Chapter Text
Xu Fang has a normal morning. The new collection of special books ordered by the young master in next town has been archived and binded specially for quiet big sum, he couldn't wait to get the rest of the promised payment. Business has picked up with the war end. Actually, it has flourishing with people being happy after such long oppression. He aired the stall room and cleaned the counters, took breakfast, and leisurely browsed one of his favorite novel while admiring the bustling street through the window. Just then post master of the town knocked and entered the shop.
"Oh! Pan-Xiong to what do I owe for your visit that too this early in the morning! Is it that you need another of my special collection you browsed last time? Please come in!"
"Aiya! Fang-Xiong is all you know how to do business? I am not here for your collections! I am on business today, this morning a fastest messenger bird arrived with a high secure package for you from Yilling. I came to deliver it personally to you. Which Huà jiā did you attract in Yilling now? Will you sell them?" The middle-aged man replied boisterously.
"A package from Yilling you say then it must be from the one the Young Master from the near by village there. And you know that I can't share any information! Its privacy Aiya. You look like those grandmas who talk about everyone in town and next one from day to night. Don't you have shame?" He asked the older man teasingly as he weighted the package in his hand.
The package looked like letters. Which is common enough. What is not common is the small design near the seal in the back. The design is made of three bamboos surrounding a loquat fruit. Instantly he knew the package is not any normal dealing but one of the special one designed to be send to Qinghe in fastest route possible. A favor for his top customer. But he hasn't gotten packages since the war ended and a package from Yilling could mean anything from good news to horrible news.
Carefully hiding his emotions Xu Fang paid the delivery and returned to his bedroom closing the doors securely. He turned towards rather normal low table on one end of the room. He sat before it and traced his finger underneath. When he found a small lever that looked part with the decoration he pushed it, immediately the desk moved upward. He moved the top of desk like a lid, inside was space was talisman paper neatly arranged in rows. He picked one of the self powered talisman attached there. He secured it on the package and put a drop of blood in designated area. The talisman light up and vanished with the package.
He carefully hide the trunk again and returned to his shop front. All the while he could feel little fear and dread sprout into his head. He remembers when the last the design has been used the wen's burned the Jiang Sect to ground and war had officially started. With trepidation he waited for further news to reach the general public.
Jiang Wanyin was having rather unpleasant morning. The rebuilding efforts has been dragging because of the delay in importing the construction materials. The disciples had a fight on who gets to use the bath of all things in the early morning. He had ensured no one even thought to fight over bath ever again and made them run laps as punishment. He had just enough time to stuff two buns before sect duty called for him. Then he was dragged from one place to another in the city for coming winter preparation.
Finally when he made way to lunch at the dinning hall for the inner family members through a short cut secluded and hidden from people's eye, he was intercepted by Gu Po (Paternal Great-aunt), she is one of the elders who survived the burning due to her retirement and her living far in Jiangling with one of her grand daughter who harvested honey and rare fruits for living. She returned after Lotus Pier was taken back and remained to help with the rebuilding.
He nodded with respect towards the elder. She bowed, "Jiang-Zhongzhu. I received a package to be given to you. It's from The Lotus Thief." He lightly choked at the nick name used by the town's people for Wei Wuxian from his younger days. Though now days no one calls him that and its forgotten and burned with rest of his sect, he still rather vividly remember the day Wei Wuxian gained the title.
It had to do with an over eager teenage Wei Wuxian who got his sword the week before, Old Ding who had a rather bad temper and owned the lotus farm near the sect grounds, his daughter who helped him with farming with rather heavy set of lungs. Suffice to say the town's people were entertained for weeks and the story spread to almost all of the cities near Yunmeng.
Jiang Wanyin was brought back with question of why Wei Wuxian send package through Gu Po while he could directly send it addressed to him. If he took this precaution then the implications sat heavy within him, the content must be sensitive and not for anyone eyes. Gu Po produced a thick package from her sleeves. He took it from her and asked, "Thank you for bringing it to me. When did it arrive?"
"Mid morning the Post Master arrived with it to my residence. I have made sure he will not talk about it again." She responded. He nodded again with respect, she left with final bow to do whatever work she had. He followed her exit with his eyes before he pivoted to go to Wei Wuxian's room which was situated at other end of family rooms. If the package blows up then at least non of the new building will get damaged.
The package burned holes in his robes as he made way to the destination. Thoughts of what could be in it run through him making him restless and anxious, his thoughts turned to last few times he met with Wei Wuxian. The war has left scars behind in everyone but to him the worst of it has marked Wei Wuxian, he tries not think about all the ways Wei Wuxian has changed at the end of it. He garbled hold his Shixiong together to no success. When he secluded himself and Wen Remnants in Burial Mounds Jiang Wanyin had lost all his hold on him.
They were no longer children but sometimes when he faced with Wei Wuxian he couldn't help but feel like a child. Holding on to their favorite person. Hoping to keep them forever, never out of sight. It doesn't help that the whole of Jianghu has decided that Wei Wuxian is devil's reincarnate fueled by their fear for unknown power. The feeling of powerlessness haunts him even now when he is a Sect Leader and a War Hero. What use of his title when he couldn't protect his family using it?
He reached the old room that was by one of the larger ponds filled with lotus pods. If Wei Wuxian was here the pods would have long before cut and opened to be eaten. The wards around room recognized him before letting him enter the room which has layout rather similar to guest rooms. He made sure no one followed him before closing the door firmly, the act made the dust settled over the unused room to rise. He made a face at the smell of old un aired space mixed with lotus wine's sweetness, there was enough bottles left behind to last few months.
He sat down at the table which still had papers filled with illegible words. He should have come to clean up but he couldn't face the reality of the situation anymore then necessary. Sighing, he cautiously moved the papers into a pile and set it by the edge. Then he took the package form his robes and inspected it. It looked ordinary enough to not rise any eyebrows, having deemed it safe to open he tore the package cover to reveal a crudely binded book, one letter, a smaller package and a bracelet. He first took the bracelet made of wood and lotus seed beads. He was some what familiar with carving on the beads.
The bracelet seemed to be for protection against demonic creatures and spiritual attacks though he is not sure about the extent of its power he could guess it must be very good. He put down the bracelet to open the letter which was addressed to him.
Jiang Cheng,
I failed to keep my promise to you. To stay by your side and lead Jiang sect together.
For that I am deeply apologize. It fills me with regret everyday.
Every time I turned the corner I saw ghost of our shidis and shixiongs. The elders and servants. Most of all Jiang-shushu and Madam Yu. I thought I could stay and fight whatever it is but my days here in Burial Mounds has shown how much of coward I am.
Jiang Cheng, I am sorry. I am sorry for everything.
More importantly I am sorry for what I will tell you.
Faced with something that is so viscerally true and something he realized himself if not unacknowledged and discarded in back of his mind made his heart ache. He knew the signs were anything good, he recognized them even before the night at the fateful conference but he had thought he has time and comforted himself. But all was lost before his own eyes and in horrible way too.
But he remembered seeing Wei Wuxian when he and Jiejie went to visit him, the ever present tense lines has reduced in his time away. He may have looked like a wind would carry him away but he was not depressed as he had been and just that was enough for him to let it be.
He was after all familiar with the feeling of insecurity that comes with not able to do more.
But the apology was something that brought cold dread chasing after every thought, he was not liking any of this. The bracelet kind of starting to make sense. He took a deep fortifying breath before continuing to read.
You were right, they wouldn't let me stay here without consequence or let these people live even if we stayed quiet and just farmed in a place filled with Resentment.
But, I have found something in here A-Cheng.
A home.
Lotus Pier is my first home and these people here are my second home. How can I let them go when the last time I was careless everything burned. How can I not?
I couldn't lose them too Didi. If they die too, then where will I be left? They deserve to live as much as anyone. They didn't participate in war, How could they with no cultivation. Wen Qing and Wen Ning are the only people that have anything to do with the war.
And A-Yuan, Wen Yuan. He is orphan, all he is left is his Popo. He is also second cousin of Wen Qing and Wen Ning.
He calls you Purple-Gege. It not made official yet but h e calls me Baba and he is son of my heart.
Can you believe it Jiang Cheng me being a parent. I cried and wept every night after it. I hoped to tell you and Shijie in person. If I had know you would visit with Shijie I would have brought him along.
Yunmeng Jiang is not powerful enough yet. I would never wish to put you under any sort threat, I will die again before they could ever dream of setting their eyes on Yunmeng.
So, we have little options left but leave.
I want these people to live, not just survive and wait for their inevitable end. I want my son to live. I wish it was in Lotus Pier among the rivers. I wish for so much A-Cheng.
Anyway the crux of the matter is to quote Wen Qing, "Disappear form the face of Earth." And I made it possible.
We are going to far far away from Jianghu. Lands that no cultivator has ventured.
By the time you read this letter we would have already moved from Burial Mounds and travelling to our destination.
I am Sorry.
Jiang Wanyin felt nauseous and feint as he read yet another of family leaving him. His breathing was uneven and Zidian sparked with currents due too erratic spiritual energy. The letter is not finished yet all he wanted to was race to Burial Mounds and rage at everything at sight. The thick grief waited his limbs yet again. He read whatever his brother's last words for him.
Jiang Cheng, Didi. I will find a way to communicate and there will be visits. There is no way I will let A-Yuan not meet his Shushu and Gugu. This is a promise not only to you but to me and A-Yuan.
Keep yourself safe A-Cheng, wear the bracelet and the book has ward scheme for lotus pier it also has some talisman you can sell through the sect. Give Shijie her letter for me.
I am Sorry again for leaving but this is not the end.
You should know, I am proud of the man you have grown to A-Cheng.
Your Xian-Ge
The reassurances didn't make the grief any better. Bitter tears run down his face as he to came to terms with everything the letter said. He dropped the letter like it burned his skin and then reached for nearest wine bottle to get shit faced in the middle of the day. Sect Leader duties be damned he lost yet another family. He drank the bottle down in a gulp. The tears yet to stop, before he could truly lose it he wore the trice damned bracelet and hid it under his inner robes, what use of it if anyone can see the spell woven protective charms.
He also pocketed the book and Jiejie's letter then let himself indulge in the wine bottles before him.
He will take care of his Sect tomorrow and put the wards up personally. Today he will grieve.
Cold winds swept the curtains of his room. Nei Huisang put last touch to his recent painting. It a sad lonely man standing in dark, his red ribbon vibrant against the paintings whole dark theme. The man had slim build like a branch that will break with a strong wind. He was facing away and only his back profile was drawn. The man had both his hand behind him holding a long dizi.
Yet another painting that will never see the light Nei Huisang thought bitterly. All his efforts to help his friend have met with resounding no's and threats of confinement. He had begged Da-ge to see reason. How would Wei Wuxian be in two places? How could Wei Wuxian move an whole army and yet leave no traces of it behind? Where is he getting supplies for his so called army?
All of this has met with resounding silence yet he was not allowed reach out. He is frustrated and the tails on him make it impossible to leave Qinghe. He could only do so much with his spy network who believe the stupid rumours like everyone. He should really plan for Jin Guangshan's end, he has become a nuisance and Da-ge atleast not be totally opposed to it.
He left paint to dry and gathered his supplies to be washed and put away. Just then a package dropped squarely on his table making cluttering noise as it disturbed the tea set. Before the shock could even leave his thoughts, his body moved to take the package away from the tea and ensure no further damage. Fortunately there was no spills.
The rather suprising event led to confusion to alertness. The smartly modified talisman was something he thought of after needling and questioning Wei Wuxian for days back in Cloud Recess. It had been a pain in ass to figure out the correct characters and balance the power flowing into it. But it had worked that is all it mattered.
He had immediately had several of already powered delivery talisman distributed to his trusted informants. It had been great help during the war yet at the start its usage brought nothing but news of dead and destruction. Thus one of his informat sending message through this talisman has him in cold sweats.
He examined the cover slowly and closely before he understood from who exactly it is from. Relief fled his body and he slumped against one of the chairs against the wall. Wei-Xiong finally send him a letter. Then the reasons which led to Wei-Xiong contact him through his network that to by using this particular method hit him.
He then hustled over to open the package. It had a letter and some lose paper rolled together by a string and another package addressed to Lan Wangji. He immediately went to find the same talisman and a plain paper to write instructions on. Once that is finished he promptly started reading his letter. No use wasting time.
Nei-Xiong,
Sorry to bother you with such hasty way of communication. It must be this or a crow. I felt like the poor crow would be shot down before reaching you and the package will be burned.
So, I thought I will do you a favour and bring you the news first hand before you hear it from somewhere else.
The Wens and I are leaving Jianghu. This time for real as in moving far far away.
The Jin have been such a nuisance and the last thing I want is these people I saved to die. Then there is the tally.
I wish I didn't create it. It has only caused me headache. So, I will destroy it when I finally figure out how to without any negative push back. You can reassure anyone comming to ask.
I have also filled in Jiang Cheng and send you a package ment for Lan Zhan. Make sure to pass it.
I know our move will bring yet another political upheaval so I am asking you for a favour Nei-Xiong. Keep my siblings safe from the Jins maneuvers.
As a rather very good incentive I have added a theory to safely release resentment poisoning using a set of meditation excercise and acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture is Wen Qing's contribution.
It will take at least a xun before anyone realizes we are gone. So, use it well to prepare.
Your friend
Wei-Xiong
"Ugh, Wei-Xiong really? I would had helped anyway what made you think I will need some kind incentive?" He knew exactly why his friend wrote what he wrote. He slid the letter away and folded his arms to rest his head. The thought of the once bright boy fluttering around everyone and spilling cultivation innovation like a child who couldn't keep secrets rushed in his mind eye.
The war has taken so much of his friend that what had it left is a husky of man with no bright light that once shone like the sun, never burning out. He let the sorrowful thoughts consume him for some minutes.
Wei-Xiong has been his first friend who have looked past all his mask and accepted him as he is and remained true. Nei Huisang had felt gratified by the easy acceptance and even more so by the steady friendship. If it weren't for the war he would have ensured their friendship never failed like it had by the end of war. He is filled with regret of not doing enough.
He could have made see Da-ge sense by just dragging him to The Burial Mounds or making Jiang-Xiong talk about the people he saw in The Burial Mounds, though he thinks that wouldn't have been enough to change anything. Atleast he should have found a way to send supplies.
After few minutes of wallowing about descision not taken, he got up and cleaned his room put away everything and sat down to write numerous missives for his informants and ready the battle field for the sourly needed win.
He put the bundle with mentioned treatment away securely to be studied in detail when the upcoming fuss is over and done with.
He made a note to send message using the Delivery talisman to wei xiong once everything is over.
Lan Wangji was returning to Jingshi from Cold Pond when he was intercepted by a disciple. Lan Yuming was his own age mate who survived the war. The man has always been hard working though his cultivation was not remarkable, he was rather sociable and followed Lan Principles diligently.
"Lan-er-gongzi, there is special package for you from Qinghe. It came with instructions to directly given to you and kept personal." Lan Yuming bowed then produced a package from his sleeves. Lan Wangji noted the package seemed be a letter. He reached for it and spied familiar illegible handwriting. He took a sharp breath before accepting the package from the offered hand.
"Thank you." He told the disciple who bowed again then moved along the path back to his station. Lan Wangji clutched the package and walked determinedly back to his home, only breath away from breaking No Running rule. The path back seemed to extent longer then it was but at the same time it took no time to reach Jingshi.
The last of gentian buds has bloomed and soon the will fade away with turning of season. Gusu has always has welcomed winter sooner, the preparation has gone well even with their rebuilding efforts. Jingshi out of the way and deep in the mountains escaped the Wen's burning. The lone cottage looked beautiful in the late afternoon light. Peaceful.
Not for the first time Lan Zhan wished for what ifs. Climbing the porch and sliding the door open he took notice of his space, furniture arranged with good feng shui in mind. Sandalwood incense thick and light from the windows making the space best for meditation. Cool breeze entered from the opened door ruffling the gauze curtains hung from the wooden beams. He took a calming breath before turning towards the bedroom in his left before locking the door behind him.
He removed his outer most layers while getting fire started in the kang. Finally sitting down on his bed he looked closely at the package in his hand. The paper was rough and of low quality. There was no seal of post, he carefully touched his name on the cover written in dark ink. He gently tore the top of the package and spread the paper to look inside.
There was a letter.
And a tassel.
Wei Ying's tassel.
The red made his heart ache. He didn't know what to do, Wei Ying's tassel which should be attached to Chenqing is in there. He doesn't know how much time passed before he finally plucked some courage to move. He took the tassel from the package. Its beautiful vibrant color now faded and dirtied by use. The charm has little chips along its curves. He found a new bead made of wood that had some kind of spell inscribed in it.
His mind raced as the implications of receiving the tassel. As his thoughts fell into spiral he clutched the letter in his fist. Hearing the crinkle of paper under force he collected himself. His hands shook minutely when he set the tassel in his lap and turned his attention to the letter. Not able to wait any longer he opened the letter with haste.
Hanguang-Jun, Lan Wangji, Lan Zhan,
Lan Wangji felt now familiar flutter of his heart at the address Wei Ying used.
I have not been truthful to you, Zhiji. Not since Lotus Pier.
I am left with a dark narrow path to walk and there is no light as far I could see.
There have been times I wanted to just shout the truth at you so you could stop calling me out on my heretical cultivation and my mental health. There have been times I wished you will make the connection and finally see how far I have fallen.
No one knows other Wen Qing, Wen Ning. And now you. Keep my secret Lan Zhan, please.
The realization of words hit him in waves. He frenetically tried to make the connection Wei Ying implied. The fall of Lotus Pier. Then Jiang Wanyin's claim about Wei Ying's promise to meet in Yilling. Rumors of Wei Ying being captured and thrown into Burial Mounds. His pale haggard form covered in withering resentment. Wei Ying discarding his sword. His failing health. His refusal to stop his new cultivation.
Lan Wangji couldn't breath, he fell to his knees as the truth took root in his aching heart. Tears spilled with no reserve. His Zhiji has been suffering and he hasn't been there for him. He had condemn him instead, that to for his only defense.
But a nagging thought told him that Wei Ying would not give up this truth freely. The letter hasn't ended yet.
But, there has been some development.
A-Yuan called me Baba.
Lan Zhan I didn't believe I could have something like this after everything. I never felt so much for another before.
Lan Zhan couldn't tell what he was feeling. Regret. Pain. Elation for Wei Ying to find someone to call his own. Fondness of remembering those small sticky hands clutching him and the wide smile resembling his love.
He read on.
Remember the lantern festival back then, we made a promise. A promise to stand by justice and always help the weak finally to live with no regrets.
It feels like a life time ago. Carefree and happy, it was easier to imagine a life lived with no regrets. There are things I have done that has left pain, blood and destruction. There are things I have done in the name of war, in name of revenge, in name of justice.
But at the end it was me who choose to do it. I asked you once in Qiongqi path. Who is right? Who is wrong? Who is strong? Who is weak?
It is impossible to answer. Was is these old civilian's fault for not opposing their leader? Was it Wen Qing fault for fearing her brother's life and helping her uncle? Was it the other sect leaders' fault for mistrust and caution against Wens even after the war? Even though they might be as much of victims as we were.
But Lan Zhan they have become more then people I want to protect.
I want them to live.
Even if I fail, I will not stop. I can't leave them to their dead. Jiang Cheng told something that has stayed with me,
" When you’re standing on their side, you’re the bizarre genius, the miraculous hero, the force of the rebellion, the flower that blooms alone.But the second your voice differs from their, you’ve lost your mind, you’ve ignored morality, you’ve walked the crooked path. You think you can be immune to all those condemnations as you stay outside of the world and do whatever you want? No such precedent has happened before! "
He is right. I will still be drawn in even if I stayed outside. The Wens depend on me, A-Yuan depend on me. I cannot afford to be careless, arrogant. So, we have come to a decision.
We will disappear from Jianghu and not to be found. This time no one will be able to follow us.
By the time you read this letter we would have already moved.
Cold dread settled along his being. The second realization that Wei Ying is gone hit him with much more force. He forced himself to read the last few sentences.
That's why I have something of a favor to ask you. The barrier around the The Burial Mounds needs monitoring. Who better then Hanguang-Jun to keep The Mounds contained?
If you don't want to take care of the wards that's fine just inform Jiang Cheng.
Thank You and Sorry.
Wei Ying
The last line left him splayed open. He let the letter fall from his hands to the floor. He felt like his world had stopped, the warm of kang, the sound of water from near by brook, the occasional sound harsh winds against the window panels. Everything lost its life. Lan Wangji could only thing of one thought.
Wei Ying is gone. He left not to be found.
He shattered to pieces on the floor of Jingshi.