I was allowed to join at all.” He glanced at the manual on the ground, then at Nie Huaisang. “Are you really going to watch me? I… I don’t do as well when someone watches me.”
“I’m just going to sit here,” Nie Huaisang replied after some consideration. “I promise not to look too much. But if I go back right now, then I might stumble upon Lan gongzi, and I’ll have to apologize, and… I just don’t feel like doing that right now.”
To show how little he would be watching, Nie Huaisang sat against a tree so that he’d have to look over his shoulder to see the clearing. Su She glared at him for a while, unhappy with this arrangement, but in the end he gave in and resumed practicing.
At first, Nie Huaisang really tried to respect the other boy’s shyness. He looked just anywhere but toward Su She, wondering how angry Lan Xichen might be (not much, he’d need a personality for that), whether this place might inspire him to paint (not particularly, there wasn’t anything striking to it) or if he might see some birds (he wouldn’t, Su She was scaring them away). All too soon, Nie Huaisang became bored, and decided to check just how bad his new friend was, anyway.
Turning around to look, Nie Huaisang was surprised to discover that Su She was, in fact, very decent with a sword. His posture was good enough that even Nie Mingjue wouldn’t have found much to criticise, he had good balance, his movements were measured and elegant while still demonstrating strength. For someone not born in a sect, Su She was pretty good. Even if he had been born among cultivators, his level would have been more than decent. Nie Huaisang had expected so much worse, and ended up watching the other boy until he was finished with his set of exercises
Su She frowned deeply when he realised he’d been watched, and sheathed his sword with an angry movement.
“I know I’m not good enough yet,” he grumbled. “I’m trying.”
“I think you’re doing very well,” Nie Huaisang said.
“Not as good as Lan gongzi and Lan er-gongzi, though.”
Nie Huaisang snorted and shrugged. “Well, you’ve got to be realistic. They’re on equal footing with adults, those two. I’ve seen Lan gongzi spar with my brother and they often come to a draw, and da-ge is a damn monster.”
Su She’s frown only deepened.
“Someday, I’ll be that good. Better, even. I’m going to catch up and I’ll show everyone!” Su She proclaimed.
Having no ambition whatsoever, save maybe to collect as many pretty things as possible and try to make sure his brother didn’t die too soon, Nie Huaisang found this need to prove oneself a little odd. Still, it seemed to be important for Su She, and Nie Huaisang had decided he liked this weird Lan disciple.
“I’m sure you’ll show them, yeah,” he cheerfully agreed. “If you’re already as good as this with a sword, it’s just a matter of time. How do you do with other subjects? Music and archery?”
Su She grimaced, and bent down to pick up his manual, avoiding Nie Huaisang's eyes when he stood up again and checked the book hadn't been dirtied.
“I got into Gusu Lan because my music skills were judged passable enough,” he muttered. “But that’s all I had for myself. And there’s only so much time in a day, and the sword is more important, everyone says so, and… I don’t have time to practice archery outside of classes, so my skill remains very poor. There’s just a lot to learn, I can’t work on everything at once!”
“It’s really too much to ask,” Nie Huaisang agreed, as if he hadn’t given up on trying years ago. “I’m curious to hear you play the guqin now, though. Saying someone is ‘passable enough’ in the Cloud Recesses, that’s saying they have out of this world talent by anyone else’s standards.”
“You’re mocking me!”
“I’m not! Oh, do you know any fun pieces? I mostly only hear such boring things…”
“Melodies for the guqin are meant to be slow and reflective,” Su She dryly informed him. “But… I play the dizi too, and there are less… formal pieces of music for that. My younger siblings liked it, anyway, and they're too young to care about real music.”
“Great! Then you’re going to play for me!” Nie Huaisang decided, grinning so triumphantly he didn’t notice the other boy’s grimace. “Oh, but it’s getting late, I should head back… I really don’t want to be late for dinner. If I have to copy the stupid rules another time, my wrist will fall off. Let's walk together?”
Su She rolled his eyes, but didn’t make any comment, even though Nie Huaisang was sure that another less interesting Lan disciple would have scolded him for not showing proper respect to the rules.
He was so glad the two of them had met. Surely, this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and one far more interesting than the one he was supposed to pursue with Lan Xichen.
#xisang#nie huaisang#lan xichen#su she#mo dao zu shi#mdzs#jau writes#double time travel#lan xichen is just going to love this new development :)
36 notes
·
View notes
Note
You know what would be interesting?
JC never lost his golden Core.
And Wei Wuxian did not lose his.
But he still gets dropped into the Burial Mounds. And like I dunno how, but he comes out of there having mastered the new form of cultivation.
Jiang Cheng acts like a dick that's par for cannon. And this Wei Wuxian who has survived the burial Mounds with his golden core intact has no time for his drama.
He definitely confesses to Lan Wangji o ce he is out of the burial mounds.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in the Sunshot campain would be brilliant. Cultivating and * *wink wink nudge nudge* * dual cultivating.
JC is seething with jelousy. He has everything. The gentry name, the money and sect leadership but the whole world is only speaking about Wei Wuxian and his like awesome cultivation. Both the sword style and with his flute.
Wen Qing and Wen Ning- Wen Ning convinces his sister to join the war. Wen Ning wants to be on Wei Wuxian's side.
What would JC throw a tantrum over if he doesn't have anything to throw a tantrum over??
Like for example he blames Wei Wuxian for Lotus Pier burning. Obviously it's not his mistake. But one day he is yelling at Wei Wuxian about it and sect leader someone maybe XiChen, maybe Sect leader Nie. Whoever. Comes and like defends Wei Wuxian.
What would he do then faced with the facts? Cling all the more to his warped world view? Or apologize?
It will be interesting to see.
You don't have to take this prompt if it's too messy or whatever. I love you and your writing.
Also, thank you for choosing to write my previous prompt.
XOXO.
(this is a little similar to trapped and patient but also quite different. Hope you like it! The format is a bit different because this is a lot of time to cover in a short prompt)
When he stumbles out of the Burial Mounds, Wei Wuxian is stunned. He can't believe he made it, that he was able to survive it, without his sword.
Wei Wuxian walks forward shakily, one unsteady step at a time, putting distance between him and that wretched place.
He feels weak, drained, devastated in small ways.
But he is free.
---
Yiling offers shelter in unexpected ways. He's able to hide in a temple to recover. His condition is wretched enough that he's mistaken for a beggar. A few people take pity on him and offer fruits and buns.
It takes him a week.
That's all it takes for him to recover.
Wei Wuxian washes all traces of Burial Mounds off him, soaks in icy river water for hours on end until he feels purified and reforged.
Now, he's ready for revenge.
---
Wei Wuxian has only tried his cultivation method on the dead. He has used it to repel the fierce corpses, fierce ghosts, and spirits soaked in resentment.
When he tests the method on the Wens, it proves to be even more effective. They scramble like mindless beasts, driven by fear and confusion. The sounds of his Dizi pierce the air and induce madness.
He watches from a distance, indifferent as the Wens turn on each other, swinging their swords, shouting at phantoms, all sense and intellect gone.
He turns away.
---
Jiang Cheng's arms wrap around him and the fog around his mind starts to slowly recede. He stands stiffly, blinking a little before looking beyond his martial brother.
Lan Zhan is there, staring at him with wide eyes. There's so much open concern on his usually stoic face that Wei Wuxian wants to turn away.
"Wei Ying,"
It is only then, under the power of that golden gaze, that his fugue state dissipates. He sees Lan Zhan step forward, almost reaching out only to pull back at the last moment.
Jiang Cheng pushes him away and punches his shoulder, "Where have you been? How dare you abandon us and just frolic off somewhere?"
Wei Wuxian swalllows with difficulty and answers their questions with his habitual dismissive charm.
But that honest expression of open concern on Lan Zhan's beautiful face doesn't leave.
He meets those golden eyes and feels something shift within him.
Shaking his head, he dismisses the feeling. There's no time for sentimental reunions. He turns his attention towards Wen Chao, unsheathes his sword, and kills him in one clean strike.
There. Done.
---
The war is already in full swing by the time he joins it. His martial brother and Lan Zhan are quick to take him to Qinghe, not even letting him ride his own sword.
"Wei-gongzi, I'm happy to see you safe," Lan Xichen greets, running a discreet eye over him. The older Lan brother's concern is well hidden but Wei Wuxian senses it nevertheless.
The man looks like he's just about ready to banish him to the healing halls.
He opens his mouth to reassure Lan Xichen but Nie Mingjue intervenes, slapping his back solidly, "I hear you're responsible for the devastation at Yiling. Good work!"
Wei Wuxian smiles brightly, hoping to banish that increasingly familiar look from Lan Zhan's face. "Thank you, Nie-zongzhu." He smiles up at the man, "I can give you a full report of what happened if you wish it."
The Chifeng-zun's expression shifts into one of approval and he nods, "I do wish it."
"I would like to know as well, if you don't mind," Lan Xichen says and Nie Mingjue nods before he glances at Lan Zhan.
He chuckles, "Lan er-gonzi can join us as well."
---
Wei Wuxian doesn't realize he's been spending more time with the Lan brothers and Nie Mingjue until Jiang Cheng angrily points it out.
"You're too good for us, are you?" He demands, "Abandoning us in favor of your new friends! Even in the battlefield, you and Lan Wangji are inseparable! Have some shame! How dare you abandon your responsibilities and mess around with that man?"
"a-Cheng," Shijie reprimands gently but her voice is weak.
"Aiya, Jiang Cheng, who keeps track of such things amidst a war? They're all our allies. It's not like I have abandoned everyone." He still trains with the Jiang disciples and leads them in battle after all.
"Wei Wuxian!"
"Jiang Cheng," His voice makes his irritation clear, "Is this really the right time to worry about such trivial matters? Who cares about appearances during war? Are were not all one when on the battlefield?" He asks, narrowing his eyes on the furious Jiang, "We don't know whether we'll live or die when we ride out and you're concerned about who fights alongside me? Just who are you speaking of?"
"Who I am speaking of?" Jiang Cheng snaps in return, "Your obsession with that man is unseemly and reflects poorly on the sect! You know it and yet you carry on shamelessly-"
"My obsession?" He demands, "Just what are you trying to imply, Jiang Cheng? You're going to be a brat just because Lan Zhan happens to be the only one able to keep up with me?" It is no secret that his three month stint sharpened his cultivation in ways people find hard to fathom. He didn’t just develop a new cultivation method, he grew. Surviving the Burial Mounds is a feet beyond the skill and endurance of most cultivators.
Wei Wuxian has earned his already formidable reputation.
Jiang Cheng reels back at the reminder, his face twisting with rage.
Never let it be said that Wei Wuxian takes things lying down. He has spent a lifetime appeasing Jiang Cheng and dealing with his insecurities.
He no longer has the patience.
---
He reaches out instinctively, pulling Lan Zhan out of a blade's path, spinning around to block the strike with his bare arm.
His thick leather brace manages to minimize the damage and he doesn't lose his arm but it is a near thing.
With a hiss, he crowds against Lan Zhan and brings Suibian down in a sharp slash, cutting the Wen before him from left shoulder to right hip.
"Reckless." Lan Zhan says later as he carefully stitches the cut.
"I couldn't let you get hurt." Wei Wuxian says softly, peering down at the kneeling figure before him. He has seen Lan Zhan in various states of indignity, covered in blood, robes soaked in the disgusting sludge of a war-torn field.
Nothing diminishes his beauty.
Wei Wuxian's heart races, his head spinning as he smells the scent of sandalwood. He swallows as Lan Zhan shifts closer, carefully snipping the excess thread and studying his neat stitches.
This close, he feels overwhelmed and realization dawns.
"I love you," He breathes, stunned.
He loves Lan Zhan. The knowledge strikes him now, suddenly, without warning. "How did I not know?" Wei Wuxian feels strangely dazed. How could he not know? It is so obvious to him, his constant need for Lan Zhan's attention, "I hate it when you ignore me." The feeling of those snapping golden eyes on him when he finally manages to gain Lan Zhan's attention, "It's thrilling when you don't."
He has never met anyone more beautiful, "I find you better looking than any maiden." Lan Zhan's proximity now makes him feel-, "Breathless," He says, "When I'm close to you I feel- how did I miss-"
Lan Zhan grip is like vice around his wrist.
Wei Wuxian stops, going pale as he realizes how brazenly he had just confessed love to a man. If Jiang Cheng were here, he'd definitely gut him with Sandu, "Lan Zhan, I-"
Lan Zhan surges forward, eyes blazing and expression dark.
Warm lips slide over his and his mind goes silent.
He doesn't think a single thought that night.
---
War doesn't wait for anyone and Wei Wuxian doesn't say anything in protest when Lan Zhan pulls away from him. He watches with heavy eyes as Lan Zhan shrugs on his discarded outer robes and glances at him.
"Is your body alright?" He asks and Wei Wuxian feels a blush crawl up his neck.
“No! Of course it isn’t,“ He complains even though his body is buzzing with lingering pleasure. He pouts up at Lan Zhan, who studies him with careful golden eyes, “Really, going on and on, taking your pleasure without any care for my virgin body.“ Lan Zhan’s ears are delightfully red, “Who knew er-gege could be so bold?“
“Wei Ying,“ Lan Zhan’s expression is flat but his voice carries a hint of a waver. Wei Wuxian just grins in response, “Be serious.“
In all honesty, his body is already back to its regular state of being. His Golden Core is still spinning furiously and the lingering energy from Dual Cultivation has healed any aches and pains he might have.
“Fine,“ He says in a petulant tune, inwardly delighted that Lan Zhan is now his, “But er-gege must kiss me to make me feel better.”
Lan Zhan doesn’t hesitate, leaning over him and gently tipping his chin up for the demanded kiss.
Wei Wuxian sighs, sinking into it as a curtain of silken black hair forms a private cocoon around him.
---
The war ends but Wei Wuxian’s problems don’t end with it. Three issues stand before him; helping the Wen remnants, helping rebuild YunmengJiang, and figuring out how to marry Lan Zhan.
One obstacle stands in the way of two of these three goals. Jiang Cheng absolutely refuses to lift a finger to help the Wen remnants, even though Wen Qing’s assistance helped them win the war. Jin Guangyao may have killed Wen Ruohan but Wen Qing prevented thousands of casualties.
Wen Ning was also responsible for rescuing Jiang Cheng from the Wen capture before he lost his Golden Core. It was fortunate that Wen Zhuliu had been called to visit Wen Ruohan and Wen Chao had to wait to enact that punishment.
Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian managed to steal Jiang Cheng away just hours before Wen Zhuliu returned.
And yet, Jiang Cheng chooses to side with the Jins on the matter instead of listening to Lan Xichen or Nie Mingjue. Wei Wuxian knows it is partly because their sister is marrying into the Jin clan and they can’t afford to make things difficult for her, but still.
Jin Zixuan will obviously protect shijie. There’s no need to be so cautious, especially if three out of four sects oppose imposing any sort of punishment on innocent people.
On a personal front, Jiang Cheng’s disapproval of his relationship with Lan Zhan is blatant.
Jiang Cheng can’t really stop Wei Wuxian from marrying whoever he wishes. He doens’t need the sect leader’s permission as he’s not really the member of the family. But his shidi is making things difficult with his sneering disapproval and contemptuous comments in public.
He has already alienated Lan Xichen completely by calling Lan Zhan’s honor in question (boy did he earn the punch Wei Wuxian had leveled at him - sect leader or no). Nie Mingjue will never side with some upstart over Lan Xichen.
Lan Zhan himself doesn’t care. He has never liked Jiang Cheng and he never will. He only retaliates when Jiang Cheng tries to attack Wei Wuxian.
His protective er-gege as no tolerance for anyone trying to harm him.
Which is what, ultimately, breaks Wei Wuxian’s ties with YunmengJiang.
The confrontation is embarrassingly public. He doesn’t mind Lan Xichen or Nie Mingjue being present but feels upset about Jin Guangshan and Jin Guangyao being there as well.
“Twin Prides of Yungmeng, isn’t that what you promised me?“ Jiang Cheng demands, “Where will your pride be if you break all of your promises and get into...” He waves his hand at Lan Zhan in disgust, “Is this how you intend to repay us? My father raised you to be the Head Disciple of the Jiang Sect and you would rather be some sort of deviant?“
“Jiang Cheng-“
“And you would side with the Wen dogs too! Was this always your intention? Did you always want to bring down my sect and support its enemies?”
“The Wen remnants have helped us. They’re not our enemies.“
“They’re not our enemies now,“ Jin Guanyao interjects calmly, his voice soothing and patient, “But surely you see that it may not remain so? We cannot risk another war.”
“They’re barely a few hundred people and we have already taken most of their resources. They’ll live as poor peasants. How can they be a threat to us?“ Wei Wuxian asks.
“You’re indeed naïve, Wei-gongzi,“ Jin Guangshan says in a gentle, placating tone, “Perhaps your fondness for Wen-guniang is making you turn a blind eye. Beautiful women have a tendency to do that.“ He chuckles indulgently.
The sly implication in his tone isn’t lost on anyone. Lan Zhan’s expression turns frosty and Wei Wuxian feels a surge of fury strong enough to make his blood boil. There are so many things wrong with that statement that Wei Wuxian, for once, is rendered speechless.
“You question the honor of Wei Wuxian of all people?“ Nie Mingjue demands, taking a step forward, “I have stayed silent because Jiang Sect business isn’t my business but I will not have you slander and belittle a proven warrior in my presence!“
“Indeed,“ Lan Xichen says calmly but there’s no mistaking the sharp look in his eyes. Lan Xichen rarely reacts to provocations or interferes in sect matters that don’t concern him. But he’s not going to let anyone upset his younger brother carelessly, “The matter of the Wens is easy to resolve. Let us give them a small piece of land, let them set up a village, and forbid cultivation among them.“
“Er-ge,“ Jin Guangyao begins but Lan Zhan is out of patience.
He steps back and bows to all assembled before placing a hand on Wei Wuxian’s back, “Wei Ying will choose his own path. Wens will remain free. Wei Ying and I will marry.“ He meets Jiang Cheng’s furious gaze, “Jiang-zongzhu must decide whether his brother’s happiness matters to him.“
Wei Wuxian winces.
“My brother’s happiness?“ Jiang Cheng demands, “All everyone has ever cared about is his happiness! What about me? What about our Sect? A sect he nearly destroyed because of his loyalty towards you.“ Jiang Cheng looks at him, “Did you forget my mother? My father? How do you intend to repay the enormous debt you carry, Wei Wuxian?“
Wei Wuxian stares back at him, “What is my repayment, Jiang Cheng?” He asks softly, “What will it take for you to consider that debt repaid?” It has been over five years since the fall of Lotus Pier. Wei Wuxian has bled and slogged through war to restore that place to its former glory. He has kept Jiang Cheng safe, helped renegotiate shijie’s marriage, and used his name to draw skilled cultivators to YungmengJiang.
What more can he give?
“Loyalty.“ He stills, “You devote your life to YungmengJiang and nothing else.“
Lan Xichen makes a faint, alarmed noise while Nie Mingjue huffs in disapproval.
Wei Wuxian takes a deep breath, feeling Lan Zhan’s fingers flex on his back. He levels a flat look at Jiang Cheng and thinks on the matter of debts. He thinks about Madam Yu’s refusal to bend, of Jiang-zongzhu’s passivity and lack of planning. He thinks about the Wen’s unprovoked attack on Cloud Recesses and the inevitability of war.
He thinks of his Lan Zhan and shijie’s Jin Zixuan, without swords and facing an armed group of Wens under Wen Chao’s orders.
He thinks of love. Of what it means to be truly, unconditionally loved.
No sorrys and no thank yous. No debt owed for simply being a part of someone’s life.
He thinks of acceptance that comes with an older brother’s amused smile. He thinks of an uncle’s gruff admonishment to behave followed by a stiff reminder to eat, you’re skin and bones already.
He takes a deep breath and decides.
“No.“
409 notes
·
View notes
Note
Ok this is my first time doing this, but we’ve gotten NMJ harem and WWX harem but can we get JYL harem? That woman deserves to get spoiled, preferably by 3 of the highest ranked cultivators (like LXC, NMJ, and sure she can keep JZX)
ao3
“I’ve decided,” Lan Xichen announced. “I’m sorry, Jin-gongzi, but I’m stealing your fiancée.”
“Oh, no,” Jin Zixuan said. His arm was comfortably wrapped around Jiang Yanli’s waist. “Did you hear that, A-Li? You’re going to be kidnapped away by the cultivation world’s number one bachelor.”
“Would that be considered a step up, since you're only number three?” Jiang Yanli asked with a smile. “Good for me, then. Sad for you, though.”
“I’m completely heartbroken,” he assured her. “I’ll cry myself to sleep at night.”
“Who’s crying?” Nie Mingjue asked, opening the door and letting himself in. He looked tired again, as he always had in private since the war started – tired, and angry, and angry about being angry. They worried about him. “Do I need to hit someone?”
He sounded wistful.
“Just me,” Lan Xichen said.
“He’s going to steal my fiancée away. It’s extremely tragic,” Jin Zixuan explained, and Nie Mingjue’s eyes curved in one of his rare smiles. “Are you going to defend my honor?”
“Certainly not,” Nie Mingjue said promptly. “I’ll be joining in. Xichen, will you share?”
“Share? Well, if I have to.”
“A-Li, I’ve been betrayed,” Jin Zixuan said, sending her a mock-mournful look. “They’re conspiring against me.”
Jiang Yanli patted his cheek. “Very tragic. Sorry, my love, I’m afraid the combined offer of the first and seventh rank bachelors by far outweighs your current offer. But if it’s any consolation, I’m sure I’ll be devastatingly happy with them.”
Jin Zixuan had been trying quite hard not to laugh and had, until that point, been succeeding; at that point, he burst out in a peal of laughter. A moment later, Lan Xichen joined in.
Nie Mingjue shook his head in amusement.
“Come sit,” Jiang Yanli told him, pointing to the floor in front of her. “I can see the headache developing.”
“Not developing, developed,” he said, but he obediently sat in front of her. He was tall enough that she could easily put her hands on his temples without needing to reach too far, which meant she could start massaging them from the comfort of where she was sitting on Jin Zixuan’s lap. “Ah, that’s good.”
“I thought I was doing the fiancée stealing,” Lan Xichen remarked. “It seems da-ge has beaten me there.”
Jiang Yanli giggled, and Jin Zixuan shook his head.
He had to admit that this wasn’t something he’d anticipated at any point in his life – neither when he was young and starting to realize to his horror that he was interested in other men, nor when he got older and realized he was also interested in some women as well (with Jiang Yanli being one of the foremost in that category).
He’d known, of course, that Jiang Yanli was older than he was; it had been one of the many faults that his not-friends had pointed out to him when egging him on to reject her – ah, he’d been such a stupid teenager, unable to see that not a single one of them had his best interests at heart! It was a miracle that she’d agreed to put up with him after all that.
Still, despite knowing that she was older, and despite knowing that she was the same age as Lan Xichen, only a few years younger than Nie Mingjue – despite knowing that she would have been forced to all the same boring discussion conferences as he had been, and would have been obligated to socialize with her peers from the other Great Sects – he somehow had never put together that she was friends with them.
Much less…well…
Jin Zixuan reflected that he had really lucked out when he’d finally removed his head from his ass and decided to pursue his soon-to-be-wife with all his heart. He’d been utterly enamored by Jiang Yanli by the time of the Phoenix Mountain hunt, kicking himself for having let her get away, and he’d thought very carefully about whether he would be content with giving up any relationships with other men in exchange for fidelity with her before concluding that he would and embarking on his pursuit of her. He hadn’t wanted to be his father, after all, and he wanted even less than that for her to feel like his mother had felt.
All in all, it had come as an extremely pleasant surprise when she’d taken him aside and explained that she would be happy to accept his offer, but that she felt she ought to disclose certain past-and-present dalliances – ones she assured him she would be willing to cut off in order to ensure that he didn’t feel like his mother had felt.
Possibly the smartest thing he’d ever done in his life was blurt out, “Can’t we share instead?” at that moment in time – even if it was mostly because she’d found it so incredibly funny.
As it was, it was still mostly her connections, not his. Lan Xichen was solely interested in women as a personal matter, although he wasn’t at all adverse to letting Jin Zixuan watch and even participate in the same encounter, while Nie Mingjue, who was a little more flexible in such matters, was still evaluating Jin Zixuan as a person before he would be willing to agree to anything that did not involve Jiang Yanli smoothing the way. But Jin Zixuan found that he was quite happy that way – perhaps it was something from his childhood or the way he watched the wreckage that was his parents’ marriage, but he found that nothing in the world suited him more than having his wife be happy and loved.
And, yes, if she happened to be loved by very attractive men who would let him watch, that was definitely even better.
“I yield to better men,” Jin Zixuan said. “There’s no point in fighting. But one thing.”
“Oh?”
“If you want to steal her, you have to write to all of the wedding guests and explain.”
Jiang Yanli burst into giggles as both Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue grimaced.
“Ouch,” Lan Xichen said. “Sorry, A-Li. You’re worth the sun, the moon, and the stars…but maybe not that much paperwork.”
“Not to mention explaining it to your uncle,” Nie Mingjue added.
“…and that.”
“I wonder if I could avoid the bureaucracy if I stole her away like a barbarian,” Nie Mingjue mused. “I could crash the wedding itself – that way they’d all know, and no need for letters.”
“I feel like I’d be obligated to challenge you to a duel if you did that,” Jin Zixuan said. “And then I’d lose and be dead, and poor A-Li would feel just awful about it. I hope.”
Jiang Yanli had buried her face in his shoulder and was shaking with laughter. “Oh yes,” she said gaily. “Very much so. I might even be moved to take my own life in a dramatic twist.”
“And then Wei Wuxian would emerge to take the rest of our lives in revenge, I suspect,” Lan Xichen remarked. “Better not do it, da-ge.”
“Oh, all right. If you insist. What brought on this bout of wife-stealing?”
“Fiancée-stealing, da-ge, please. I have standards.”
“Not when it comes to A-Li you don’t.”
“It comes on him spontaneously sometimes, I think,” Jiang Yanli said. “Like the weather.”
Lan Xichen nodded.
“Speaking of wife-stealing,” Jin Zixuan said, because he’d been waiting for a good moment to get this into the conversation, “the artisans have finally finished crafting our marriage bed.”
“You got an entirely new bed just for your marriage? Really?”
“I’m a Jin. If I’m not spending money outrageously, I’m letting down my sect,” Jin Zixuan pointed out with a shrug. “Anyway, I had them make it extra large.”
That got him interested looks, as he’d expected it would.
“Extra large,” he emphasized. “The artisans promised it could fit four grown men – though I don’t know if I believe them.”
“Well, four grown men might be a stretch,” Nie Mingjue said, already starting to smile. “But I think we could see how well it handles three men and one lady, assuming the lady herself is feeling amenable.”
“I most certainly am,” Jiang Yanli said. “Come on, let’s go break it in.”
#mdzs#jiang yanli#jin zixuan#lan xichen#nie mingjue#my fic#my fics#why is JZX always so kinky in my fics?
250 notes
·
View notes
Text
Reconsider Your Need For a Big Bad by Instead Giving Everybody Their Own Bespoke Bad in the Form of Problems That Have No Good Solutions
Okay, but what about plot? Advice about plot is very confusing. One person will say that plot ought to be planned out precisely down to every beat in every scene. The next will say it doesn’t exist at all. Isn’t it just things happening? I’m pretty sure it’s just things happening. It’s probably best if those things are happening for some reason. Many SFF stories are built around big, central reasons: empires to defeat, dark lords to overcome, worlds to save, societies to reform. All of which is fun and fine, sure, I like to lust over defeat a dark lord as much as anyone, but there is also value in thinking about how we can shape a story if we don’t have a singular goal sitting at the center.
It’s not obvious from the start, but there is no big villain to defeat or catastrophe to prevent in MDZS. Sure, there’s a ruthless dude who starts a war to seize power, and when he’s dispatched there’s a sleazy dude who fills the power vacuum, and there is least one unapologetic mass murderer just kinda hanging around doing his own thing, not to mention that the adaptations tend to fiddle with the villainy levels of several characters in different ways. But there is no one bad guy whose removal would solve all the problems. There’s no huge catastrophe to be averted, no doomsday to be stopped.
What we do have, of course, is Wei Wuxian, who is known as a villain within the story (he’s resurrected because somebody wants a malevolent spirit to do some nasty shit), but that is very much not the same thing as being the actual villain. Again: what the characters in the story believe is a deliberate distortion of what’s actually going on.
So instead of looking at the role each character plays in working toward or against a common goal, “Avengers Assemble!”-style, let’s step back down to some more fundamental character questions: What do they want as individuals? What’s stopping them from getting it? What happens if they don’t get it? What happens if they do? And—this part is key—what happens when these desires and obstacles are in conflict with each other?
It’s really easy to do this with MDZS, which is why it’s such a great example to use for studying how a story arises from multi-layered character conflict. For example, Lan Wangji’s primary goal is to protect Wei Wuxian, which puts him into conflict with everybody who has ever so much as looked at Wei Wuxian funny (eg., enemies, teenagers, fluffy dogs), as well as with Wei Wuxian himself, who has the admirable self-preservation instincts of somebody who dies in the prologue of his own story. Both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng share the primary goal of wanting to protect the people important to them, but the way they go about it puts them into direct conflict—a conflict that is at its most painful when they are in fact trying to protect each other. Wen Qing also wants to protect her loved ones, only for her that means conflict with both those who are endangering them and those who are protecting them. Jin Guangyao wants respect and security in a world that doles out those things according to familial status, not individual ability. Lan Xichen wants to lead with kindness and understanding while surrounded by fellow leaders who really don’t care much for either.
I could go on and on, all the way down the entire character list, but the point is this: when all of your characters are linked not by a single unifying goal, but instead by a tangled web of conflicting relationships and desires, you have endless opportunities to stick them in situations in which there is no easy way out. In which somebody is always going to get hurt. In which desperately trying to do the right thing can still end in tragedy. In which you get to cackle with evil glee while your readers agonizing over every new development, absorbed with all the doubts and dangers, so invested in the emotional fabric of the story that they have to see it through to the end.
That doesn’t mean you can’t still fight doomsdays and evil empires! Nor does it mean every story has to do this to the same extreme; Mo Xiang Tong Xiu very obviously set out to write a story about how trying to do the right thing can still end in unspeakable calamity (but also a story in which unspeakable calamity does not render one undeserving of love and happiness). The question of scale is entirely up to you. It’s the array of choices that matters—well, that and the heart-wrenching feeling you can create when none of those choices are easy.
Kali Wallace, From Now on I’m Taking All of My Storytelling Lessons From This Wild Epic About Love, Loyalty, and Necromancy, Tor.com, January 4, 2022
#okay also posting this part too#the untamed#mdzs#mdzs & sons#storytelling#characterization#villains#my posts
124 notes
·
View notes
Text
XICHENG FIC RECS
hold my hands by Snooze (Chiruka)
Transplanting a core into a new person isn’t without repercussions. One year after the events at Guanyin Temple, Jiang Cheng found himself once again faced with the possibility of losing everything he had. Reconciling with his brother, learning to let Jin Ling go, and dealing with his blooming emotions toward the First Jade of Gusu — will Jiang Cheng accomplish what he wants before time runs out?
it all passes someday by screamlet
A week before the anniversary of Wei Wuxian’s death, there was a commotion outside Lan Wangji’s house.
*
Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji over the years.
The Unlikely Expression of Love by manamune
When everything has settled, when everyone else has moved on with their lives and their friends, Jiang Cheng has a realization which shouldn’t actually be a surprise:
He’s lonely.
Indigo, lavender, and violet (I don't wanna be red) by ohwhatevrewhatevr
It, in the pale colors of the late morning, is the closest to perfect Jiang Cheng will ever reach. He strokes Lan XiChen's hair and presses a light kiss to where his ribbon and hair meet. The sky is a pale blue, and the pastels of flowers and clouds are spread out through the window, a brilliant world waiting for them, them in the gentian house, safe from stronger breezes - there is the clutter of birds fluttering and chirping outside. It is a warm, perfect, spring morning.
Jiang Cheng and Lan XiChen have been together for an year. In which, no one ever really gets over things, Jiang Cheng has the misfortune of interacting with his brother, the juniors help out with the proposal, and there's a marriage.
Altitude by starknjarvis
When Jin Ling lures Jiang Cheng to the Cloud Recesses under false pretenses, he finds himself out of place among this new family Wei Wuxian has formed.
Lan Xichen, at least, seems pleased to have his company.
Perhaps there is still a chance for Jiang Cheng to make amends and move forward.
[Modao Zushi Online] GLITCH REPORT: My Brother Got Chased Down And %$@*$&@ By Gusu Dungeon Boss??? by oh_fudgecakes
Modao Zushi Online is a virtual reality MMORPG. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian are top ranking players in its new server, currently tied with their arch-nemesis from their previous server, Wen Chao. In an attempt to defeat him, they take on the Gusu Dungeon Boss, Zewu-jun, to win the reward of a legendary weapon. Ever the cheat, Wei Wuxian tries to take advantage of a glitch to defeat the seemingly undefeatable boss. It backfires. Jiang Cheng gets fucked by a boss monster.
He can't get enough.
Meanwhile, Lan Xichen, the unwitting staff member in charge of controlling Zewu-jun, absolutely did not sign up to be pulled into a secret virtual reality fling with a player. Mod Ji, who has to deal with Wei Wuxian's incessant glitch reporting of his brother's sex life, is long-suffering.
Mulberry by xxdz
Jiang Cheng grits his teeth and pushes harder. He feels like torn silk, the embroidery needle sinking in again and again and again; patiently, desperately, endlessly trying to make something beautiful out of something broken.
Jiang Cheng builds his sect, learns embroidery, and raises his nephew.
we can raise a little family by lanyon
“Well, brother,” says Wei Wuxian, leaning against the outside of Jiang Cheng’s chambers. “I had heard that you and Xichen went on a night hunt and came back with a baby, which is not the order I’d choose to do things in…”
In which Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen acquire a baby of unknown origin, and are the very last to know what it means.
Beyond the Impossible by Silverine
Summoned by Lan Qiren, Jiang Wanyin goes to the Cloud Recesses to drop his nephew Jin Ling, expecting to discuss relevant matters with his old master. Instead, he's asked to take with him no other than Sect Leader Lan himself, all the way back to Lotus Pier. If the reason why he accepted such an outrageous task is indeed a mystery, he's about to be surprised by how this entire trip, their encounters, and his warm company, suddenly feel fated.
Incrementally by xxdz
Jiang Cheng is trapped in a day on repeat where he begins by waking in Zewu Jun’s bed at dawn and ends by dying painfully at dusk.
It’s getting very irritating, and he has the sneaking suspicion that his chances to solve his own murder are rapidly running out. Soon, his death will be much more permanent.
All in all, worst birthday ever.
Audience of One by WinterDreams
“Then let an established star go first,” Lan Xichen interrupts again before Lan Wangji can give a stubborn reply. Both men twist toward Lan Xichen, and he smiles at Wei Wuxian’s tilted head. “If I publicly date a man for awhile first, your engagement shouldn’t receive as much backlash.”
Or, that AU where everyone is famous in some way or another, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji have been dating in private for years, and Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng pretend to date publicly for their brothers' sake.
A Bit of Ruthlessness by jirluvien
When Jiang Cheng hears that Lan Xichen went into seclusion following Jin Guangyao’s death, it’s almost as if he can see the grabby hands of a restless ghost, reaching out for something to keep him company. For something warm and living and devastated. And as history has proved time and time again, the Lans are perfect victims when it comes to giving in to ghosts.Yeah, no. Not on Jiang Cheng’s fucking watch.A story about grief, determination, unexpected friendships, abandoned watchtowers, and letters. So many letters.
All Tied Up In You by Clearpearls
Yet again, the night had come to this:
Jiang Cheng on the floor, kneeling, Zidian wrapped around his wrists.
Alone.
Thank You, and I'm Sorry by Hamliet
Jin GuangYao might be dead, but his story is not. Taking advantage of the chaos he instigated, someone makes an attempt on the life of the young new leader of the Jin Sect. When Jiang Cheng takes Jin Ling to the Cloud Recesses to have him study while he attempts to work with Wei WuXian and his husband Lan WangJi to eliminate the threat, he encounters a mourning Lan XiChen, lovestruck teenagers, and a persistent corpse--and both pairs of brothers find themselves struggling to move on.
saturn's rings (don't be a heartbreaker) by iskendaris
Set after the seige of burial mounds, Yunmeng rebuilds as they hold the first Discussion Conference at Lotus Pier. Sometimes the night is a gift, a refuge for loneliness.
"So stern, Sect Leader Jiang," Lan Xichen murmured, "So glacial... What will it take to melt that icy exterior? What can I say?"
"Nothing. There's nothing you can say or offer."
reciprocity by jukeboxhound
There’s a pause before Lan Xichen says, in a tone that’s a little more neutral, “I would like to paint on you.”
“…What?”
“Of course, if you say ‘yes’ but then change your mind at any point, for any reason, you need only say so and I will stop immediately,” he adds.
Well, silver lining: Jiang Cheng is feeling much more awake than he was a moment ago.
Talent Hunt Crew Finds Angry Guy Shouting On College Campus, Recruits Him For Vocal Projection Abilities by oh_fudgecakes
Jiang Cheng, resident Angry Guy and heir to a conglomerate empire, has never been the apple of his father’s eye. Quashed under the shadow of his brilliant brother, the music prodigy Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng sees his chance to turn things around when he is recruited by the All-Stars Lan Talent Hunt. One problem: he can’t sing to save his goddamn life.
As he struggles to develop his nascent singing abilities, Jiang Cheng finds himself sucked into the whirlwind drama of reality TV, helped along by his adoring siblings, his irritable vocal coach Wen Qing, and strangely enough, the unfairly attractive host of the All-Stars Lan Talent Hunt, Lan Xichen. Somewhere in the glare of the stage lights and an unexpected first love, Jiang Cheng stumbles upon the thing he was searching for all along: the courage to dream — and to attempt the impossible.
Marginal Costs by ohwhatevrewhatevr
“You think you know what you want, Er-Ge,” A-Yao says. “But you should consider what you’re willing to give first,” he says wryly, taking Lan XiChen’s chess piece with slim, skilled fingers.
Lan XiChen looks up at A-Yao’s concentrated expression and the hint of contentment on his face that he is special enough to be allowed to see.
“It’s not just one decision, but the lead up to many more. One decision decides what else you’re going to have to pay, and each time you have to ask yourself, ignoring the sunk costs, if this time it’s worth it as well.”
When his sworn brother looks up at him with those clear, amber eyes, waiting, Lan XiChen feels the pull and gives in: he asks.
“Are you happy being in love?”
(First half is two sad sworn brothers talking, internally mourning how unfortunate their other sworn brother’s death was :/ and second half is when a mopey boy in blue meets an angsty boy in purple whilst chasing a demonic cultivator, and a lil bit of sexy dual cultivation happens.)
Somewhat Tender by theherocomplex
There is no defense against kindness; it has always undone him.
I didn't expect you to be lonely (too) by bettydice (BettyKnight)
Jiang Cheng's life is a mess, he's a mess, and he doesn't miss his brother at all. So when his sister gifts him ten sessions with a massage therapist, who turns out to be someone he was crushing on for a hot minute as a teenager and is still as hot as ever... yeah, that might as well happen. It won't have to mean anything.
This feels intimate to Jiang Cheng in a way that's probably very inappropriate and maybe even pathetic. Nobody touches him like this, right where he’s hurt the most. There's no one who handles him so gently, so carefully.
It's the gentleness that's his undoing, he thinks. He would be able to deal better with it if it was painful.
Life for Rent by yodasyoyo
“Yeah well. You’re not taking me seriously. This guy is my soulmate!”
“Soulmate.” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. “Whatever.”
“Just because you don’t believe in them—”
“I believe in them!” Jiang Cheng says. “I’ve never denied they exist.”
“Just last week you said that it was an evolutionary quirk that had been used by greetings card companies, movie makers, and corporations to exploit lonely and vulnerable people.”
“And I stand by it! That doesn’t mean that soulmates aren’t real. Just incredibly unlikely and probably pointless.
-
Or:
Xicheng vs Soulmates. Fight!
Halfway Around the World by theherocomplex
Normally, Jiang Cheng would be seething, jaw clenched tight, if someone sounded like that while they were talking, but — Lan Xichen has the trick of always making you feel like you're in on the joke, whatever the joke is. That you're laughing together.
Whelmed by yodasyoyo
For months now Jiang Cheng’s been idly fantasizing about how it would be if something were to come between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan. Mostly those daydreams have been simple enough — they break up (probably because Lan Zhan is boring or Wei Ying is annoying), Wei Ying is sad for a couple of days (Jiang Cheng’s willing to allow some space for feelings, he isn't a total monster), but then Wei Ying realizes he’s better off, he gets over it, and Jiang Cheng gets his brother back.
Unfortunately the fantasy version of events has only proven partially true, so far. They've broken up. Wei Ying has been sad.
Now weeks have passed, though — and Wei Ying is still sad, every. Single. Day.
It’s like Jiang Cheng's stuck in a looping GIF, and it’s driving him insane.
Or:
Jiang Cheng plots, Lan Huan pines, and, unfortunately for Lan Qiren, Wangxian are inevitable.
#xicheng#fic recs#mdzs#mdzs recs#jiang cheng#lan xichen#obvs these reflect my personal preferences etc etc
298 notes
·
View notes
Text
NEW!
《 Without Envy 》 storyboard 11 - concubine/sleeper agent!wwx & prince!lwj
Other snippets and storyboards can be found on [Master List]
Lan Wangji knew his Uncle and the imperial court and the elders of the royal family were never going to be okay with him making Wei Wuxian one of his concubines. The servant status is one thing, but that's not the crux of the issue. The issue is that there's already a rumour circulating about how WWX is a wily fox whose sole purpose in life is to seduce and befuddle the prince.
Xue Yang: quite a reputation you've cultivated for yourself.
WWX: *kuzo's meme*.........ah yes, everything is all coming together now.
Lan Wangji is a smart boy though. He knows how to get what he wants. As Wei Ying inched towards full recovery from his whipping, the autumn hunt is upon them.
The autumn hunt in the royal hunts ground was a competition. Anyone invited could compete if they chose to, and of Lan Wangji's household, Jin Ziyan, Luo Qingyang and himself were in attendance. Mianmian, being his concubine and a woman, had two escorts/chaperones accompanying her for propriety, but flashed him dazzling smiles of gratitude upon her horse.
"I'm very grateful, dianxia, for your allowing this indulgence."
"Of course," replied Lan Wangji from his saddle. "My Luo-furen should have what she wants."
"Dianxia, ce-wangfu." Qin Su approached them and curtsied in proper form. "I wish you all best of luck in the hunt." Then to Mianmian, she said quietly, "Be careful, Qingyang."
Jin Ziyan paid the two women no mind, but Lan Wangji saw the hand Qin Su had clandestinely wrapped around one of Mianmian's booted ankles.
Oh...well, this is certainly a positive development.
The rest of the noble women not participating in the hunt rested in their tented pavilions, with Meng Yao as their hostess. They drank tea and ate sweets and enjoyed their free time to themselves.
Meng Yao noted Wei Wuxian's absence from Jiang Yanli's side, as did several other noble women, but Jiang Yanli only smiled and said, "A-Xian has been living at my father's manor for several years and is an excellent marksman. Dianxia thought it a waste if he were kept from participating."
The truth of the matter is like this: when Wei Wuxian cheated and lied his way into Jiang-fu, he'd told Jiang Fengmian and his family that he'd lived most of his life by the charity of a hunter's family, and so had trained to hunt game in the wild. After the hunter's family died of some infectious illness that plagued the region, Wei Wuxian had supposed made his way into the city and found employment as a shop boy. He couldn't reveal that he'd been trained in martial arts, but there is no need to hide his skill as an archer. At first, it was so he could use archery as a common interest to get close to Jiang Fengmian's son Jiang Cheng, but Wei Wuxian soon realized that it could also be used as a way for Lan Wangji to cultivate further interest.
"Lan Zhan..." Wei Wuxian stroked the snout of Lan Wangji's beloved ferghana horse and grinned. "You really want me to ride him?"
"Mn."
"You...won't be mad then, if I win?" Wei Wuxian's grin turned slightly wicked. "If I beat you?"
Lan Wangji's brow twitched with interest, "Not at all. That's rather what I'm counting on."
"Yeah? And why is that?"
"Because while I can claim victory with the sword -"
"- Very modest, you." Wei Wuxian teased, grinning, which earned him a subtle little glare.
"- amongst my cousins, my marksmanship is not unrivalled. You may have a greater chance of winning with him. Huangxiong promised that whoever wins today's hunt will be granted one wish."
A wish? Wei Wuxian mulled over this information. His own mission turned and circled in his mind. If I could but gain access to...
... Of course, Wei Wuxian glanced at the prince and the saw the light in his eyes. Lan Wangji is probably thinking of something entirely different.
And so it was inevitable that went the count of the hunt came in, Wei Wuxian's name was at the top. Lan Qiren's little mustache just about flew off his face the way he scrunched it up in displeasure.
Gentries, nobles, dukes and princes watched with envy and shock as a servant came forth to accept the Emperor's reward.
"Jiang-xiong," Nie Huaisang leaned close to Jiang Cheng while they watched from the sidelines as Wei Wuxian bowed before the Emperor. "Why do you look so smug?"
Jiang Cheng played with the end of an arrow with an air of mock innocence, "I don't know what you're talking about?"
Nie Huaisang pulled at the leather of his riding attire in discomfort - this was so not his style - and tsked, "I know you, Jiang-xiong, you're not subtle. What did you do?"
"I was the one who told Lan Wangi that Wei Wuxian is an excellent archer when I went to visit Hanguang-fu."
Nie Huaisang understood instantly, "Oh....oh I see..."
"What? Don't judge me! You know what they did to him. String up like some unruly animal and whipped. I never agreed with my mother's plan to send him along with my sister anyway. Wei Wuxian may be lowborn but..." Jiang Cheng scowled. "He's too good for them. For Lan Wangji. He's clearly not going to do right by Wei Wuxian. I won't stand to see a perfectly good man wasted as some prissy prince's concubine instead of being where he could put his real skills to use."
"Shhhhh, ancestors, Jiang-xiong, keep your voice down! Words like that are a great dishonor against bixia, you'll lose your head!"
Jiang Cheng shrugged.
Xue Yang *at a later times*: so lemme get this straight, you won the Hunt, and then Lan Xichen asked you what you want as reward -
WWX - as a good little servant I said "I want for nothing that wangye and Jiang-zhuzi hasn't already provided me" -
XY *rolls his eyes* Right. And then Jiang Wanyin came out of nowhere and said -
"陛下，魏婴乃微臣之家生子，是前管家魏长泽 的独子， 因幼年时父母过世一直遗留市井。上天庇佑，几年前父亲将他巡回。魏婴为人端正淳厚，虽未上过学堂，但头脑机智。陛下也看到了，他弓发出众， 是。。。如能加强训练，以后必会为我姑苏所用 - " Bixia, Wei Ying is this subject's home-born servant, the only son of our previous head of staff Wei Changze. Due to the unfortunate passing of his parents in his youth, he has been getting by doing odd jobs in the capital. Heavens be willing, Father was able to find him after these many years and brought him home. Wei Ying is kind and righteous; though never have been taught by scholars, he is sharp of mind. As bixia has seen, he is a great marksmanship, is ... If he could be granted proper training, he would be a great asset for Gusu in the future.
- And what a waste it would be if you were left to twindle away within the confines of a harem. I bet Lan Wangji just loved that. The balls on Jiang Wangyin - I do love his style.
WWX You're the only one. Jiang-shushu just about had a heart attack when Jiang Cheng dissed Lan Wangji in public. Madam Yu nearly popped a vein too.
XY: Yeah well, he's got a point. You may be Jiang Yanli's companion, but you're not Lan Wangji's concubine, you're just a servant with a skill. Honestly why shouldn't they put you to better use than waiting to maybe spread your legs for a prince who might just as easily toss you aside after the newness fades.
WWX *slaps him up the head* Rascal! I'm your shixiong. Don't be so rude. Anyways, Lan Zhan, he - he was willing to let me go. I think he loves me you know -
XY: He what now -
WWX: He said -
Lan Wangji came to kneel beside Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin and bowed to his royal brother, "Huangxiong, Wei Ying is the peijia of my Jiang-furen, a servant of my manor. I... I long knew he is an excellent marksman and should have submitted his candidacy for the ranks but -"
Lan Wangji looked at him then, eyes huge with something unreadable. "Jiang-xiao-jiangjun is right. Wei Ying is good, his mind is bright. He would be more suited to militia than...than within the walls of the inner court."
"Wangye, have you....have you grown tired of Wei Ying -"
"Wei Ying, no -"
XY: Oh barf. So please tell me you chose to go to bingbu (ministry of war).
WWX: Going to bingbu was never the assignment. If yifu wanted me in the ministry of war, I would've infiltrated them from the start. I refused. And it had the intended effect.
"No?" Lan Xichen leaned forward curiously. "Joining the ranks will elevate your rank to that of a subject of the imperial government, and if you are truly as skilled and talented as my brother and Jiang-xiao-jiangjun say, you may rise yet to stand in my court as an officer of the imperial military. You will have your own commission, your own manor, marry, have children - all things which will be forbidden to you if you remain as you are now. As you are male, you cannot provide for Hanguang-fu any offspring, and your low-born status has precluded you from the position of consort or even vice-consort. Have you considered your options carefully? "
"I understand bixia, and my decision is made. Nothing would please me more than to stay by wangye's side. I regret nothing."
XY: >_> And A this has absolutely nothing to do with the fact you're increasingly horny for Lan Wangji?
WWX: Of course not. Because of Lan Qiren, I couldn't advance in Hanguang-fu. But now that Lan Xichen had given me his royal decree, I am Lan Wangji's sanctioned mianshou.
XY: *insert eye emoji* So...y'all fucked?
WWX *wistful, thinking about the night he spent at the autumn palace after the hunt* : We did, you pervert. Ya happy now? *WWX sighed* But I know who we are and what I must do. Yifu needs me by Lan Wangji's side, for what reasons I do not yet know. No matter how he and I are now... one day it will
all end.
XY: *stares into the camera like he's on the office*
Note:
yifu = Wen Ruohan, WWX's adoptive father.
127 notes
·
View notes
Note
How do you think NHS feels about using LXC to kill JGY?
Imo he probably hadn't planned it out from the beginning (far too much chaos in the plot for that to happen, but he does adapt well). I think he just siezed the opportunity when it presented itself. I think he simultaneously thinks Lan Xichen deserved and did not deserve it but I'm unsure in what proportions. I wonder if he feels at all apologetic, but I suppose it's hard to feel apologetic about something if it gave you the satisfactory result you were looking for.
Thoughts?
-Regular Anon
The way I always agree with you, regular anon XD
I definitely think that NHS didn't plan it like that from the very beginning too. In fact, I remember a post a while ago about how ppl call NHS a mastermind (and he is!), but there was a fair amount of luck in the development of his revenge plot; there were just too many elements and too unpredictable pieces for him to fully know how it was all going to play out.
I do believe tho, that he did intend for LXC to be involved somehow. Not so much for revenge on LXC himself, but bc he knew how much the man meant for JGY. NHS wanted JGY to suffer betrayal by the hand of someone he loved, from a person that meant the world to him, just like JGY did to NHS.
In Guanyin temple, he saw his chance and he took it.
Now, regarding how much NHS resents LXC himself and how much he regrets using him like that? I personally think that it's a mix. It would be obvious to him that LXC never harbored any ill will towards da-ge, and NMJ's death affected him as well. But I could see how in NHS' mind, LXC still took part in it all by refusing to listen to NMJ's concerns about JGY and insisting that they could still work things out without actually offering a solution or intervention when he was the only one that could have saved that mess.
I don't think he would feel bad exactly about using him bc I firmly believe the NHS at the end of canon is very much a broken man with only a goal in mind. Once he accomplished that goal, well... here comes the numbness. Which also means that he wouldn't feel happy or satisfied about it either. He would know that LXC didn't deserve it, but his revenge was more important.
Maybe with time, once they have both allowed themselves to heal, there could be a chance for, if not reconciliantion, at least for closure, so they can both turn a new page and try to move on without restarting the cycle of hate.
#replies#mdzs#nie huaisang#lan xichen#I think nhs would also try to at least offer a twinge of honor to nmj's memory by trying to make peace with lxc#nhs had already become everything his brother hated#everything that killed his brother#the least he can do now is try to be civil to the only true friend nmj had to the end#despite lxc's mistakes#and tbh lxc is not the kind of man to take revenge either#he's too pure and good natured#and by the end of canon he came to know all the crimes of jgy#so there's a chance that despite how much he cared anout jgy and how he was ready to die with him#he would also understand why nhs did it#he wouldn't approve of the method but he could see where he was coming from
32 notes
·
View notes
Text
Xicheng fic recs
(figured i might make a list of my own)
(to be expanded as i dig out more treasure/remember stuff)
in no particular order:
Deep as the Yearning Night by FreckledStarKnight
“At first, it was pure chance. The second time was accidental. And the third time? Well, they say the third time’s the charm, after all. Lan Xichen discovers that Jiang Wanyin sings beautifully and is immediately enamored by it. His pursuit of Jiang Wanyin’s secret talent leads to a discovery and a series of events that he did not anticipate at all. Not that he’s complaining, of course. He got what he came for and more. Or, how two sect leaders get together through the song called love. CQL-verse.“
post-seclusion lxc
trying to get jc to sing
bonus lxc & jin ling feels i hadn’t considered before
cute
Always use protection by hesselives
“In which Lan Wangji attempts to hire a new bodyguard for his older brother, a well-known traveling exorcist. Jiang Wanyin doesn’t even make his carefully considered list of Top Ten Candidates, and yet here he is.
Lots of wandering in the countryside, distant yelling, and mildly inconvenient spirits.”
bodyguard au
honestly just really intersting worldbuilding
Rewrite the stars by Arashii
“Five great kingdoms have been fighting for years and when the kingdom of Yunmeng is destroyed, the Crown Prince Jiang Cheng vanishes.In Gusu, Lan Xichen makes an offer impossible for Jiang Cheng to refuse. His life or revenge? There’s only one option and Jiang Cheng swears loyalty to the man he hated the most his whole life, the Crown Prince of Gusu, Lan Xichen himself.Written for XiChengFest2020 - Day 4“
ROYALTY AU ROYALTY AU
enemies to lovers!
flashbacks! i love flashbacks so much ohmygod
No paths are bound by Arashii
“In seclusion, Lan Huan has the support of a ghost no one has seen since the massacre of Yunmeng Jiang. His feelings start changing with the often visits and conversations they share. Before Lan Huan can confess though, he ascends, leaving everything and everyone behind him.
Two hundred years later, back to the Human Realm and without powers, the Martial God Zewu-Jun has a mission to uphold. His Heavenly Calamity started. The clues are little and the support comes in the most unexpected form, the current Ghost King: Sandu Shengshou. Now they need to stick together to contain a menace that is slowly growing.“
TGCF AU TGCF AU
ghost king jiang cheng come on
doesn’t follow tgcf plot, just the setup so no spoilers
jiang cheng gets the dogs and the xichen he deserves
once upon a dream by cafedeolla
“Xicheng soulmate AU
An au where your dreams are small snippets of your soulmate’s day. They’d show small things like buying coffee, reading a book, or hanging out with people from their perspective.
The problem was that people always have expectations and Jiang Cheng knows he always falls short of them. Time and time again.“
soulmate au, but being soulmates is more a problem than a solution
misunderstandingssss all over the place
now with a squel (in progress?)
Lan Furen series by jagaimocchi
“Jiang Cheng leaves Lotus Pier before the Wen Internment Camp and before the destruction of his home. When he meets Lan Xichen on the run from the Wens after the burning of Cloud Recesses, his plan to live a peaceful life away from cultivation sects is quickly derailed. Now, free to make his own choices, he cannot find it in himself to leave the other man's side.
With love, patience and time, Jiang Cheng finds his own happiness and peace with his past.“
have you ever wanted a fic where jiang cheng peaces out from home in search for a better life, bc he’s Had Enough??? jags got you covered
adorable xicheng
good uncle-dad-figure Lan Qiren
ongoing <3
Just around the riverbend by JungleJelly
“One day.
Jiang Cheng just wanted one day of peace and quiet, away from home, away from his responsibilities, away from his idiot brother and his nutcases of a mother and father. Just a few hours alone — him and a boat and nothing else.
Clearly, that was too much to ask for.”
now with a new story in the series which is adorable too!!!
mermaid!lxc need i say more?
Bad ideas (where they lead) by JungleJelly
“Jiang Cheng is a busy man. Fortunately, he is also a huge pushover when it comes to his sister, so when she recommends that he start doing yoga, he agrees pretty easily.Featuring Lan Xichen in yoga pants, Jiang Cheng’s inability to handle a crush, and, perhaps most importantly, a big fluffy dog.“
done for 2020 MXTX MiniBang
yoga instructor Lan Xichen
Jiang Cheng is: struggling with a crush on the yoga guy from youtube & very angry about that
If there’s a price for rotten judgement by TheWanderingHeart
“All Jiang Cheng wants to do is, well... his job, really. Other than that? Keep the city safe, keep his nephew alive, keep his sanity intact (if possible).
So when his brother calls with unexpected news, he knows all of that is about to fly out of the window.
***
[Every instinct is telling him don’t ask, you don’t want to know. By this point, Nie HuaiSang has scooted closer to listen. Jiang Cheng takes a steadying breath and pulls out his antacids. “What did you do?”]”
superhero au, come on
jc just trying to do his job in peace
(he can’t)
i love it so much oh my god *sobs*
The Form of Boneless Ice by TheWanderingHeart
“Mythical beasts have long ago been driven to extinction by the gentry — hunted for sport, but more importantly for their magical cores. Since then, there remains only one creature that has never been caught. The Jiang’s retreated a long time ago. Abandoning land altogether, they sought safety where the humans could not reach.It all comes to a head though, purely by chance. (Or is it by fate that a spontaneous decision allows for them to meet? If fate were a rock!) Jiang Cheng suddenly finds his whole life balanced on the head of a pin — on the flimsy promise of a human boy. In his opinion, things cannot possibly get worse!(But then they do when the Wens decide it’s finally time to search for the elusive merpeople, and suddenly nowhere is safe.)“
there she goes again, with another beautiful xicheng story full of awwww and mythology
actually one of the first xicheng fics i read
i chose it because there were mermaids
painfully accurate takes on Jiang family dynamics
kids! lots of kids!
Let me Slytherin to Your Heart by TheWanderingHeart
“Jiang Cheng never thought he'd return to Hogwarts, but in hindsight, he probably should have known that someday he would.With his nephew about to start school, he reluctantly takes his good friend's bad parenting? career? advice and ends up tumbling head-first back into the madness that he hoped he'd left behind... and rediscovering some feelings he thought he'd left behind too.“
Harry Potter au!
just really fecking cute
lots of snakes
[I am not going to link all of Jo’s fics, though I probably could, just my 3 favourites. UOSB is there by default]
Talent Hunt Crew Finds Angry Guy Shouting On College Campus, Recruits Him For Vocal Projection Abilities by oh_fudgecakes
“Jiang Cheng, resident Angry Guy and heir to a conglomerate empire, has never been the apple of his father’s eye. Quashed under the shadow of his brilliant brother, the music prodigy Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng sees his chance to turn things around when he is recruited by the All-Stars Lan Talent Hunt. One problem: he can’t sing to save his goddamn life.As he struggles to develop his nascent singing abilities, Jiang Cheng finds himself sucked into the whirlwind drama of reality TV, helped along by his adoring siblings, his irritable vocal coach Wen Qing, and strangely enough, the unfairly attractive host of the All-Stars Lan Talent Hunt, Lan Xichen. Somewhere in the glare of the stage lights and an unexpected first love, Jiang Cheng stumbles upon the thing he was searching for all along: the courage to dream — and to attempt the impossible.“
done for 2019 MXTX Big Bang
uuuuuuuuuuh i might have cried maybe
heartwarming? painful at times? lots of family love?
slowburn xicheng being lovely
The Provenence of Hope series by velithya
“A chance meeting on a night hunt sets a course of events into motion that will change everything.
Featuring Xicheng getting together, recovery for Lan Xichen, healing for Jiang Cheng, and always, always, hope.“
got everything. feels. hope. love. ~~healing~~
A Small Measure of Peace by Sandstone112
“With his brother in seclusion, Lan Xichen finds himself in temporary custody of his nephew with little to no expertise in the child-raising department. Uncertain and alone, Zewu-Jun is willing to do everything to be the person Yuan needs—even if it means inviting Sandu Shengshou to a playdate.“
a loooot of adorable family times with jc and lxc taking care of their nephews
good grandpa lqr!
canon but fixed and less painful
🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋if you wish to avoid scurvy:🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋
Some day I’m gonna make you mine series by locketofyourhair
xicheng getting together through the years
friends with benefits but the real benefits are the friends we made along the way
Take me over (take me tonight) by velithya
jiang cheng has a tattoo and lan xichen doesn’t stand a chance
i'd be the sweet feeling of release (mankind now dreams of) by piyo13
two bros, chilling in a cave, no feet apart because they don’t want to lose their cultivation powers what are you gonna do
haven’t read yet and shame on me, but AM GONNA:
Upon Our Silver Bridge by TheWanderingHeart obviously
““When the path ignites a soul, there's no remaining in place. The foot touches ground, but not for long.”
― Hakim Sanai
**
Lan Xichen's sorrows have caught the attention of something. Unlike the adventures and foes they have faced before, there is no obvious enemy here to defeat. If this is the same thing they thought had taken Nie Mingjue's life, then he believes it is fated for him to die as well. Nothing can stop the black fire when it wants to burn.Jiang Cheng is sure his part in this is over. Wei Wuxian is back, his grand adventure concluded, and he'd never been at the centre of it anyway. So what does it matter what happens to him in the end? Slowly, he will come to realise that there will always be a battle to fight, a story to tell, a choice to make, and there is no such thing as an end to anything.“
it was difficult to do things in 2020 and few i regret not doing more than not reading uosb yet :’(
i will tho
Emergency Help Wanted by piyo13
“EMERGENCY HELP WANTED
I lied when I got my job. I told them I had a kid so I could leave early from work to pick him up from daycare, take him to doctor's appointments, and occasionally miss a day when he's sick. Long story short, I'm in too deep. I didn't think it through. Looking to rent a kid for bring your child to work day. Must be a boy ages four to six, longish dark hair, likes soccer. Must also be artistic as the macaroni noodle paintings I made seem a little advanced for his age. Also, I will pay extra for someone willing to play the role of husband when dropping him off. He's a prosecuting attorney who often brings his work home. Message me for further details. Serious inquiries only.“
Running Our Hands Through Embers by MarvelousMar
“If asked, Jiang Cheng would compare falling in love with Lan Xichen to a moth inevitably drawn to a flame.It burned.***In which Jiang Cheng discovers that even death can't help him escape from his trauma, so he embarks on a quest to save the people he loves, fix what he can, make the love of his life fall for him, and maybe, somewhere along the way, do a little bit of healing.”
The Beginner’s Guide to Moving On by InvincibleMel
gone from ao3, but i think there’s a link with a pdf going around
#xicheng#fic rec#Jiang Cheng#lan xichen#mdzs#the untamed#the grandmaster of demonic cultivation#mo dao zu shi
535 notes
·
View notes
Note
Hiyaa! Can you do a Lan Xichen x foreign reader imagine please?! Reader is a foreign cultivator who comes to study at the cloud recess, Lan Xichen and reader feel a mutual attraction towards one another and start to spend time with each other. They develop feelings for each other and confess to one another! Thanks!
Sure! Here you go! ( You are Japanese ) and this was really fun to write!
Honestly he was told there was a new foreign student. He also wanted to give you personally a tour of Cloud Recesses, also curious about the other places outside China. When you stepped in the gate of Cloud Recesses, Lan Xichen was waiting for you with a smile. “U-uh.. Hello?..” You try speaking Chinese and he understands of course. I also have a feeling that he would understand other languages… I mean, he has mastered lots of subjects am I right? “I am Lan Xichen.” He bows to you and you do the same. “Uh.. So uh..” You find it hard to start a conversation at first but when you saw almost everything in Cloud recesses you ask him in your language “When is classes starting?” You then realized he might not understand! But oh you were wrong “It starts tomorrow, and here is your schedule.” He says in Japanese, and you were left astonished that he knew what you were saying but bid him farewell again.
He didn’t know what this feeling was but he didn’t know why his heart was beating so fast when he was around you.. Or even why he wanted you to stay by his side. Call it love at first sight, but he couldn’t stop thinking about you.
He often visits you sfter class and helps you study the Chinese language. Like the gentleman he is, he helps you read the books and scrolls in the library. “Thank you for today! I learnt alot!” You say happily to him and he gives you a geniune smile, he really enjoys your comapany. “No need to thank me, I was just doing what other disciples would‘ve done.” He bows to you again. You also do the same bidding him farewell and you both go your seperate ways from the library.
When you return to your room, you maybe plop yourself on the bed and sink your face into it. “Why is he so handsome?…” You talk to yourself about him. Unaware the said handsome person, is outside the room, with some helpful books to practice the Chinese language, and he was going to ask you what are your interests, For future references. Finally he knocks the door with a very much red face.. “Hello Y/N-san! Uh.. Here is some books to study Chinese with!” He hands you some books with his handwritting on it. But you didn’t know back then- “Thank you Xichen-kun!” ( I had the absoulute URGE to type that ) But you realize he probably heard your rambling thoughts through the door.. Your heart was beating fast and Lan Xichen’s heart was aswell. To end this silence you bid him thank you and goodbye and ask to meet him in the library after lectures again. He was quite thankful that the awkward silence was lifted, and he knew your thoughts about him.
After all the time you have been spending time with him, today was the day you confess! Near the magnoila tree, at sunset! You asked him to meet you there at sunset, where there was no people around. Because they were busy.
When you saw his majestic figure stepping towards you, the sunset‘s orange and pink-ish colors shine upon him, his amber eyes looking at you happily, he also wanted to confess today. “Xichen-kun.. Listen, I-I.. Like your comapany, and all the times you’ve taught me Chinese and the subjects! Your smart, talented, handsome, and the kindest person I’ve ever met! I.. Like.. You..” You say to him with a very red face. He was red all over too! But the sunset favored him too much so you thought it was just a surprised reaction. But yea, you’re wrong. “I like you too.” Is all he says covering his half his face with his hand. “Eh? Are you.. blushing?” He asks you. You weren’t really expecting anything, just a simple ‘I don’t feel the same way..’ response you were expecting.. Because honestly you thought that there is NO way you can even date this absoulute perfect man. You thought wrong again. “Y/N-san… Will you.. Will you stay in Cloud Recesses? As my significant other?” He holds your hand “Mn! Of course!” You couldn’t bring yourself to leave him and Cloud Recesses. He was so happy that was gonna cry.
You decide your ending here ;D
#mdzs reader insert#mdzs fanfiction#mdzs fanfic#mdzs lan xichen#lan xichen x reader#lan huan x reader#lan xichen#lan huan#grandmaster of demonic arts#grandmaster of demonic cultivation#founder of diablolism#founder of demonic cultivaition#mdzs x reader#mdzs x y/n#mdzs imagine
147 notes
·
View notes
Note
LAN XICHEN :D
But also a-qing please 🧡
I'm sure you already know all my LXC opinions, but sure!
Lan Xichen
one aspect about them i love: What don't I love about LXC! To pick just one, I love how hard he tries to live up to his ideals while still making room for pragmatism. It's an extremely difficult balance to achieve in MDZS and he probably comes closest. (Not that it's a competition, it's not!)
one aspect i wish more people understood about them: I won't go into detail because I don't want to raise anybody's blood pressure by dumping ungodly amounts of salt, but: he. is. not. a. himbo. Not even in the broadest possible sense of that word.
one (or more) headcanon(s) i have about this character: He uses painting as a form of self-soothing. Not because he paints what he's feeling (he doesn't), but because carefully observing the exact turn of a leaf to paint it respectfully silences his brain far better than meditation. None of these paintings are for sharing, though.
one character i love seeing them interact with: For someone whose blog is so 3zun-oriented, this might be unexpected but actually, it's LWJ.
one character i wish they would interact with/interact with more: Well, everyone, because I just want more LXC in general. But if I could pick only one person, LQR. Their relationship is so complex, I wish we could see more of it.
one (or more) headcanon(s) i have that involve them and one other character: Little A-Song adored LXC. That was very adorable! Like a mini A-Yao! So cute! ...until A-Song reached that stage of development where he would throw a tantrum when LXC left Jinlintai to go back to Cloud Recesses. Then every trauma button of the Jades being upset when saying goodbye to their mom is hit and no matter how many times LXC tells himself that this is objectively a completely different situation in every way it can be different, it still does things to his emotions. Not helped by the fact that one day LXC says goodbye and the next time he goes to Jinlintai is because he's received news of JRS's death.
A-Qing
one aspect about them i love: She's so strong. Honestly one of the toughest characters in this story. Her life is a horror movie but she goes down fighting and I can admire that
one aspect i wish more people understood about them: She's not XXC's daughter. Their age gap isn't that big in MDZS, and even in CQL, she's still probably more like a much younger sister than a daughter
one (or more) headcanon(s) i have about this character: I strongly feel that she's not completely blind but her vision is impaired enough that she genuinely struggles with many aspects of life. But once people learn she can see at all any struggle is dismissed as laziness, so it's better to just pretend she's blind altogether
one character i love seeing them interact with: XY! I find it fascinating how they keep testing one another and fighting to see whose version of reality will be accepted, while still keeping up the appearance of found family. Also the way they're foils to each other is on point.
one character i wish they would interact with/interact with more: No one, really? Part of the reason Yi City works for me is that it's so isolated. It's important to my personal enjoyment that AQ isn't interacting much with anyone outside of their found family from hell
one (or more) headcanon(s) i have that involve them and one other character: Sometimes XY gets distracted and forgets this isn't actually a found family, but instead of these being sweet moments, this is when AQ is most scared because she begins to wonder if he's actually a better liar than she thinks and the times when she suspects him are the times when he wants her to suspect him. He's not put together enough to have layers of lies like this but she doesn't now that
33 notes
·
View notes
Note
Can you suggest some of your fav fanfic recommendations of untamed, from lwj's pov?
Thanks 💕
ANON!!!!!!!! Sure! So, what I have are AUs. I tried to limit this list to 13 and to my most recent read/bookmarked. Please mind the tags on each fic in case some themes make you uncomfortable.
1. Of all the hands - typefortydeductions - I love this! 5 years after the defeat of the Wens! And one of my favorite tropes of arranged Marriage. What would happen if WWX did not die and just continued to gain more power. This has some other people’s POV on it but mostly LWJ.
Five years after the end of the Sunshot Campaign, the Yiling Patriarch has only grown in strength. Desperate to avoid another war, the Emperor proposes that he marry his younger brother, Lan Wangji, hoping to consolidate his power and take the Stygian Tiger Seal for the throne. He doesn't realise that Lan Wangji has never stopped being in love with Wei Wuxian, or what this marriage will mean to them both.
2. This love is all for you - mdzsed - this is a very short and sweet one featuring bookshop owner LWJ! being as usual, with a huge crush on WWX.
Lan Zhan thinks of romance novels, of longing and finding love, and wonders if this is how he meets the love of his life: in a small town, in a bookstore, between bookshelves and hundreds of love stories.
3. A sorta fairytale with you - YilingJessa - I am weak for fairytale AUs and this is one of those. Also LWJ + bunnies is always a win for me. WWX as the mysterious witch and their pact w/each other was cool too.
A modern-day fairy tale, where Lan Wangji's new bunny might be more than he appears, and the witch in the woods has a happily ever after in mind
4. Crystalized - gusuvibes - Oh how I love this entire universe. This entire premise. I always like stories where LWJ is just quietly living his own life and thinking that everything is fine. He is okay on his own but then here comes the hurricane that is WWX and everything changes. Their interactions here are very sweet! How whipped WWX is for him is also a treat. Baker LWJ please!
nurse wwx runs into lwj's bakery one evening and then...just keeps coming back
5. Soil soaks our skin - YunmengLotus - rich LWJ going to meet WWX and his life takes a different turn. <3
Lan Wangji is the CEO of the Lan development corp, Lan Qiren sends him out to acquire the last bit of land on the outskirts of town so they can develop a mall. Wei Ying owns said land, a meager farm that he takes pride in and absolutely refuses to sell. Will Lan Wangji be able to seal the deal?
6. Cut through the clouds - phnelt - It’s the pilot LWJ x flight attendant WWX fic I never though I needed. A very caring LWJ always gets me!
Lan Zhan knows Wei Ying is trying to live off of plane food and the continental breakfast at the bland airport hotel and anything cheap he can scrounge -- vending machine chips, dollar pizza, street food if they're in a place where the water is safe to drink.
7. Found family - fyredancer - A younger WWX and LWJ against the world. LWJ literally taking WWX out of an abusive household because he loves and cares for him so much. Bonus badass LXC!
The Lan family routine is a series of ordered routines. One morning, Lan Xichen realizes their routine has been broken because Lan Wangji hasn’t risen after 5 a.m. When he checks on him, he discovers his brother’s school friend Wei Wuxian sleeping atop him. A Wei Wuxian who wasn’t there the night before.
8. Smother - PaPaYa_Bites - SMUT! That is all your honor.
Lan Zhan has a close encounter with his favorite wrestler and has a request.
9. An imperfect memory - xantissa - One of my all time favorites. This reads like a dark fairytale, one with the romance, blood, tears and a really good core story. I like stories that build up on a lore of it’s own. You are taken into LWJ’s POV and what he sees, only to find out later that everything is not as it seems. It’s a very rewarding read.
When a creature of darkness comes with a shocking offer, there’s really no question. Second Jade of Lan, in exchange for water for his people. Body and soul, in exchange for his clan's survival. He is prepared to die for them. He is not exactly prepared for what being a sacrifice means.
10. Crazy in love series - w_wxsparkles - wangxian D/s. this is my absolute guilty pleasure you have no idea! 🥲 LWJ here is an absolute dream!
A BDSM universe in which Lan Wangji seeks stress relief with his dominant, Wei Wuxian, and they fall in love because it's what they do best.
11. Read between the lines - wangjiluv - I like this trope! I would think LWJ can be a really good fanfic writer. The type that completes fic bingo challenges and always does the best smut. lol.
What do you do when the idol you wrote self-insert fanfiction about reads the aforementioned self-insert fanfiction during a live interview? Lan Zhan finds out.
12. Window shopping - thunderwear - OMG THEY WERE QUARANTINED! And bunnies as a plot device are very popular to me. I see it, I click.
Lan Wangji didn't look out across the other apartment building often, but now, as he scooped up his escaped rabbit, he looked over only to see a piece of paper taped to the window of the apartment across from him. It was written on purple construction paper in big block letters, like a child had written it. WHAT'S YOUR BUNNY'S NAME???
13. Pop and prejudice - flowerofgusu - This one has an interesting premise but still plays on the familiar theme of LWJ and WWX being old friends/rivals and then meeting again. seeing each other in a completely different light.
Popstar Wei Wuxian "Xianxian" and music critic podcaster Lan Wangji have a long-standing rivalry. Why, then, would Wei Wuxian suddenly agree to an interview with Lan Wangji, who so vehemently wrote that bad review of his debut album?
I hope you find something here that appeals to you Anon! Enjoy! 😊
124 notes
·
View notes
Note
#2 FOR XISANGYAO?? WITH JGY AS THE SPEAKER AAAHHH
"It's not my fault," Nie Huaisang exclaimed while wringing his fan, a sure sign that it was, in fact, his fault. That brat had heard his brother say that an honourable man had nothing to fear from false accusations, and developed a habit of only protesting his innocence when he was guilty.
Jin Guangyao wished he didn't find that endearing.
And as to Lan Xichen's guilt, it was even more obvious. The man had many qualities, and could hide anything behind a warm smile in public, but in private…
"It might be a little bit my fault," Lan Xichen pitifully whispered, anguished guilt displayed on his handsome face.
And it was a very handsome face. How could anyone be that beautiful? A masterpiece of humanity, with a face to make gods weep with envy, and a body…
Jin Guangyao shook his head, and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Salivating about Lan Xichen later, political disaster now.
"I'm not mad," Jin Guangyao said in the softest tone he could muster at the moment. "I just want to understand. Why were you even there?"
"Well, Wen-xiong is an old friend," Nie Huaisang explained. "We used to hang out together a lot when my dad and his uncle met up to… chat."
Jin Guangyao nodded. He'd heard about Wen Ruohan and Nie zongzhu's chatting. Wen Ruohan was a nostalgic drunk, and tended to ramble about his love life in greater detail than Jin Guangyao would have preferred. He could probably paint certain parts of Nie zongzhu with great precision.
The man's face would not have been one of those parts.
"So, Wen Ning was my friend," Nie Huaisang resumed. "And I thought I'd drop by to see how the Wen were treating him, right? I figured we could have a chat. A real chat, mind you!" he quickly added when Jin Guangyao glared at him. "A talking chat, not a…"
He made a vague hand gesture that made Lan Xichen blush, even though it was far from explicit.
And what a handsome blush that was. Worthy of being painted and adored and…
Focus.
"You wanted to talk, fine," Jin Guangyao said. "And then what?"
"Well, I couldn't go alone!” Nie Huaisang exclaimed, crossing his arms on his chest in the manner of a contradicted child, charming little actor that he was. “They were under Jin Zixun's power, and he hates me!"
"He probably does,” Jin Guangyao conceded. “It's nothing personal, he hates everyone."
"The first year I was studying in the Cloud Recesses, I punched him in the face, broke his jaw, and told everyone that Jin zongzhu was his real father."
That was new. Not the rumours about Jin Zixun, he'd heard those before, and also suspected them of being true, but he'd never heard of a feud between his cousin and Nie Huaisang.
Jin Guangyao blinked a few times at that sudden influx of information, then looked at Lan Xichen who nodded and smiled at Nie Huaisang, so completely unbothered that it not only confirmed the story, but hinted that maybe Lan Xichen too would have liked a chance to punch Jin Zixun. He couldn't be blamed. Jin Zixun was very punchable.
"Then I guess it's a little personal," Jin Guangyao admitted.
"Exactly!” Nie Huaisang cried out, one hand on his heart. “So I asked Er-ge to come, for safety. But we get there, and everything is awful! Lots of dead people! And they thought I'd like to see that, on account of da-ge's whole feud thing, so they took me to see where they were torturing people, and they had a little boy doing work, and they wanted to hurt him to amuse me, and Wen Ning objected, and they said this time they were gonna kill him, and I said no!"
Nie Huaisang paused, ostensibly for breath, but actually mostly for the drama of it.
"So, that's when it got a little out of hand," he admitted.
"A little?" Jin Guangyao repeated.
"It wasn't my fault!" Nie Huaisang cried out. "But they got upset when I said I'd tell my brother about this and he'd killed them all for hurting my friend, and they thought maybe they could deal with us…"
"They did attack us first," Lan Xichen sheepishly confirmed. "And I tried my best to de-escalate, but they were convinced they could kill us and blame the Wens. And there was so much crying…"
"Mostly me," Nie Huaisang remarked. "But also the little boy, and some of the Wens. I was definitely the loudest though."
"Yes, you were," Lan Xichen fondly confirmed.
Well, at least that made sense, Jin Guangyao thought, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose once more. Lan Xichen, bless him, his handsome face, and his godlike body, was very weak to sad people. Jin Guangyao wouldn't be surprised to learn that Nie Huaisang's tears had been fake, but couldn't have blamed him for it when he also cried on command sometimes to get something out of Lan Xichen.
Lan Xichen who probably knew his two lovers were horrible, manipulative people who could cry on a whim, and who just enjoyed playing at consoling them.
Probably.
Either way, the death of those Jin guards no longer bothered Jin Guangyao. Anyone attacking Lan Xichen with killing intent deserved to perish. First, because the great Zewu-jun hadn't gotten such a flawless reputation without reason, and men stupid enough to go after an opponent so out of their league had it coming.
Secondly, because Lan Xichen was too perfect to be harmed, and Jin Guangyao was going to personally slaughter any survivor among those men who'd dared to think they could deface a living piece of art.
Better yet, he'd get Nie Mingjue to kill them. It'd be much easier.
“Most people just have to deal with one idiot," Jin Guangyao sighed. "You both will someday be the death of me.”
Lan Xichen, bless him, look mortified to hear this. Jin Guangyao was going to be able to milk this for favours for years. Nie Huaisang looked rather more unconcerned, but that didn't mean he wouldn't be very demonstrative if Jin Guangyao managed to help them handle this without starting another war.
These two were trouble, but they were so worth the hassle.
#nie huaisang#lan xichen#jin guangyao#xisangyao#xisang#xiyao#sangyao#mo dao zu shi#mdzs#jau writes#I was keeping that one for a rainy day and welp I am once again so anxious my shoulders hurt from being tense#so have so ridiculous nonsense
106 notes
·
View notes
Text
A very overdue cql/mdzs fic rec list
for @accidental-child
I am so sorry this took me so long Axel! The pandemic has really done a number on my time-management skills and things like this often fall behind :/
The fics complied here are the ones i have not recced in the list for @helianthus21 before. You can find that one here, so you can check it out as well :)
The Wei Wuxian makes a wish series by natcat5
My attempt at a summary: this is a madoka magica AU (which i had not watched prior to reading this fic). Cultivators, in this universe, are created when a teenager makes a wish to the creature named Kyubey, which than grants them their wish and the power to fight witches, strange and destructive creatures of despair that lure people into their labyrinths. Wei Wuxian, at the beginning of the story is not a cultivator, but his friends are and so is the mysterious new student at his school, lan wangji, who follows him everywhere and seems to be obsessed with preventing him from making a contract.
My comment: my attempt at a summary does not do this story justice and is really just a setup. Honestly i cannot put into words how much I loved this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It made me laugh, it made me cry for entire chapters, it drew me into it's world so much that I freaking dreamed about it! (I'm not kidding, I really did) Honestly, this fic deserves so much more attention than it is currently getting. Not only is the plot expertly crafted, with reveals that shock you and leave you reading, but the author also just gets the characters. The best thing an AU can do, in my opinion, is take familiar characters, put them in unfamiliar situations and then manage to make the way they react believable. And this AU nails that! The conclusion and the choices that Wei wuxian and lan Wangji make in the end felt exactly right. Not to mention, it has a stellar ensemble cast! Everyone is here (except Xichen sadly and I kind of think it is deliberate because without him, Lan Wangji lacks a support system). Again, I cannot recommend this story enough. It is, without doubt, my favourite fic series in this entire fandom. (Caution however: Do read the warnings in the tags and notes and take them seriously. They are there for a very good reason.)
Agapé (home is in your arms) by estel_willow
Author’s summary: Lan Xichen is in isolation. Wei Wuxian visits him. Together they find their way back to happiness, to clarity and to home.
My comment: This one focuses on both Lan Xichen’s and Wei Wuxian’s issues and lets them resolve them together. I am such a fan of their characterisations in this fic, as well as Lan Wangji’s even though he is not the focus. I love it when non-romantic relationships are the focus of fics and especially when they are central to the character’s resolving their own issues and moving forward in life and that is exactly what happens here.
until you're big enough by lostin_space
Author’s summary: Lan Zhan is sad and not hungry; Lan Xichen asks Nie Mingjue to help him.
My comment: This one is a really short and sweet read about how Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue parent the their younger brothers. I just really liked how the author portrayed todler Lan Zhan, as well as these two teenagers doing their best to be the parents that both he and Nie huaisang lack.
Night Music by Manogahela
Author’s summary: There is a music that plays in the night at Cloud Recess....but there isn't suppose to be. Lan Xichen investigates the mysterious dizi music that can be heard from the Jingshi at night following the Siege of the Burial mounds.
My comment: I absolutely adored this one, mainly for two reasons: 1. I love an outsider perspective and Lan Xichen’s, at this point and with his limited knowledge is absolutely wonderful. First, he isn’t even sure is what he thinks is happening really is happening and when he is sure, his feelings are, understandably very conflicted. 2. The author’s style compliments this fic so well. Since most of it happens at night and Xichen isn’t entirely sure that he can trust his senses, there is a certain dreamlike quality to it that the author writes beautifully. This fic is part one in a series. Part two is a WIP, but also very much worth the read!
Company by WithBroomBefore
My summary: In which Wei Wuxian is whipped within an inch of his life by Madam Yu when he is fourteen and comes to stay at the cloud recesses. He and Lan Zhan become friends.
My comment: My summary once again does not do this fic justice. Because it is so much more than just that. It’s such a beautful exploration of friendship and love and bodily autonomy. Wei Wuxian has a lot to work through in this fic, but really, so has Lan Zhan who has the opportunity to make friends at a much more mellow pace than in the novel/show and panics a little less because of it. The war still happens but has much less dire consequences. All in all, this fic left me with a wonderful warm feeling in my chest.
you are safe / loved / worthy / enough by everythingispoetry
Author’s summary: One of the more timid-looking posts, in pale greens and creams and yellows, says Hello, I'm managing to be fairly high functioning right now but I'm really not doing as well as it may appear, and Lan Zhan feels as if someone sneaked into his mind and read his most secret thoughts, the ones he's never even dared to admit to himself.
(In which Lan Zhan, to his own dismay, finds himself with the help of the most obnoxious, cheerful, cheesy self-care instagram account known to men.)
(And Wei Ying.)
My comment: Listen, I have a complicated relationship with fics that depict mental health struggles in characters. They are all so incredibly valid and I’m glad they exist (every single one of them, no matter if i like them or not) but due to the fact that they tend to come from the author projecting their own issues onto characters (which is NOT a bad thing! that is what fanfic is for!) they are often hit-and-miss when it comes to characterisation. But this story ... it just GETS Lan Wangji. If someone told me a scenario in a modern AU that leads to him developing an anxiety disorder and depression, this is what I would have come up with. Because let’s be real, Lan Wangji is a perfectionist to boot, insanely competitive and needs to live up to his family’s expectations, while also not having much of an emotional support system outside of his brother and uncle. That’s a dangerous cocktail in the modern world and just screams of a burnout waiting to happen. So Lan Wangji, off to university, living alone in a strange city for the frst time, spends all his time in a carefully calculated study routine but slowly realises that the path he set out on was not one he chose because he liked it but simply the one that was laid out for him by his background and family, which then leads to him questioning the reason behind what he does. That reads as incredibly real to me. A good AU, in my opinion, takes the characters and their inherent characteristics and lets them meet new and unique challenges that they never would have encountered in canon, which then leads to new and interesting character developement. And this AU manages that perfectly! (Plus, if you are a university student like me who sometimes suffers from crushing anxiety about the path they chose in life, this is insanely relatable. What? I never said I wasn’t biased :P)
porn (but not actually) and waiting (a lot of it) by hyacinth4maria
Author’s summary: Lan Xichen sighs as he settles into the couch next to Lan Wangji.
"What are you looking at?"
Lan Wangji, without pausing from typing the names Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian in the Love Calculator 3000, says, "Porn."
Lan Xichen chokes.
- Lan Wangji has a crush. Lan Xichen hadn't realized his little brother was growing up.
My comment: this one was hilarious! Just Lan Xichen being both absolutely exasperated and amused by wangxian’s pre-teen drama. I almost choked laughing at the line that coined the title. The author has these characters down to a T and they used their powers to attack my laugh-musccles :D
the field meets the wood by astronicht
Author’s summary: Wei Wuxian is a dark shadow in the barley. Wei Wuxian is sorry for the kind of compassion that he is about to hand out.
(in which Lan Wangji is stolen for salt, and Wei Wuxian unravels the world, a little)
My Comment: HOLY FUCKING SHIT THIS IS SO GOOD. Do you ever read a story and just marvel at the author’s mind? This is one of those. The sheer genius of giving Wei Wuxian the ability to pull entire beings into non-being! The absolute galaxy-brain idea to link the canon mythology to modern astrophysics!!! Wei Wuxian creates a motherfucking black hole in this one!!! And it’s SO well written, too! The author does not shy away from Wei Wuxian’s sharp edges and his darker side but goddamn if he is not still loveable anyway. Just GO READ THIS FIC!
Abandon your post by StarsAlignNomore
Author’s summary: After months as Chief Cultivator and separated from his soulmate, Lan Wangji follows Wei Wuxian out into the world. He searches for him. He finds him. He kisses him. They reunite, they talk, they resolve. Sometimes Bichen lends emotional support. Chenqing bites. Little Apple is there too.
Your typical Post-Canon-Reunion-Fic with much more emphasis on their spiritual weapons than expected.
My comments: This one just left me with a lot of mushy feelings. Also I adore the way the author emphasised the relationship between Lan Wangji and Bichen. And by the end, Wangxian finally figure shit out through actual open communication. Absolutely beautiful!
#cql fic#cql fic rec#mdzs fic#mdzs fic rec#mdzs#cql#wangxian#wangxian fic rec#lan wangji#wei wuxian#lan xichen
129 notes
·
View notes
Note
NMJ is the only one that knows bc he’s the only one that NHS truly trusts, he’s the only one who knows why NHS focuses so much in painting and art, NHS doesn’t know why or how but with a little bit of spiritual energy he’s able to bring what he paints in paper to the real world and with that the Nie sect has the beasts of legends under their command
on ao3
“How about you draw a flower?” Nie Mingjue said without much conviction. It was hard to have conviction when you knew it was pointless.
“No!” Nie Huaisang shouted, unsurprisingly, because toddlers always shouted. They seemed to have a great deal of feelings and sound for such small frames. “Taotie!”
Nie Mingjue grimaced. “No, no, not Taotie,” he said quickly. Never Taotie, not again. “How about the Baihu? Nice fuzzy tiger?”
“No!”
“Fenghuang? You like birds.”
Nie Huaisang considered it. “I like birds,” he agreed.
Nie Mingjue heaved a sigh of relief. “Me, too,” he said enthusiastically. “I love birds.”
He had never had especially strong feelings about birds, but he was willing to develop some.
“Okay,” Nie Huaisang said, and patted his thigh comfortingly. “I’ll draw you a bird, da-ge.”
“…thanks,” Nie Mingjue said.
When Nie Huaisang was done, he proudly presented Nie Mingjue with the results of his work.
Nie Mingjue put the baby phoenix in the new aviary he’d secretly had constructed behind his father’s back, thinking to himself that the high-grade construction materials he’d insisted on were totally worth losing his allowance for the next year.
The phoenix chick - it looked like a plucked chicken with maybe three feathers total - weakly coughed smoke.
Because of course it did.
Sometimes Nie Mingjue wished that he could just tell someone about Nie Huaisang’s unusual gift – it was a pretty big burden to bear, and he really wasn’t sure he was old enough for this type of responsibility – but no one else deserved to know. If they didn’t have the good taste to like Nie Huaisang when he was no one and nobody, pointless and useless, they didn’t deserve the benefits of knowing him now that he could do stuff.
Even if it was weird stuff.
Stuff like his ability to summoning the things he drew into existence.
Even things that might not really exist.
Besides, the thought of Nie Huaisang getting wrapped up into war and politics when he was still so young –
No, better to just store away what he made and hope he grew out of it.
And no more Taoties.
-
“Lan Zhan said his uncle shows people his artwork,” Nie Huaisang said, sitting on Nie Mingjue’s table in the family study. “Why don’t you ever show my artwork?”
“You do art?” their father asked absently, most of his attention on the report he was reading.
“Huaisang does great calligraphy,” Nie Mingjue interjected very quickly. “You’ve seen it – it’s beautiful. And his poems are very well crafted, too.”
“But Lan Zhan said –”
Nie Mingjue mentally resigned himself to not being friends with Lan Xichen any longer, no matter how well they’d gotten along, on the basis that the other boy would probably take it personally when Nie Mingjue murdered his brother.
“He also said stuff about rules,” he said. “Hundreds and hundreds of rules. Do you want to listen to all of those, too?”
“No,” Nie Huaisang said sulkily, five years old and bitter with it. “But…”
“How about we show Lan Wangji your aviary?” Nie Mingjue coaxed. “Go ask him if he’d like to see it. I bet he’s never seen anything like that – and you can ask him what type of animal he likes best, too!”
Nie Huaisang’s eyes went wide at the thought and he dashed off.
“You spoil him far too much,” their father commented. “An aviary – you talk about it more than he does, and you’re always getting birds to fill it up for him, too. Why are you so devoted to him learning to like birds?”
“Better than him liking fierce beasts,” Nie Mingjue said, omitting to mention exactly where he obtained the birds that filled the aviary. “Or corpses.”
“If he liked fierce beasts, perhaps he’d be more martially inclined.”
No, we would be, Nie Mingjue thought. He’d gotten a lot of spare practice with Baxia trying to fight corpses that had no business being there during the period in which Nie Huaisang had gotten temporarily interested in the things in his father’s stories – and that was before Nie Huaisang had learned about yao.
“I don’t want him growing up morbid, that’s all,” he said.
“You’re his brother, not his nursemaid,” their father said, a little exasperated. “Nor are you his mother. Why are you fussing over him so?”
Nie Mingjue huffed and shook his head. “How goes recruitment for the border?” he asked instead, and listened to his father tell him about how people barely a year or two older than him were being sent to risk death in the name of sect honor.
Not Nie Huaisang, he promised himself. Not yet.
He’d tell his father when Nie Huaisang was old enough to handle the consequences.
-
“Huaisang, didi,” Nie Mingjue said, and tried to smile, even though it pained him. “Can you do me a favor? A really, really big favor?”
Nie Huaisang sniffed, clutching at his arms and shaking. “What, da-ge?”
“You remember Jiwei? A-die’s saber? Can you draw that for me, please?”
It only made it worse.
-
“Da-ge?”
“Yes, Huaisang?” Nie Mingjue asked, scowling at the map. It didn’t get any better the longer he looked at it, but maybe if he kept glaring he could cow it into submission.
“Don’t you want me to help?”
Nie Mingjue looked up at where Nie Huaisang was wringing his hands by the door. “Help? With what?”
Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes at him, like it was Nie Mingjue being dense instead of him having started a conversation in the middle. “Uh, with border defense?”
“Why would I ask you to help with that?” Nie Mingjue asked blankly, then realized how his words could be misconstrued. “Not that I wouldn’t ask you to help, of course, but you’ve never really liked battlefield strategy, and anyway you are only twelve –”
“Da-ge!” Nie Huaisang whined. “I meant drawing!”
“…as in maps?”
Nie Huaisang’s glare could light fires.
Nie Mingjue coughed and put aside his work to focus on his brother. “Huaisang, why do you think I would use your drawings in planning out a possible battle?”
“Because they’re useful?” Nie Huaisang said, crossing his arms. “I can make things appear, da-ge, just by drawing them. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but that’s not something that normal people can do.”
“I know,” Nie Mingjue said. “It’s not. But just because it’s not normal doesn’t mean it’s not a wonderful ability, Huaisang.”
Nie Huaisang looked a little bit appeased.
“But just because it’s wonderful doesn’t mean I’m going to abuse your ability,” Nie Mingjue continued. “You should be playing, not working, and if anyone tells you otherwise, you tell me and I’ll straighten them out.”
Nie Huaisang came up and hugged him. “So it’s not that you’re not ashamed of me being weird and useless?”
“I think we’ve already established that an ability like yours is far from useless. And I don’t care how weird you are, principles are principles: you’re too young to be used for battle. Sorry, Huaisang; my hands are tied.”
Nie Huaisang laughed at him and left, looking much happier.
-
“So what would you like?” Nie Huaisang asked, eyes sparkling. “Me and my brush are at the ready, here to help!”
Nie Mingjue rubbed his forehead. “If you’re sure…”
“Da-ge! I’m seventeen – you were already sect leader for two years by my age. And it’s not like I’m going out there on the front lines or anything; I’m just going to draw some stuff for you.”
“You say ‘just’,” he grumbled. “It does drain your qi, you know. That’s why you took such a long time to form a golden core…”
“Yes, but I did get there eventually, didn’t I? And anyway, it’s fine, I’ll do it instead of my usual landscapes. What would you like? A dragon to devour our enemies? The white tiger, nipping at their heels? A taotie –”
“No Taotie.”
“You’re so weird about that,” Nie Huaisang complained, rolling his eyes again. “Fine. Then what?”
“Sabers,” Nie Mingjue said, giving in. “Standard steel, not spiritual. Horses, feed, saddles. Say, how are you at drawing arrows?”
“Da-ge,” Nie Huaisang said. “I can draw you the beasts of legend, and you want me to draw you arrows?”
“Yes. As many as you can bring yourself to create, really; everyone’s always short on arrows. More rice would be good, too –”
“This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting when I volunteered to help,” Nie Huaisang grumbled.
“Are you going to do it for me or not?” Nie Mingjue asked, unimpressed. “You asked me to use you, not to give you an art project.”
His brother heaved a sigh. “Yes, yes, I will. Can you explain to me why this is your choice, at least?”
Nie Mingjue ruffled his brother’s hair. “Huaisang, when you draw something, it comes to life. Fully to life, as a separate and independent creature of its own – if you draw a dragon, who’s to say that the dragon will choose to fight the Wen sect, instead of turning on us? It wouldn’t be much help if we had to run out, sabers drawn, to deal with whatever it was, only to be exhausted before the Wen sect even arrived.”
“…oh.”
“When we’ve made some progress in the field, I promise to let you help build fortifications,” Nie Mingjue said. “You can start thinking of really nasty traps –”
“Da-ge?”
“Yes?”
“…is that why you hate the idea of me drawing Taotie so much?”
Nie Mingjue coughed.
“Da-ge!”
“Don’t worry about it. It was always really good saber practice…”
-
“And if anyone tries anything against you at the camp, you draw something really mean, okay?” Nie Mingjue said, pressing paper and a brush into his brother’s hand in addition to the ones he’d hidden away in his luggage - there was a chance that might be confiscated upon his arrival. “I don’t care what it is.”
“I know, I know –”
“Promise me!”
“I will!” Nie Huaisang exclaimed. “I promise already!”
“Not just if they’re aggressive. Even if things just look suspicious –”
“Suspicious? Like what?”
“If they take you somewhere secluded,” Nie Mingjue said, face drawn with worry. “Somewhere where it’d take us a long time to find your bodies. I don’t care if you put other people in danger from your creation, okay? Don’t make me have to find your corpse.”
Nie Huaisang was silent for a moment. “I understand,” he finally said. “I promise.”
-
“I’m never drawing anything legendary ever again,” Nie Huaisang sniffed into Nie Mingjue’s collar. “That Xuanwu was awful. It tried to eat all of us!”
-
“Do you want me to help with the logistics, Sect Leader Nie?” Meng Yao asked.
“You already help with the logistics,” Nie Mingjue said, not really paying attention. If it was serious, Meng Yao would bring it to his attention – he was a truly remarkable aide-de-camp. “You already help with everything.”
“I appreciate Sect Leader Nie’s confidence in me,” Meng Yao said, smiling a little. “But no, I meant – with the imports.”
“Imports?”
“Every week we receive new shipments of goods – food, weapons, defenses – from Qinghe, and we don’t send any money back. Surely such expenditures are putting a strain on the Nie treasury..?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Nie Mingjue said. “Huaisang is handling it. It’s good for him to have responsibility.”
Meng Yao looked a little skeptical, but in his defense, he’d met Nie Huaisang.
“Really,” Nie Mingjue assured him. “He’s not going to hurt our budget – it’ll be fine. They’ve come steadily every week so far, haven’t they?”
“If Sect Leader Nie is content, then so am I,” Meng Yao said, but he was pouting a little, perhaps at the perceived lack of trust. He did so love to be helpful.
“You know I trust you with my life,” Nie Mingjue told him. “But this is something that Huaisang is, for once, best placed to handle. Don’t worry about it.”
It wasn’t really his secret to share, after all. Maybe when the war was done.
-
Nie Mingjue was on his back in the throne room of the Fire Palace, staring up at the man who murdered his father and who was about to murder him, too, when he heard the sound.
A high-pitched squeal, unlike anything else he’d ever heard – a little like a pig, a little like a wolf, a little like the long slow grate of metal against metal. It burned on the ear, a vile sound on the verge of being physically painful.
“What is that?” Wen Ruohan asked, frowning. He was standing above Nie Mingjue, his foot crushing down on his chest; Baxia was out of reach, knocked away, but at least no longer in the traitor Meng Yao’s hands. “Meng Yao…?”
“I - I’m not sure, Sect Leader Wen,” Meng Yao said, looking equally confused.
Nie Mingjue laughed.
They both looked at him.
He grinned up at them, blood in his teeth.
“What?” he said. “Never heard a Taotie before?”
632 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
daddybad95
Aprecie Sem Moderação
faira-star
Ask Faira Star
paukaren96
Hurt
prettiify
pretty little things
bodydynamics-plus
BODY DYNAMICS+