Chapter Text
“Jin-gongzi! Wei Wuxian is at Qiongqi Path with Jin-gongzi and several Jin disciples. A fight has broken out.”
“Stay here.” Jiang Cheng advises handing his nephew over to his father. He wipes his tears face turning serious. “I’ll go get that idiot and take care of things, but you need to be here with A-jie and A-Ling. They need you more right now.” Jiang Cheng turns to his sister, “Don’t worry, Wei Wuxian will get to see A-Ling… and I’m bringing him home.”
“A-Cheng.” Her face fills with hope and Jiang Cheng is just so happy to see her alive. He gives her a quick hug and runs out of the room. He flies to Qiongqi Path debating what he should say. Jin Guangshan had told them Wei Wuxian lost control and killed his son but Jiang Cheng doubted that. He had doubted it but in his grief he also went against his brother.
That won’t happen again. He’ll make sure of it. He steps down onto the ground carefully watching Wen Ning. “Wei Wuxian!” He yells from across the bridge.
His brother looks over red eyes distant as if he can’t control himself. “A-Jie is waiting at Carp Tower with A-Ling and Zixuan. I’ll escort you.”
At the mention of Jiang Yanli something shifts in Wei Wuxian’s features. Desperation. Wen Ning twitched and Jiang Cheng backs up to watch both of them. He doesn’t want to die again, no thank you. “Come on! You’re still apart of the family. A-jie wants you to see him. Hey you know what I’ll let you tease me for the rest of my life for crying while holding A-Ling!”
Wei Wuxian falls to his knees and screams. A blast of resentment shoots out from him. Jiang Cheng shields his face with his arms. He runs over when he sees his brother crying. What? “Jiang Cheng… Jiang Cheng… Shijie’s alive? Jin Zixuan? He’s alive? They’re alive? Jin Ling has his parents?”
“You were brought back with me?” Jiang Cheng questions and helps his brother up. “Jiang Cheng he cried so much. I was so scared, you died… oh gods… did I die? Did I leave Lan Zhan… I…”
“Hey look at me.” Jiang Cheng wanted to smack him but he figured that wouldn’t be a good idea and refrained from doing so. “You’ll get to see your Hanguang-Jun at the One Month Celebration. Also since you didn’t kill Jin Zixuan this time around he can help us. I’m getting you and the Wen’s out of the Burial Mounds.” Wei Wuxian’s eyes widen and then a hesitant smile comes to his face. Jiang Cheng hugs him. “Be my brother again.”
“Of course.”
~~~
“A-Jie! He’s here!” Jiang Cheng smiles. Wei Wuxian sobs upon seeing her. “I missed you Shijie.” He says between sobs. Jin Zixuan is smiling with baby Jin Ling in his arms. Jiang Cheng has never seen him look so content. “I Uhm… made something for Jin Ling. It works like a clarity bell but it repels low level corpses and resentful entities. I’m working on making a stronger version but I didn’t have the time. This was sprung upon me so suddenly.”
Jiang Cheng snorts. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Wen Ning awkwardly stands to the side. Jiang Cheng feels bad for him. Wei Wuxian sobs even more upon holding Jin Ling. Then chaos erupts. Jin Guangshan is yelling and so is Madam Jin. Jiang Cheng is standing protectively in front of his brother with a scowl.
“Sect Leader Jin, he’s my brother and A-Jie’s brother as well. He should be allowed to see his nephew.” Jiang Cheng forces himself to say. Wei Wuxian hands Jin Ling back to Jin Zixuan and stands next to Jiang Cheng. “I didn’t curse your nephew. That 100-holes-curse also shows on the caster. And oh would you look at this!” Wei Wuxian pulls aside his robes to show pale scarred skin but no curse. “But of course you won’t believe me. So go ask Su Minshan or better yet! Jin Guangyao he would know.”
Jiang Cheng face palms. His brother truly loved antagonizing everyone around him. But he’s made his decision and he’s sticking to it. “Idiot.” He hisses. Wei Wuxian, to his credit, doesn’t even acknowledge his brother said anything.
When the Jin sect leaders leave. Jiang Cheng wilts with stress. “Wei Wuxian. We need to figure out how to get you out of the Burial Mounds… gods I regret agreeing to your stupid plan.”
“Well I regret many things.”
“Didn’t you make a promise with Hanguang-Jun to live a life with no regrets?”
“Well yes but… Aiyah Jiang Cheng! This is a day about Jin Ling! Not me!” Lan Wangji barges in and Jiang Cheng sighs. “Wei Ying.”
“Ah… Lan Zhan…” Wei Wuxian seems sheepish to meet Lan Wangji’s gaze. Jiang Cheng will not be having this… No more pinning god please! “Should I prepare you two a wedding once you two figure your shit out?” He asks in exasperation. Wei Wuxian blushes and squeaks, “Jiang Cheng!”
“What? I’m honestly not paying the horrible bride price the Lan’s will set up. I’m speak with Zewu-Jun so those elders you have don’t ask for too much from us. Go make out without us please. I don’t need to see you pining either. Now GO!” He pushes his brother at Lan Wangji.
The man simply catches Wei Wuxian and leaves with him. Jiang Yanli blinks and then turns to Jiang Cheng, “So that’s the person A-Xian likes?”
“Oh gods he’s been pining for years! A-jie it’s terrible!” He groans. Jin Zixuan snorts, “How terrible?”
“Worse then you and A-Jie actually wait scratch that. Still better then you and A-Jie but not by much. ‘Come back to Gusu with me.’ Fuck you, he’s my brother.” Jiang Yanli giggles and sits him down. He complains to her and it feels… nice. He missed her. Even Jin Zixuan tidbits are a welcome addition.
~~~
“Lan Zhan?”
“Mn?”
“Is it you?” Lan Wangji nods as they sit in a tree far away from snooping eyes. “I heard from Xiongzhang that you were with Jiang-Furen.”
“I’m so glad you’re with me. I forgot what it was like to have the Stygian Tiger Amulet again. Jiang Cheng managed to bring me back. I… I was so scared I would do something bad again.”
“Mn. Jiang Wanyin helped.”
“Aiyah Lan Zhan. I love you. My handsome husband.”
“Love Wei Ying too.” They kiss and Wei Wuxian dearly missed him. That Night Hunt with Jin Ling and Jiang Cheng terrified him. But now he’s here. In the past. Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli are still alive. Wen Qing and Wen Yuan. Wen Ning and Fourth Uncle and Wen Popo. “We should go back. Tell Jiang Cheng you’re here with us.”
“Mn.” They see Lan Xichen on their way and the shock on the Lan’s face makes Wei Wuxian laugh. “Zewu-Jun! I’m sorry for laughing but… pfttt.”
Lan Zhan smiles at him. He laughs even more and clings to his husband. “Ahem, Wei-Gongzi.” Finally out of his stupor the Sect Leader bows in greeting. “Zewu-Jun.” he greets back smiling. “Oh can you mention to the other sect leaders that I’ll be destroying the Stygian Tiger Amulet.”
“Of course but why not say so yourself?”
“I intend to leave as soon as I say goodbye to Shijie and Jiang Cheng. I need to head back as soon as possible to destroy it. I…” He sighs heavily. Lan Zhan squeezes his hand in silent comfort. “I lost control but Jiang Cheng brought me back. The amulet has gotten out of my control and I don’t trust myself with explaining this to a room full of people who hate me.”
“Ah… well Wei-gongzi. Is there anyway the Lan clan can help?”
“Can I borrow Lan Zhan for it? I figured out a way to destroy it but I’ll need someone well versed in musical cultivation.”
“Of course.” Lan Xichen smiles. Lan Zhan nods at his brother and gets dragged off by Wei Ying. Wei Ying who’s basically glowing with happiness at the prospect of saving everyone he loves.
“Bye Shijie! Jiang Cheng! I’ll return soon with good news! And if I don’t return come visit! You too Peacock. We’re brothers now! Lan Zhan let’s go.”
“Mn.” Secured in Lan Zhan’s arms Wei Ying smiles. He told Wen Ning to leave as soon as they got to Carp Tower safely with Jiang Cheng. So Wen Ning should be in the Burial Mounds by now. “Lan Zhan should we call A-Yuan, Wei Yuan this time?”
“Whatever Wei Ying wants.”
“Aiyah Lan Zhan!” Lan Zhan smiles at him. Wei Ying nuzzles into his husband’s arms with a content smile. He had his husband and didn’t need to pin after his younger self. Thank the Heavens for that mercy.
~~~
Jiang Cheng leads his sister towards the Burial Mounds with a steady hand on her arm. On her left side Jin Zixuan stands with Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. Jiang Cheng can’t tell what they’re thinking but he’s hoping things will change and his brother lives.
He can’t wait another thirteen years to see his brother alive. He’s done waiting. He’s done being hesitant. “Wow! You brought a party Jiang Cheng!” Lan Wangji stands beside his brother with A-Yuan in his arms.
“Purple-Gege!” A-Yuan grins. Jiang Cheng is one man, a weak man at that. “A-Yuan.” He smiles. Lan Wangji lets the child down so he can run over to Jiang Cheng and cling to his leg. “Aiyah, A-Yuan.” Wei Wuxian chides playfully. “Xian-Gege! Purple-Gege came again! I knew he loved you! Oh! Purple-Jiejie!” Thus leads to A-Yuan clinging to Jiang Yanli’s leg
“A-Yuan was it? I’m Jiang Yanli. Your Xian-Gege’s Shijie.”
“Ah! The Jiejie Xian-Gege talks about all the time!” Jiang Yanli giggles and picks him up. “Mn. Call me Yanli-jie.”
“Mmmm I like purple-Jiejie more but… Yanli-jie!” Jiang Yanli smiles wider. Wei Wuxian coos, “Shijie! Ack Lan Zhan I can’t take it! It’s too cute!”
“Mn.” Lan Wangji agrees. HE AGREES! Jiang Cheng has a new found respect for the man. Jiang Cheng is smiling so hard seeing his other nephew giggling and whispering to his sister. Jin Zixuan is gobsmacked at this news. “I have a nephew?”
“Yep! Gotta get in some good practice for A-Ling Eh?” Wei Wuxian teases. “Anyways! Zewu-Jun, Chifeng-zun welcome to the Burial Mounds. We have a bit of walking to get to the settlement. Let’s go.”
Wei Wuxian turns while twirling Chenqing. Jiang Cheng is happy to see him in his old body and not Mo Xuanyu’s. He’ll keep it that way.
~~~
Wen Qing and Wen Ning greet them at the outskirts of the Wen settlement. “When you told me they’d be coming to see for themselves I didn’t think you were telling the truth Wuxian.”
“What! You doubt me Qing-jie? I’m hurt!” Wei Wuxian pouts. He yelps, “Ow! Ow! Qing-Jie!” Wen Qing had pulled his ear. “Jiang-furen I apologize for A-Yuan.”
“Oh it’s no worries Wen-guniang. A-Yuan is very kind and cute. And he’s A-Xian’s son.” As if that explains everything. It doesn’t because he’s more like Lan Wangji then Jiang Cheng’s chaotic brother. Though he suppose Wen Yuan takes some things after Wei Wuxian though.
They look through the Wen settlement with Nie Mingjue’s anger growing every second and Lan Xichen’s horror. Jin Zixuan is upset as well. “I’ll speak to my father and A-Yao. Jiang Wanyin I entrust A-Li to you.” Jin Zixuan leaves quickly thereafter. Wei Wuxian explains their situation to Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. “I apologize for never looking into this Wei Wuxian. You are a good man.”
“I wouldn’t say that Chifeng-zun but… thank you.”
“He’s right Wei-gongzi. I shouldn’t have believed the rumors. That is my fault. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity. I will speak with my elders and we will find a way to bring you back to Lotus Pier… unless you wish to join my brother?”
“Ah… Zewu-Jun. Me and Lan Zhan spoke and he’d like to join me in Lotus Pier. A-Yuan will become a Yunmeng Jiang disciple and finally we can put this all behind us.”
“Alright. I’ll start planning the wedding with Jiang Wanyin.”
“Ah! Thank you!” Wei Wuxian smiles brightly. Lan Xichen smiles in return. Nie Mingjue pats Wei Wuxian on the shoulder. “Huaisang missed you. You should visit the Unclean Realm sometime and… perhaps we could use your knowledge.”
“I’ll keep that in mind Chifeng-zun.” The two sect leaders leave after that. Jiang Cheng stays with his sister. A-Yuan is sleeping in his sister’s lap and he knows she has no heart to move him even when Wen Popo came to fetch him for his nap. Wen Qing smiles at the sight. Jiang Cheng has to apologize to her so that’s exactly what he’s going to do.
“Wen Qing… I’m sorry for not helping you earlier.”
“You’re doing it now so that’s what matters but. Thank you.”
“And thank you for taking care of my idiot brother and for the core transfer. I’ve come to terms with it.”
“You figured it out?” Jiang Cheng snorts, “He can’t use his sword and he’d always shrug it off. I got him to talk at Carp Tower. I hate that I didn’t see it sooner.”
“He wanted to protect you.” Wen Qing mutters. Jiang Cheng nods with a sigh. “We could use a healer like you at Lotus Pier ya know.” Wen Qing looks at him skeptically. “And your family can help us rebuild. And maybe… maybe we can figure a way to get Wei Wuxian a core again. I know he misses it and I miss sparring with him.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you.” Jiang Cheng bows to her. She sighs. “Go spend time with him. He misses you.”
“Yeah. I’ll go do that.” He walks towards his brother who’s joking with one of the many aunts. “Wei Wuxian, can we talk?”
“Hmm? Oh yeah!” They walk a distance away from the main building to speak. “I’m glad for the second chance.”
“Me too. Shijie looks so happen with Jin Zixuan. I don’t even hate him anymore.”
“Yeah neither do I.” They laugh. “We’re gonna figure it out. Together.”
“Yeah, together.”