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Lan Xichen knows that raising a child in the middle of a war will be hard. He knows that while now is not the best time to be pregnant, his desire for a family has overridden any possible logical thinking he can make. The thought of raising a family has always appealed to him, so when the time came to make the choice, he simply took it, without regard for who the father was or what the circumstances were.
He had found out in the middle of a battlefield, right after one of the hardest battles yet had been fought. Lan Shui was absolutely distraught that he had let his pregnant sect leader go out into battle, though Lan Xichen appeased him quickly, saying that it wouldn’t happen again.
Of course, it was only a couple days later that the battle was brought to them, and he had no choice.
“You must go back to the Cloud Recesses, at once!” Lan Shui cries, holding Lan Xichen’s shoulders, without a single regard for how he should be treating him at this moment. “You absolutely must not be out on the front lines anymore!”
Lan Xichen only nods, patting the healer’s shoulder gently. “Alright, I’ll find an excuse to head back to logistics.”
Though there was a sort of dread pooling in his stomach at the thought - spending more time than was strictly necessary with the child’s blood aunt. Nevertheless, Xichen followed Lan Shui’s instructions, finding himself soon after rearranging supply routes and storage.
The work was relaxing, Lan Xichen found. It was monotonous, but it was simple. That doesn’t mean that everything has gone smoothly since he arrived, however.
“Sect Leader Lan.” Jiang Yanli calls, gently pushing aside the flap of his tent. “Is everything alright? Shao Jiayi said that you had left your duties for the day, but I just wanted to make sure everything was alright.”
Lan Xichen gives her a simple smile, worry twisting in his gut. “I’m alright, Lady Jiang. I simply ate something that didn't agree with me.”
Jiang Yanli nods. “Is there anything I can get you? I have made friends with some of the medics, and I’m sure they can spare you something for nausea.”
Lan Xichen chuckles quietly. He knows this is more than simple nausea, though he wouldn’t want to acknowledge that in front of her. “It’s alright, Lady Jiang. I’m sure it’ll pass soon, I would rather the herbs go to someone else more injured than me.”
Jiang Yanli nods slightly. “Alright. Let me know if you ever need anything, Sect Leader Lan.”
Lan Xichen sighs quietly as she exits his tent, leaning back on the chair, gently running his fingers along the lower half of his stomach. “Well, little one. It seems I am safe from your Aunt’s ire… for now.”
The small burst of energy that radiated from his stomach at that moment, only felt because Lan Xichen was paying attention to his stomach, made reality truly set in. He was going through with this- he truly was going to have a child.
------
It didn’t take Wangji long at all to come and meet him.
“Xiongzhang.” Lan Wangji calls, heading into the storage area. “Why are you here?”
Lan Xichen smiles slightly. “Wangji. Is everything alright on the front lines? I sincerely hope you didn’t come here just to see me.”
The silence he was met with spoke volumes. As was the fact that Wangji’s gaze was pointed towards the floor.
Lan Xichen sighs softly, shaking his head. “Alright, alright. I’ve concerned you, haven’t I?”
Lan Wangji nods. “Yes. We could use your expertise on the front lines.”
Lan Xichen gently pats his brother’s shoulder. “This isn’t the time or place to talk about this. Would you help me with my work, Wangji? I would appreciate your strength in moving a couple things.”
Lan Wangji nods, though the look of concern doesn’t disappear, even as he commits himself to Lan Xichen’s orders.
It was only after the organization had finished that they finally sat down together, inside Xichen’s tent to have some semblance of privacy.
“There is a very good reason I can’t be out on the front lines, Wangji.” Lan Xichen starts, sitting gently on the edge of his bed, next to his brother. “Lan Shui would not be pleased if I returned now.”
Lan Wangji frowns. “Were you injured?”
Lan Xichen smiles. “No, nothing of the sort. I’m perfectly healthy.”
Lan Wangji only tilts his head, but the question doesn’t have to be voiced for Lan Xichen to hear it.
“Lan Shui would not be happy with me if I brought the heir onto the battlefield.” Lan Xichen says, letting his fingers gently caress the small bump that was forming on his stomach.
A weight lifted off his shoulders, now that he wasn’t the only one carrying the secret, though it seemed that he had only placed the burden onto his brother’s shoulders.
“Are you sure, xiongzhang?” Wangji stares at his brother, concern evident in his gaze.
“Yes, I’m sure.” Xichen smiles slightly, fingers rubbing lightly over the small bump in his stomach. “Lan Shui confirmed it, and I have been having morning sickness. I am pregnant.”
“We are in the middle of a war, xiongzhang.” Lan Wangji frowns, watching his brother’s gentle touches. “Is now…?”
“It’s because we’re in a war that I must.” Lan Xichen looks up at his brother. “I know you don’t want to be a sect leader. I will work from the back lines to both ensure that you never do, and that I have a proper heir. I swear I’ll be careful. That is why I’m here, after all.”
Lan Wangji nods quietly, leaving both of them to sit in silence for a couple minutes.
“And besides, this way if you wish to run off with Wei Wuxian you can.” Lan Xichen smiles, gently elbowing his brother, causing Wangji’s ears to flush bright red. “It will allow you more flexibility after this war is over.”
“Does the father know?” Lan Wangji stares at his brother.
“...No, we both knew it was going to be short-lived.” Lan Xichen smiles, patting his brother’s shoulder. “It’s alright. I don’t think he ever thought this would happen, in any case.”
“Xiongzhang…”
Lan Xichen waves his hand gently. “It’s fine, Wangji. He’s in mourning, both you and I know it. He needed comfort, and I happened to bring it to him. When the morning came… well, even at 5 am he was already gone.”
Lan Wangji sighs quietly. “If this is what you truly wish for, xiongzhang, I will help you fight for it.”
Lan Xichen smiles softly. “That’s all I can ask for, Wangji. Just make sure you come back safely so you can meet them when the time comes.”
“I will fight with all I have, for the safety of our clan and your child.” Lan Wangji nods.
“I know you will.”
Lan Wangji leaves soon after, taking charge of the Lan cultivators on the front lines. And, Xichen has to admit, he does a fantastic job. Though it’s barely a couple weeks before he receives a letter from his uncle about the situation, though he doesn’t go into specifics - as if he doesn’t know exactly what ails Xichen.
“It will only be for a week, Lady Jiang.” Lan Xichen reassures, setting his inventory paper into her hands. “I must go see my uncle quickly, and I will be back soon.”
“I understand.” Jiang Yanli nods. “I will do my best to live up to your expectations, Sect Leader Lan.”
Lan Xichen can’t help but wonder what would happen if she had become the sect leader of the Jiang - if her clear leadership skills had been placed above her low cultivation. Now, Lan Xichen can only think of what-ifs on his flight to Gusu.
The flight takes longer than normal, as Lan Shui has given him strict instructions not to wear out his golden core, as there could be complications that none of the junior healers still in the Cloud Recesses could handle.
Lan Xichen eventually lands safely on the steps up to the Cloud Recesses, heading directly to his uncle’s quarters.
“Xichen.” Lan Qiren stands, heading over to him. “Are you sure everything is alright? You didn’t reply to my letter, so I had feared the worst.”
Lan Xichen only smiles. “I’m fine, Uncle. Perfectly healthy. I simply thought it would be best if I replied to your letter in person, that's all.”
Lan Qiren frowns. “Is it a grave illness?”
Lan Xichen laughs, taking a quick seat at his uncle’s desk. “I told you, Uncle. I’m perfectly healthy. I simply can’t be on the front lines for a while.”
Lan Qiren sighs, taking his seat opposite his nephew. “And what, pray tell, is the reason for that?”
“It’s because I’m pregnant, Uncle.” Lan Xichen says, looking his uncle in his eyes. “I wish to carry the baby to term. I wish to be a father, despite the time we find ourselves in.”
Lan Qiren only stares at him, nodding slowly, as if to give the idea time to settle in. “I… see. You will voluntarily carry the heir, during our most turbulent time.”
Lan Xichen chuckles quietly. “It is nothing that grand, Uncle. I simply wish to have a family.”
“I will support you in any way I can, A-Huan.” Lan Qiren says, leaning over and patting Lan Xichen’s shoulder. “Is there anything I can provide for you while you are here?”
Lan Xichen remembers Jiang Yanli’s thoughtfulness, and an idea comes to his mind.
“Do you have any ginger candies, Uncle?”
-------
As the weeks wore on, Lan Xichen’s stomach slowly grew, forcing him to spend more and more time in his tent, hidden behind a table to try and prevent the news from spreading all across the camp.
“Ah!”
Though, it’s impossible to be completely safe, not when people are trying to talk with him day and night.
“I apologize, Sect Leader Lan. I should have asked if you were ready for me.” Jiang Yanli bows, averting her eyes.
The worry coils in his gut once again, and he quickly sits down at his table. “It’s alright, Lady Jiang, There was no way you could have known.” Lan Xichen tries to keep it out of his voice, as not to alert her sooner than he needs to that the child is her younger brother’s. “Is there something you need?”
Jiang Yanli composes herself quickly. “No… it’s nothing urgent. I was just wondering why you hadn’t looked around the storerooms yourself for a while, but… I understand why now.”
Lan Xichen chuckles quietly. “Yes, it is quite hard to move around and check everything properly with my stomach swollen like this. Though… maybe now that you know, you could assist me?”
Jiang Yanli sits across from him. “Of course, Sect Leader Lan.”
Lan Xichen smiles. “Please. Call me Xichen. I think we’ve worked together long enough.”
Jiang Yanli smiles. “Then call me Yanli. I believe that makes us friends, doesn’t it?”
Lan Xichen smiles, letting himself gently rub the small swell of his stomach for the first time in a meeting. “I believe it does. Though, I must ask for your secrecy on this matter.”
“Of course.” Yanli says. “If the Wen found out…”
She trails off, letting the threat hang in the air. There was no need to say it after all- Lan Xichen knew the risks as much as she did.
“Well, regardless.” Xichen says, looking down at his stomach. “You are only the fourth person I’ve told about this little one.”
“Does… the other parent know?” Jiang Yanli asks, her voice small. “I wouldn’t want to presume…”
“No.” Lan Xichen pushes the worry to the side. If she knew who the father was, she would have stormed out immediately to tell him. “He has no idea. It was only a temporary thing, after all. Neither of us were truly in our right mind at the time, unfortunately.”
Jiang Yanli frowns. “How unfortunate. Will you tell him?”
Lan Xichen only gives her a sad smile. “I’m not sure. I’m… not sure how he feels about me.”
Jiang Yanli nods, quietly taking in the information. “Maybe… this will be a chance to find out how he feels. And… if he rejects you, you can sleep easy knowing you at least tried.”
Lan Xichen thinks for a moment, mulling over her words. Regardless if she knew the father was her brother or not, the advice was rather good.
“Maybe after the war is over.” Lan Xichen looks over at her. “I would hate to distract him during this time. He doesn’t need the addition of my feelings for him on the line at the moment.”
Jiang Yanli nods. “I understand how you feel. Though, not the pregnancy.” She smiles. “My feelings for my former fiance are still quite strong, and I would hate to distract him as he fights.”
Lan Xichen smiles. “It seems we’re kindred spirits, Yanli. Maybe you would like to join me more often? Perhaps for a meal?”
Jiang Yanli smiles. “Of course, Xichen.”
-------
The topic of the baby’s father is still on Xichen’s mind, even the week after his first visit with Yanli. He’s sure she has no idea that the baby is her brother Jiang Wanyin’s, after all, their visit was really only known by the two of them.
Lan Xichen was fully aware, as Jiang Wanyin was, that the night would most likely amount to nothing more. Jiang Wanyin needed comfort, and had simply run to the first person he thought of, which happened to be Lan Xichen.
Lan Xichen could never forget that night, though. Feeling Jiang Wanyin’s firm arms around him, the feeling of his mouth on his own, the small, breathy moans he could only just make out under his own. The gentle caress of his hands.
Jiang Wanyin’s tears on his shoulder.
The sweet words he whispered, just low enough that Lan Xichen could hear.
“How many people tell you that you’re beautiful? Have any of them ever seen you like this, splayed out for me with tears in your eyes?”
“You’re perfect, Xichen.”
“Stay with me, just a little longer… Just a little bit longer.”
Even if Lan Xichen could go back to that night, have Jiang Wanyin’s attention solely on him, he would do everything exactly the same.
He had no lingering regrets from the night, really. Only that it ended so quickly in the morning that he didn’t have a chance to say a thing to him, confirm that he wanted something more with him.
In truth, Jiang Wanyin had caught his eye during his time studying in the Cloud Recesses, and a quiet longing had settled in Lan Xichen’s heart over the man. He knew very well that there was no way the two of them could ever marry, seeing as both of them are the leaders of their respective sects, but that didn’t stop Lan Xichen’s feelings from blooming upon hearing the soft murmurs of affection that night.
Not that anyone could ever know this, either. Yes, the child’s father would remain his secret to keep- even from his family.
-----
Lan Xichen’s life had started changing in ways he didn’t expect, and it felt good to have more than his doctor as a confidant at this time.
“I’m truly sorry, Yanli.” Lan Xichen says, a small frown on his face.
Jiang Yanli smiles, setting her hands on his shoulders. “It’s no worry, Xichen. I can tell you’re exhausted. You’re growing a life, after all. You’ll need all the help you can get.”
Lan Xichen smiles. “I appreciate it, truly, I do. My back has been aching all week, and I can’t seem to get it to go away.”
Jiang Yanli nods, sitting nearby. “Has your baby been kicking recently?”
Lan Xichen quietly rubs his hand against his stomach. “Very much so. They’re very active, especially during the day. Though, they enjoy it when I sing for them before falling asleep, and they calm down rather quickly.”
Jiang Yanli smiles, folding her arms in her lap- a motion that doesn’t go unnoticed to Xichen. “They’re starting to develop a personality. How interesting.”
“You can come touch my stomach, if you’d like.” Lan Xichen says, moving slowly from behind the table, to allow his bump to show.
“Really?” Jiang Yanli almost lights up, moving closer and gently brushing her fingers against the outer layer of Lan Xichen’s robes.
“Well, to clarify, it’s just little flutters in my stomach at this point.” Lan Xichen smiles. “You won’t feel any large kicks or anything like that.”
Jiang Yanli nods. “How interesting… Xichen, may I ask a rude question of you?”
Lan Xichen blinks, looking up at her. “Go ahead.”
“Is there a reason you don’t trust most of the other cultivators that work in this area?” Jiang Yanli asks, looking up at him as well. “I’ve found them to keep a very good secret. Besides, if they can deliver our goods safely without being caught, it would be good for you to have a guard in case we find ourselves attacked.”
Lan Xichen nods slightly, mulling over the idea. “Very true… Hm. I will certainly think about it. Thank you for bringing this up to me. I’m sure Lan Shui will appreciate the backup.”
Jiang Yanli laughs softly, quietly brushing her fingers against Lan Xichen’s stomach again. “I’m sure a lot has been changing on and because of your body. There’s no rush, it just might be good to be prepared.”
Lan Xichen nods. It’s true a lot has changed on his body as well, not just his habits and his life. Of course, the muscles near his stomach are almost completely gone, but his chest has started swelling as well. He’s noticed that his face is a little softer, as well. It’s truly a miracle- how much his child has already started changing him.
-----
“Where the hell is Sect Leader Lan?” Jiang Wanyin burst into the supply tent, startling both Lan Xichen and Jiang Yanli- both of whom quickly rushed to hide Sect Leader Lan behind one of the shelves.
“A-Cheng!” Jiang Yanli cries. “Did you ignore the sign on the door?”
Jiang Wanyin stops in his tracks, staring at his sister. “There was a sign on the door?”
Jiang Yanli sighs, glancing over at Lan Xichen, hopefully giving him enough time to slip out the door- a signal that he acknowledged quickly, moving between the shelves.
“Yes, there was a sign on the door.” Jiang Yanli frowns. “Sect Leader Lan doesn’t want people barging in as he’s checking our supplies.”
“Well, that’s stupid.” Jiang Wanyin huffs. “I hope he’s been treating you well.”
“A-Cheng, that’s not important right now, and you know it.” Jiang Yanli scolds, going back to her work, as if Lan Xichen’s heart isn’t beating a million miles a minute.
As if his mind isn’t flashing back to the night he had spent with the man right in front of him.
Lan Xichen’s feet stall near the door, as he resolves to break one of Gusu Lan’s rules, just to see what the two of him would talk about.
If Jiang Wanyin would mention him, and mention the night they spent together.
“It doesn’t matter. I came to ask him where the hell he’s been, and why Lan Wangji is taking charge of the Lans. If he’s going to be here, he might as well go all out. Lead the Lans in battle.” Jiang Wanyin huffs, setting his hands on his hips. “I thought you said he was here.”
“He’s in a different space, A-Cheng. And besides, he has a medical reason he can’t be there.” Jiang Yanli shakes her head, turning away from her brother to continue organizing.
“...Is he sick?” Jiang Wanyin sounds hesitant, a small bit of worry worming into his voice that makes Lan Xichen’s heart skip a beat.
“Yes, of a sort.” Jiang Yanli says, trying to keep her answer vague. Lan Xichen truly can’t thank her enough for keeping his secret, even from his younger brother, though she might think she can trust him.
Jiang Wanyin sighs softly. “Fine, then. Keep his secrets. Can I at least see him?”
Jiang Yanli thinks for a moment, looking down at her sheet first. “May we finish without interruption first? I’ll let you know when he’s ready to meet you.”
Jiang Wanyin nods. “Fine. I can agree to that.” He storms out, leaving Lan Xichen to peek out of the shelves and watch him leave.
“I’m sorry about him.” Jiang Yanli apologizes, with a soft smile. “I truly am.”
Lan Xichen only smiles. “You can never control younger brothers.”
Jiang Yanli laughs softly. “Very true, that.”
-----
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Sect Leader Jiang?” Lan Xichen quietly sips his ginger tea, watching the man in front of him. Watching him react to the overly formal words, despite the mood of the last time they saw each other.
“I wish to know why you’re not on the front lines. You look perfectly healthy to me.” Jiang Wanyin crosses his arms over his chest, and the now-familiar worry curls in his gut again.
Luckily, Lan Shui had thought of a solution if this question ever came up.
“I had severely strained my qi in the last battle I was in, and in order to keep me alive, my brother agreed to let me go to the back lines and take over my duties.” Lan Xichen states, setting his teacup down. “I feel I am still doing good work here, unless there’s something dire that needs all the sect leaders’ approval.”
Jiang Wanyin nods slightly, still keeping his eyes trained on Xichen. “Fine. Here.” He pulls a scroll from his sleeves, setting it down on the table. “Sect Leader Nie wants your opinion.”
Lan Xichen nods slightly, quietly checking over the current plan.
Nie Mingjue is another person he needs to tell, so it was slightly disappointing to find out he didn’t come in person, though perhaps…
“I apologize, Sect Leader Jiang, but is there another scroll?” Lan Xichen sets it down, as if he was waiting for some big reveal to happen.
Jiang Wanyin blinks. “There isn’t.”
“Then, could I ask you to relay to Sect Leader Nie that I need his presence in person? There are some details he’s better at talking over than writing down.” Lan Xichen puts on his most polite smile, as if he’s not breaking one of Gusu Lan’s major rules by lying through his teeth.
“Fine. But don’t expect him right away.” Jiang Wanyin stands up, making his way towards the entrance to the tent.
“I would never. You both are battling on the front lines.” Lan Xichen nods, setting the scroll on the table. “Thank you, Sect Leader Jiang.”
Jiang Wanyin hesitates at the door, as if he wants to tell Xichen something, but in the end, he simply leaves- just as he had done that morning.
The worry coiling in his gut is replaced with the small flutters that he had been growing used to- his baby.
-------
“So, why the hell did you need to see me in person again?” Nie Mingjue huffs, settling down across from Xichen at the table. “The excuse sounded like bullshit to me.”
“That’s because it was.” Lan Xichen smiles slightly. “Sorry. I won’t take up too much of your time, I promise.”
Nie Mingjue nods. “Fine, fine. Get it over with.”
“I’m pregnant.” Lan Xichen states, moving slightly, so his small bump is visible from behind the table.
Nie Mingjue’s eyes bulge, staring at him with barely any shame at all. “You’re… huh, you really are.”
Lan Xichen smiles slightly. “You wanted to get it over with.”
Nie Mingjue groans. “You fucker. You know I didn’t mean it like that.”
Lan Xichen laughs, letting his fingers trace gently over his stomach. “It’s been about four months now.”
Nie Mingjue leans forwards, watching his actions. “I always thought fatherhood would suit you.”
Lan Xichen stares up at him, feeling tears abruptly spill out of the side of his eyes. “You…”
Nie Mingjue looks up at him, a small smile that’s usually reserved for his younger brother on his face. “I’m serious. With how Wangji grew up, I always knew you’d be a good father.”
Lan Xichen rubs his eyes, trying to control his hiccuping breaths. “Mingjue…”
“I forgot what pregnancy hormones can do.” Nie Mingjue leans on the table. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry. But it’s true, you’ll be a fantastic father, Xichen.”
Lan Xichen sighs shakily, finally wiping the tears from his eyes. “Thank you, Mingjue. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
Nie Mingjue nods slightly. “Of course. I should keep this a secret, yeah?”
Lan Xichen nods. “Especially since I’m working logistics. We don’t need to give them another reason to attack the back lines.”
“Agreed. Who knows so far?” Nie Mingjue leans back, setting his hands on the ground.
“Only you, Wangji, Uncle, and Jiang Yanli.” Lan Xichen says, taking another sip of his tea.
Nie Mingjue leans forward again. “Lady Jiang knows your secret?”
Lan Xichen can only chuckle. “Of course. How do you think I’ve gotten so much work done while still concealing this secret?”
Nie Mingjue nods slightly. “So… who’s the father?”
Lan Xichen avoids his friend’s sharp gaze. “I know him. But I would rather not divulge his name.”
Nie Mingjue sighs softly. “Fine. Keep your secrets.”
Lan Xichen smiles slightly. “I’d rather absolutely no one knows except me anyway. I haven’t even told Wangji the father.”
Nie Mingjue nods, seeming to accept this, before he fully relaxes. “But besides all that, how are you doing?”
Lan Xichen hums a small tune, gently rubbing his stomach. “Fine. I’m honestly rather excited. Despite the times we’re in… to have someone to love and raise once we finish this war.”
Nie Mingjue chuckles softly. “Fatherhood. But you know I’ll be here for you if you need anything. Just say the word and I’ll do it.”
“You mean have Huaisang get it?” Lan Xichen smirks.
“Well, yes, but still. Huaisang is so much better at getting appropriate gifts than I am.” Nie Mingjue grins. “I guarantee you’ll like any gift Huaisang gets you better than you’d like mine.”
Lan Xichen smiles. “Well then, Mingjue. I look forward to whatever crib Huaisang picks out for me.”
“Oh shit.” Nie Mingjue sits up. “Really? You want Huaisang to pick out the crib you use for the baby?”
Lan Xichen nods. “Of course. Unless you think you’re up to it.”
“No, of course not. I’ll send him a letter immediately.” Nie Mingjue rustles in his robes, pulling out paper and ink. “He’ll want to get on it as soon as possible.”
“Please make sure no one else reads the letter.” Lan Xichen leans forward. “Put your most trusted disciple on it.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise.” Nie Mingjue huffs. “Who do you think I am, a novice?”
Lan Xichen smiles. “Of course not. I didn’t mean to imply that. I just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page.”
Nie Mingjue waves his hand. “No need to even say it. I’ll have Huaisang send the crib to the Cloud Recesses.”
Lan Xichen sighs happily, watching his friend write. “Thank you, Mingjue.”
“Don’t even mention it, Xichen.”
------
Lan Xichen never thought that pregnancy could be so long.
He’s heard from Mingjue that he believes the war is going to wrap up soon. That there will soon be no more battles, he believes.
Meanwhile, Lan Xichen is due to give birth soon, his stomach inflated enough to make it impossible to take meetings.
“Please, Sect Leader. You should start your journey to the Cloud Recesses now.” Lan Shui pleads, sitting across from him at the table. “You are due to give birth any day now. And if anything goes wrong here… I cannot guarantee the safety of you or the baby.”
Lan Xichen sighs quietly, rubbing his stomach. “I know, I know. But Shui… the war will be over soon. I have to persist to the very end- I promised Mingjue I would.”
Lan Shui frowns. “I believe Sect Leader Nie would agree with me that he would rather meet you and your baby in the Cloud Recesses, than have you die on the battlefield giving birth.”
Lan Xichen frowns, feeling the familiar energetic kicks of his baby as his hand moves up and down his stomach. “I know he would. Just one more week, Shui. I’m sure my baby can hold on that long. Just… one more week, then I will voluntarily leave the battlefield and go to the Cloud Recesses.”
“Your baby is growing rather large, aren’t they Xichen?” A familiar voice calls, opening the flap to the tent. “You haven’t left yet?”
Lan Xichen smiles. “Yanli.”
“You must help me convince him, Lady Jiang. He’s as stubborn as a mule, and maybe your voice will help him see reason.” Lan Shui huffs, making Yanli laugh quietly.
“Oh dear, I’m afraid I’d never be able to tell Xichen what to do. I don’t think I could even bear the thought!” Jiang Yanli smiles, waving the paper in her hand. “Regardless, I have an update from the front lines from my brother- one I thought you’d like to hear.”
“Let’s hear it, Yanli.” The familiar flutter in Lan Xichen’s stomach returns, now accompanied by a sharp kick to the front, showing a small bulge in the front. “Oh, hush you.” Xichen gently reprimands his stomach. “Let her read the letter.”
Jiang Yanli giggles, recounting only the updates from the front lines that her brother has returned, and quickly sending his regards to Lan Xichen as well.
“I do hope this war will end soon.” Jiang Yanli sighs. “The tides are in our favor, I believe. I would like to see the end of this war before I meet your lovely baby.”
Lan Xichen smiles. “Yanli, I would love to have you to the Cloud Recesses for the 100 days ceremony, should the war be over by then.”
Jiang Yanli smiles. “I would be honored. I’ve been told many tales about the Cloud Recesses so far, and exactly how stuffy they are.” She sends him a wink.
Lan Xichen chuckles softly. “I’m sure Wei-gongzi has recounted to you every single time he was punished for breaking a rule, no doubt. Though I can’t help but notice that he and my younger brother got along splendidly during the time he was there.”
“Really? I know A-Xian talks about Lan er-gongzi a lot, though I believe he was under the impression that he was hated.” Jiang Yanli tilts her head.
Lan Xichen laughs, covering his mouth. “Oh, dear. My poor brother. No, no. Wangji was just overwhelmed by emotion, I’m sure. Has your youngest brother told you of how frantically he searched while Wei-gongzi was missing during those first three months of the Sunshot campaign?”
“He has. Though I had just assumed that your younger brother had been concerned for his friend.” Jiang Yanli smiles, looping her arm around Lan Xichen’s. “Am I missing something large?”
Lan Xichen smiles. “Only the fact that Wangji would do no such thing for any other person. Except maybe me, though that can be expected, I believe.”
Jiang Yanli nods, as though processing his words. “So… Lan er-gongzi… has feelings for A-Xian?”
Lan Xichen pats her arm gently. “Precisely, Yanli.”
“Oh, oh dear.” Jiang Yanli giggles. “Because I believe that A-Xian has feelings for him as well.”
Lan Xichen hums happily. “Well, then we must do all we can after this war is over, hm?”
“If you are not preoccupied by your new child, of course.” Yanli smiles, gently pressing a finger to the size of his stomach. “You know… the size of your stomach really reminds me of when my mother was pregnant with A-Cheng.”
Lan Xichen’s heart squeezes in his chest, at the quiet reminder of who the baby’s father really is. “Really?”
Jiang Yanli nods and opens her mouth to talk, but doesn’t say anything as the flap to the tent opens quickly- Lan Xichen’s most trusted disciple runs into the entrance.
“Sect Leader Lan! Urgent news from the front lines!”
Lan Xichen sits up straight, the only thing keeping him from fully standing up being the weight on his belly. “What is it?”
This doesn’t stop Jiang Yanli, of course, so she grabs the missive from the disciples hands, putting it directly into Lan Xichen’s.
Lan Xichen reads it quickly, as quickly as he can, skimming the letter from Nie Mingjue for any important information.
“...They will be storming Nightless City… around now.” Lan Xichen’s heart drops for his brother and friend, terror squeezing his chest. “They must be currently facing Wen Ruohan.”
Jiang Yanli barely contains a gasp, her hands flying to cover her mouth.
Lan Shui frowns. “Sect Leader Lan, there’s nothing you can do. I mean no offense, of course, you know I do. But…”
“I know, Shui.” Lan Xichen frowns, holding the letter to his chest. “Thank you, Lai Yiyi.”
The disciple bows, leaving the three of them in the silent room.
“Sect Leader.” Lan Shui bows. “Please don’t think about this any more. It is time for you to leave for the Cloud Recesses. I will take absolutely no arguments on this anymore.”
“Xichen? I agree with Lan-daifu. I think it would be best if-” Jiang Yanli starts, before there’s a small puddle underneath Xichen’s feet, and now he doesn’t even have any choice.
He’s going back to Gusu, with his brother and best friend fighting for their lives.
-----
“Congratulations, Sect Leader.” Lan Shui whispers, holding the baby in his arms as Xichen rests on his bed. “A healthy baby boy… and news from the front lines. Wen Ruohan is dead.”
Xichen sits up slightly, pulling his son from the healer’s arms. “Thank you, Shui. What fantastic news to hear… and what a joyous time it is.”
Lan Shui smiles. “Indeed. I’ll come back soon so you can get some rest.” He shuts the door quietly behind him as he leaves, and Lan Xichen settles his son on his chest.
There was really only one thing left to do, in regards to his son. Nie Huaisang had sent the crib as soon as he heard, and Lan Qiren had prepared the hanshi for his return when he had received the crib. Lan Xichen knew that he would ask Wangji for his courtesy name, and so the only thing left was his name.
The name had come to him early in his pregnancy, and was only cemented as he held his son in his arms. “Jiang Ancheng.” He whispers, rubbing his thumb on his son’s forehead. “This will be the last time you hear your name as such, but I wish to tell you. You are Jiang Ancheng.”
His son grabs his thumb gently, wrapping his tiny fingers around the digit.
Lan Xichen smiles softly, pulling him as close as he can. “A-Cheng… Just like your father, hm? No need to live up to his legacy, though. I’d be happy if you just stayed as you are now… small enough for me to hold.”
Ancheng gurgles loudly, opening his eyes and looking up at him.
“Yes, hello. I see you will be very much like your father, hm?” There’s a small pang in Xichen’s heart, at the thought of his son growing up in his father’s sect, carefree and wild, as his personality has suggested. “I wish… a part of me wishes that you could know him… and he could know you’re his. Though, it will have to remain a wish, I suppose.” The tears drip down his cheeks quietly, as he holds his son close.
Then the door flies open, and Lan Xichen slowly looks up, to see Wangji standing in the doorway, a couple of blood splatters on the edge of his robes.
“Xiongzhang.”
Lan Xichen smiles. “Wangji. As much as I would love for you to meet your new nephew, I must ask that you clean up first.”
Lan Wangji nods quietly. “...Jingyi.”
Lan Xichen blinks. “Jingyi? Do we have a new disciple with that name?”
“...no. It is his.” Lan Wangji quietly closes the door.
Lan Xichen smiles softly. “Jingyi. Lan Jingyi.”
It only took a couple minutes before Lan Wangji was back in the room, heading over to Lan Xichen, his eyes wide. It truly struck Lan Xichen at that moment how young both of them are - and yet, they had just fought and won a war, and Lan Xichen is now holding his infant son.
“Wangji.” Lan Xichen looks up at his brother, rocking his son gently. “Meet Lan Ancheng, courtesy Jingyi.”
Lan Wangji kneels in front of both of them, his voice only a whisper. “A pleasure, Lan Ancheng. I am Lan Zhan, courtesy Wangji. You may call me jiujiu.”
Lan Xichen smiles, watching as his son gently catches his brother’s finger.
“I have won for you, A-Cheng.” Wangji whispers. “I helped defeat Wen Ruohan for you.”
Lan Xichen’s heart soars, listening to his son gurgle, and his brother nod his head, like Ancheng is thanking him profusely for his effort on the battlefield in his honor.
“Are you sure it was not for Wei-gongzi as well?” Lan Xichen smiles, watching the tips of Lan Wangji’s earlobes flush bright red.
Wangji stays silent, though his silence speaks volumes to Xichen.
Xichen can only laugh, watching his brother stare at his son, in a state of partial bliss.
If only Lan Ancheng’s father could be here as well.
--------
But there was never a good time for Lan Xichen to introduce the two.
For Ancheng’s 100 days celebration, Jiang Wanyin sent Jiang Yanli as his stand in, citing his rebuilding of his sect as his reason for not showing up, and his deepest apologies.
Though, there was some relief from the secret keeping, at that celebration.
“May… may he call you gugu?” Lan Xichen whispers, hoping he’s just loud enough for only the people around him to hear. He doesn’t need everyone at the party knowing exactly who his son’s father is.
Jiang Yanli stares for a moment, her mouth opening and closing. “Not ayi?”
Lan Xichen shakes his head as his only answer, hoping the term conveys enough for Jiang Yanli to figure it out. He has no doubt in her intelligence, after all.
Jiang Yanli’s face morphs into a soft smile, rubbing her thumb against Ancheng’s forehead, an all too familiar motion that Lan Xichen finds himself melting at. “I would be honored to be his gugu. Is he aware?”
Lan Xichen shakes his head again. “No. You are the only one besides Wangji who’s aware.” He murmurs, keeping his eyes on his son. “I wouldn’t… I don’t dare presume anything.”
Jiang Yanli nods slightly, looking up at him for only a moment. “Then. As the official heir to the Yunmeng Jiang sect, I officially both step down from my title, and welcome you into the Jiang, Jiang Ancheng.”
Lan Xichen can’t help the tears that fall on his cheeks at Yanli’s open affection for her nephew.
“Don’t worry, Xichen. If you don’t want me to tell him, I won’t.” She murmurs, wiping his tears before they hit Ancheng. “I swear on my life. This is the only action I will take as a member of the Yunmeng Jiang for him.”
“Thank you.” Lan Xichen takes a shaky deep breath, meeting her eyes. “Thank you so much, Yanli. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
Ancheng only gurgles, staring up at his gugu in absolute fascination.
Jiang Yanli smiles. “Of course. It’s my honor. May I come visit him, when I have the time?”
Lan Xichen nods. “Of course. In fact, let me know when you return for another visit, and I’ll have an entry token made for you.”
Jiang Yanli pats his shoulder. “Thank you, Xichen. And congratulations.”
Lan Xichen can only smile, rocking Lan Ancheng gently in his arms.
-----
Lan Ancheng grows up, as things happen.
Xichen’s son is starting to walk, and Wei Wuxian storms Qiongqi Path, taking all the Wens.
“Come on, A-Cheng!” Lan Xichen smiled, sat down on the grass, holding his arms out as his son toddled gently out of Lan Qiren’s grasp. “Your A-Die is right here!”
Lan Ancheng laughed happily, very quickly making his way into his father’s arms.
Lan Wangji could barely muster a smile, worry etched into his face.
Xichen’s son is just starting to speak, and his father is stabbed by his sworn brother.
“Sect Leader Jiang will be fine.” Lan Wangji reported.
“Diedie!” Lan Ancheng cried, pulling on his father’s hair to get his attention.
“One moment, A-Cheng. Let your jiujiu speak for a moment, and then we can play.” Lan Xichen rubbed his son’s back, turning his gaze back to Lan Wangji.
“I heard from Wei Ying it was very light. Sect Leader Jiang will heal quickly.” Lan Wangji sat across from them. “I saw… there was a child, A-Cheng’s age at the Burial Mounds.”
Lan Xichen frowned slightly. “I wish I could help them, Wangji, you know I would. But the elders…”
Lan Wangji only nods. “I understand, Sect Leader Lan.”
Lan Xichen winced, watching his brother walk away as the words stung.
“Diedie!” Lan Ancheng cried, holding onto his father’s robes. “No cry!”
“Yes, A-Cheng. I won’t cry.”
Xichen’s son has picked up a brush for the first time, and is starting to try and copy his father’s letters, and he meets his cousin for the first time.
“A-Yi, this is your cousin, Jin Ling.” Jiang Yanli smiled, leaning down to greet the small child.
Lan Ancheng stared at his cousin and his gugu for a minute, before he opened his mouth again. “Baby!”
Lan Xichen chuckled quietly, rubbing his son’s head. “Yes, he is a baby. He is only 100 days old today.”
Lan Ancheng looked up at his father. “I hold baby?”
Jiang Yanli laughed, rocking Jin Ling gently. “Not today, A-Yi. Maybe someday soon.”
Xichen’s son has just started to wear his own forehead ribbon, and his gugu dies, and his jiujiu is whipped thirty times, and he can no longer visit him.
And his jiujiu brings back another boy.
“A-Cheng.” Lan Xichen bends down, setting his son down on the grass. “This is your biaoge, A-Yuan.”
Lan Ancheng stares for only a moment, before a large smile on his face. “Hi! I’m A-Cheng!”
A-Yuan messes with his hands, in a familiar way that makes Lan Xichen’s heart sink. Xichen doubts the boy even knows what he’s doing, fresh out of his sick bed.
Lan Ancheng tilts his head. “A-Yuan? Do you wanna play?”
A-Yuan looks between the two, only giving them a small cough, his hands shaking.
Lan Xichen’s heart hurts, looking at the boy just barely older than his son, seeing him completely lost and scared. “Why don’t you show A-Yuan some of your toys, A-Cheng?”
Lan Ancheng’s eyes light up, as he runs as fast as his child legs can carry him to his room, only leaving his father to call after him to not run.
A-Yuan simply stares up at his new uncle, as if afraid he would do something wrong.
Lan Xichen quietly puts a hand on the boy’s back. “A-Cheng is very excited. If you wish to go home, you only need to let me know. I will explain it to him, alright?”
Contrary to Xichen’s first belief, that his son would soon overwhelm his nephew, Lan Ancheng’s vibrancy only helped A-Yuan to open up. The two boys were fast friends.
This fact cemented over the years, as Lan Xichen watched the two bond as they grew up, watched them learn the guqin together (Lan Yuan took to it easily, seeing as Lan Wangji most definitely played it with him most nights), watched them receive their forged blades and their courtesy names along with it, and watched their friendship bloom.
It’s this friendship that brings Lan Jingyi to his father’s office one early morning.
“What is it, A-Cheng?” Lan Xichen looks up at his son, setting his brush down.
“Sect Leader Lan.” Lan Jingyi says, his voice barely trembling, even as he gets onto his knees to bow in front of his father.
Lan Xichen stands abruptly, startled at the words his son speaks next.
“Make Lan Sizhui your heir.”
Lan Xichen takes a deep breath before he speaks again. “Lan Jingyi. Are you certain?”
“I am.” Lan Jingyi looks up at him, the determination of his father reflecting in his eyes. “Lan Sizhui would make a much better heir than I would.”
Lan Xichen moves around his desk, picking his son up off the floor gently, though he’s definitely too big to hold in his arms now. “A-Cheng…”
“I break the rules a lot, diedie. I’m not cut out to be the Lan Sect heir. And I know what you’re going to say- that maybe the sect needs someone a bit outspoken.” Lan Jingyi meets his father’s gaze. “Sizhui knows how to break the rules too, and knows when the rules need to bend, but he also knows when the rules need to be firm. He’s way more mature than I am, and his sword forms are better than me too-”
“Jingyi.” Lan Xichen frowns.
“Just because it sounds like I’m putting myself down doesn’t mean it’s true, diedie.” Lan Jingyi moves closer to him. “Make Sizhui your heir. Give him a place so he can’t feel like he’s going to be cast aside.”
Lan Xichen’s eyes widen slightly, letting the implication of his son’s words settle. He can only sigh and shake his head, knowing that his son knows his cousin better than Xichen knows his nephew. “Alright, A-Cheng. I will. But you have to tell Sizhui.” Lan Xichen can only smile at the indignant squawk his son lets out.
“Diedie! Don't make me, please!"
"No yelling in the Cloud Recesses." Xichen smiles fondly at his son's antics, and his soft groan only serves to remind Xichen more of exactly who his son's father is.
------
“I’ll be fine, diedie. You know how jiujiu is, he’ll be around.” Lan Jingyi smiles. “No need to worry. I don’t think there’s going to be much at the Mo Manor.”
Lan Xichen sighs quietly. “I know, I know. But still… You know I can’t help but worry.” He gives his son a small smile, picking up his son’s bangs and pressing a kiss against his forehead. “You must be safe, A-Cheng.”
“I will, diedie.” Jinygi smiles, looking up at his dad. “I’ll be as safe as I can. I’ll make sure to call jiujiu at the first sign of danger, I promise.”
Lan Xichen nods slightly, stepping away. “Please. I’ll feel better with your jiujiu at your side.”
Lan Jingyi grins. “Sizhui too.”
Lan Xichen smiles slightly. “Yes, you will also be in good hands with Sizhui around. I trust his judgement.”
Lan Jingyi pats his chest proudly. “I’ll tell him you said that, diedie!”
Lan Xichen rubs his son’s head. “Please do. Both of you, be safe.”
Lan Jingyi nods. “We will, diedie. We’ll be safe.”
“I’ll be in Lanling if you need me.” Lan Xichen smiles. “Don’t hesitate to come find me if you need my assistance, okay?”
“Okay!”
-----
Something is different about his son, after his first nighthunt. Jingyi is deeper in thought, his son’s eyes are always on him when they meet- piercing him with a gaze that Lan Xichen can’t quite parse the meaning of.
Lan Xichen doesn’t say a word, letting his son try and solve his problem himself, or letting him figure out when he needs help. After all, whatever is wrong must concern him, if his son is staring at him so intently.
“A-Die.” Lan Jingyi finally asks him, on their scheduled day they work together. “Who’s my father?”
Lan Xichen almost drops his brush.
He’s heard the report from Wangji- how they ran into the Jiang sect on Jingyi’s first nighthunt. How Sect Leader Jiang was there, in person, to watch over his nephew.
The strange man his brother brought back from Mo Manor.
“Why are you asking this now, A-Cheng?” Lan Xichen tries to keep his voice cool, his grip on his brush tightening slightly.
“Well… Mo-gongzi made a strange comment to Jin-gongzi that got me wondering.” Lan Jingyi’s eyes widen for a moment. “I wasn’t eavesdropping, they were just talking so loud I couldn’t help but overhear it.”
Lan Xichen nods. “Regardless of the eavesdropping. What was the comment?”
“It was… ‘Didn’t your mother teach you any manners.’” Lan Jingyi looks over at his father. “A-Die, I know you gave birth to me, so that means you took over for my mother, right?”
Lan Xichen nods again, setting his brush down. “In a traditional sense, yes. Is that why…?”
Lan Jingyi nods. “Yeah. You’ve been a great father, A-Die. But… I feel like a piece of me is missing.” He murmurs. “I don’t know. Is that weird?”
Lan Xichen’s heart clenches in his chest, and it takes all his willpower to shake his head. “I can see it from your perspective.”
“There’s a reason you don’t want to tell me, isn’t there?” Lan Jingyi says, smiling sadly at his father. “Some big secret I’m not allowed to know yet.”
“Lan Ancheng.” Lan Xichen moves over to sit next to his son. “The only reason I haven’t told you, is because your father doesn’t know you’re his either.”
Lan Jingyi’s eyes widen. “He… doesn’t?”
Lan Xichen shakes his head, gently setting his fingers on Jingyi’s knee. “No. I… haven’t had the courage to tell him. I’m sorry, A-Cheng.”
Lan Jingyi shakes his head quickly. “It’s alright, A-Die. I know I have a big mouth. There must be something really important involved that I can’t know yet.”
Lan Xichen presses a quiet kiss to his son’s forehead. “I will tell you when the time is right.” He murmurs. “I swear to you. You will know as soon as possible.”
Lan Jingyi nods. “Alright, A-Die. I trust you. And… I love you, regardless of if I know my father or not.”
Lan Xichen can’t help but smile.
-----
“But… I believe only what I have seen with my own eyes all these years. I believe he is not such a person.” Lan Xichen feels the dread curling inside his stomach, the sinking feeling becoming too much to ignore. Sure, there was no way his best friend and sworn brother could do such a thing…. could he?
In short, Lan Xichen’s life was turning upside-down.
”Er-ge, what a cute son you have.” Jin Guangyao smiles. “He takes after you, definitely.”
Lan Xichen smiles, rubbing Lan Ancheng’s cheek. “Thank you, san-di. I do appreciate you being here.”
Jin Guangyao bows slightly. “Of course. How could I dare not be here for you?”
The other two don’t speak a word, only letting Lan Xichen lead them out of the forest. His head is spinning, truly. What has changed so suddenly for his life to flip like this?
----
Lan Xichen’s patience was thinning quickly, watching his so-called best friend tie his unconscious son’s arms behind his back.
“You must calm down, er-ge.” Jin Guangyao says, turning to his sworn brother. Lan Xichen holds back the urge to spit on his face. “Truly, A-Yi won’t be hurt if you just stay calm. You have my word.”
“Jin Guangyao.” Lan Xichen stares him down, barely keeping the venom from his voice. “You don’t have to do this. Just let him go.”
Jin Guangyao shakes his head slightly. “It always had to end like this, er-ge. I’m just sorry you had to see it.”
“How dare you!” Lan Xichen cries, clenching his fists. “To use this against me!”
Jin Guangyao sighs, turning away from him. “I do apologize, er-ge. If only you hadn’t figured it out… your precious son might have been left alone.” He exits the room, barely sparing the two of them another glance.
Lan Xichen stares at him in shock, the dire situation and the result settling in his gut.
This could only end badly.
And it does.
It ends very badly- his son’s eyes wide, staring at his father’s sword stuck into his uncle’s stomach.
Lan Xichen knows Jingyi can say nothing, his mouth opening and closing almost uselessly. It’s quite accurate to how Lan Xichen feels himself, at this moment. A quiet shock, leaving him speechless. It only took another moment for another thing to happen then another- Lan Xichen doesn’t recover from the shock, still on the absolute edge of panic. But when another threat comes into sight, his body flings itself in front of his son.
It was really all too much for him to process. He could only have a moment to himself on his sword, carrying Lan Jingyi back to the Cloud Recesses, watching him sleep in his arms.
Lan Xichen cries, his tears hitting his son’s cheek, before whipping off as they fly.
“A-Cheng…” Xichen murmurs. “Be safe. You must be safe.”
-----
“Wangji. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Lan Xichen looks up, desperately hoping his deep, bone-tiredness isn’t showing on his face.
“Xiongzhang. I cannot run this sect in your place.” Lan Wangji kneels on the ground. “I will be Chief Cultivator, if it means that no one hurts Wei Ying. But I cannot be a sect leader. I can never be you.”
Lan Xichen waves his hand gently. “Please, Wangji. Just… Just a little longer, please.” He sighs. “I swear to you, it’ll only be a little longer.”
Lan Wangji frowns, standing up. He’s silent, but Lan Xichen knows that he has not accepted his answer in the slightest.
Which is why, when there’s a harsh knock at the door, he figures his brother has finally lost his temper at him.
“Come in.” Lan Xichen calls, resigning himself to another day of resisting Wangji’s efforts, no matter how much he pleads. He simply can’t… He won’t until he has reckoned himself with the fact that his son had been exposed to such a cruel person. That he had let this person use his son against him, after trusting him with that knowledge.
“Uh, Sect Leader Lan, it’s me.”
Lan Xichen’s heart seizes in his chest, and even his great Lan restraint isn’t enough to keep him from standing.
“...Sect Leader Jiang?” Lan Xichen murmurs, making his way to the door in a somewhat dazed state. “Sect Leader Jiang, I’m afraid-”
“As much as I don’t appreciate your brother, he… did me a favor, one that he says I have to return. So… Would you at least let me meet with you, to tell him that I tried?” Jiang Cheng sighs, clearly resigned that this will have absolutely no effect on Lan Xichen, that he shouldn’t even be here-
Lan Xichen swings the door open so forcefully it almost hits him in the face. “Yes, of course. Come in.” He tries to keep his voice and face neutral, even at the clear surprise on Jiang Cheng’s face.
Jiang Cheng schools his face quickly, reverting it back to his usual scowl, though Lan Xichen saw enough of his surprise to get a good read on him.
The silence is tense as they sit at the table, neither of them speaking a word, yet clearly wanting to say something.
At the sight of him after a year of seclusion, of not allowing himself to see even his beloved son, all the things Xichen has wanted to spill to the father of his child and beloved almost rush out of his mouth. He barely manages to bite his tongue, clearly drawing another shocked frown from the man.
“I…” Jiang Cheng takes a breath. “I’m sorry. I have no clue why I’m here. Hanguang-jun just mentioned that I might be able to bring you out of seclusion. I just.” He pushes his bangs out of the way, his nose scrunching exactly like Jingyi’s does when he’s working through a solution to a night-hunt. Lan Xichen’s heart does a flip. “Fuck. Shit. I’m sorry, Sect Leader Lan, I’ve probably disturbed you-”
“Nonsense.” Lan Xichen grabs Jiang Cheng’s wrist before he can go, holding onto it too tight- like it’s the last lifeline he has left. “Don’t go, please.”
Jiang Cheng stops, looking back at him, and Lan Xichen recognizes the look on his face- it’s the same sad smile he had the night they shared together all those years ago.
“Wanyin.” Lan Xichen whispers, his heart tugging hard at its strings. “Wanyin, please don’t go. I can’t bear to see you walk away again.”
The small hitch in Jiang Cheng’s breath sends Lan Xichen’s heart soaring.
“Don’t say things you don’t mean, Xichen.” Jiang Cheng murmurs, and Lan Xichen’s grip slackens as Jiang Cheng moves closer. “Please. Not after all this time.”
Lan Xichen stares up at him for a moment. “I’ve meant it all this time.”
Jiang Cheng stares at him, slowly sitting back down next to him. “Fuck.”
Lan Xichen chuckles softly, moving closer to him. “Wanyin…”
“Xichen, I need you to kiss me.” Jiang Cheng murmurs, setting his hand on Lan Xichen’s cheek. “I need you to kiss me right now.”
Lan Xichen only smiles, leaning forward and capturing his beloved’s lips in his.
Jiang Cheng closes his eyes, immediately overwhelming Xichen. His lips are just barely sweet, taking exactly like lotus seeds- the same as the last night they kissed. Lan Xichen can’t help but melt, his hand sliding down Jiang Cheng’s arm as Jiang Cheng’s teeth scrape against his bottom lip.
They break apart for only a moment, catching their breath.
“Xichen…” Jiang Cheng murmurs, moving closer.
“A-Huan.” Lan Xichen presses a hand to his chest. “Call me A-Huan.”
“Fuck.” Jiang Cheng swears, pressing a quick but desperate kiss to Xichen’s lips. “A-Huan.”
A noise of desperation climbs out of Xichen’s throat, as he pulls Jiang Cheng’s lips back down to his, a hunger almost overtaking him in his desperate need to just taste the man above him.
“A-Huan, A-Huan.” Jiang Cheng whispers reverently each time they pull back to catch their breath.
“Xingan.” Lan Xichen smiles, and he quickly finds Jiang Cheng’s lips against his again.
“This entire time, A-Huan.” Jiang Cheng blurts out, pulling back from his lips. “I’ve been in love with you this entire time. Ever since the Cloud Recesses.”
Lan Xichen sighs, quietly pressing his lips back to Jiang Cheng’s, letting him gather the rest of his thoughts.
“And especially during the Sunshot Campaign.” Jiang Cheng murmurs against his lips, sliding a hand down his arm. “That one night we spent together…. kept me going for a while, I have to admit.”
“It’s always been on my mind.” Xichen whispers back, moving himself closer to his beloved. “Ever since it happened.”
“Fuck,” Jiang Cheng groans quietly. “You can’t just say that.”
Lan Xichen laughs quietly, before the most prevalent topic about that night finally reaches his mind in his rather admittedly lust-filled haze.
“Jingyi.”
Jiang Cheng pulls back, a question clearly on his brow. “Now why the hell are you bringing Jin Ling’s friends up now?”
Lan Xichen can only laugh, leaning on Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. “Well, because he’s my son.”
Jiang Cheng stares at him, thinking for a moment. “I heard he was adopted. What about him?”
“He was not.” Lan Xichen whispers, hoping he’s just loud enough for Jiang Cheng to hear. “He’s mine… by blood.”
Jiang Cheng is thoroughly confused, holding Lan Xichen close despite this. “Did you fuck someone else?”
Lan Xichen can’t bring himself to look up, to look into his first love’s eyes as he admits this. “...No. I haven’t. It’s only been you.”
They’re silent for another minute, before Jiang Cheng pulls Lan Xichen off of his shoulder, awe clear in his eyes.
“Is he…?” Jiang Cheng asks, anticipation clear in his eyes.
“Yes.” Lan Xichen whispers. “He’s yours.”
“Oh fuck. A-Huan. A-Huan you’ve been so in love with me you gave birth to my child?” Jiang Cheng looks like he’s about to either cry or jump for joy, and that he can’t decide between the two.
Lan Xichen can’t help but blush. “Something like that.”
“Oh gods.” Jiang Cheng lays his head on Xichen’s shoulder now, holding him close. “I can never look at that boy the same again.”
Lan Xichen looks at his beloved with a smile. “I hope it’s in a good way…”
Jiang Cheng sits up, holding Xichen’s shoulders. “Of course.” He murmurs. “Of course it’s a good way. Gods, I wish I’d have known…”
Lan Xichen looks away quietly. “I’m sorry. I should have told you.”
Jiang Cheng shakes his head, pressing a fierce kiss to his forehead. “Don’t ever apologize. I should have told you how I felt. Fuck, if I would have known…”
“Your sister knew.” Lan Xichen whispers, a giant secret being lifted off his chest. Jiang Cheng’s eyes go wide. “She… she stepped down as the heir of Yunmeng Jiang at his 100 day celebration… and appointed him as the heir.”
Jiang Cheng stares at him, a soft look in his eyes. “She… knew you were pregnant?”
Lan Xichen sets a hand on Jiang Cheng’s cheek. “She helped me hide it… even from you.” He murmurs. “On my request.”
Jiang Cheng presses their foreheads together. “A-Huan… I’m so glad my sister acknowledged him for you. Gods, I didn’t even go to his celebration. Fuck.” He groans, pulling Xichen into his arms. “A-Huan, will you-”
“If you’re about to ask if I’ll ever forgive you, I already have.” Lan Xichen murmurs, wrapping his arms securely around Jiang Cheng’s back. “I forgave you because I knew you didn’t know. Besides… that was when Yanli found out.”
Jiang Cheng stays in his arms for a moment, his chest and shoulders shaking as he breathes.
“She invited me to call her Yanli when she found out about my pregnancy, though at the time she had no idea I was carrying her nephew. She was very happy to be Jingyi’s gugu.” Lan Xichen quietly pulls down the guan from Jiang Cheng’s hair, combing it out gently. “I was pregnant the two times you visited.”
Jiang Cheng squeezes him tighter, burying his face into Lan Xichen’s shoulder. He murmurs something into his shoulder, and Xichen gently pats his shoulder in response.
“I couldn’t understand that, love.” Lan Xichen smiles slightly. “Sorry.”
“His name.” Jiang Cheng sniffles, moving back from Xichen’s shoulder. “What’s his birth name?”
Lan Xichen can’t meet his eyes.
“...Jiang Ancheng.” Lan Xichen says, looking just over his shoulder. “I… call him A-Cheng.”
Jiang Cheng holds Lan Xichen’s cheeks, chuckling through his tears. “To have a part of his fuqin.”
Lan Xichen meets his eyes, smiling softly. “Well, he uses my family name in public. I haven’t called him with yours since he was born.”
“Jiang Ancheng.” Jiang Cheng says, and the name sounds like music to Lan Xichen’s ears. “Of course. That’s why you didn’t call me by A-Cheng earlier.”
Lan Xichen flushes. “It would have been awkward calling you by the nickname I use for our son as well.”
Jiang Cheng closes his eyes. “I love you. I regret how we got here, I regret not being in A-Cheng’s life before now, but I will never regret that night. I will never regret loving you.”
Lan Xichen melts, letting his eyes close, and the tears fall from the edge.
-------
“Jiang Ancheng.” Lan Xichen calls, his heart beating wildly at the address. It’s the first time since his birth he’s called his son by this name, making Lan Jingyi’s head snap up, clearly slightly confused.
Lan Sizhui looks up as well, tilting his head slightly. “Zewu-jun?”
Lan Xichen smiles, waving Jingyi over.
Lan Jingyi stares at him for a moment, letting the realization settle in. “That’s… My father was a Jiang?”
Lan Sizhui’s eyes go wide, looking between the two of them.
Lan Xichen chuckles quietly. “Not just any Jiang. By the time you were born… there was only one it could have been. How good is your history, A-Cheng?”
Lan Sizhui’s eyes go wider. “You can’t mean…”
Lan Jingyi looks back at his friend. “Sizhui was always better with history than I was.”
Lan Xichen smiles. “Go ahead, Sizhui.”
“Jingyi’s father is Sect Leader Jiang?” Sizhui can only whisper, immediately flipping Jingyi’s head to face his father.
“This whole time?!” Jingyi cries. “I’ve been a Jiang this whole time!”
Lan Xichen nods. “I’m sorry, A-Cheng. I’m sorry for keeping you in a sect that you don’t fit in with. I’m sorry my feelings got in the way of you growing up with your other father, in a sect you might have felt more at home in.”
Lan Jingyi moves over to his father, wrapping him in a solid hug. “It’s fine, A-Die. I wouldn’t change growing up in the Lan sect if I could. And besides, I still have time. It’s not like I can’t go and train with my other father.”
Lan Xichen smiles, pulling his son close to his chest. “Very true. You’re a lot like your father this way. And I’m sure he’d love to see you.”
Jingyi smiles slightly. “Cannot wait to tell that young mistress we’re related by blood.”
The courtyard in front of the hanshi is finally, finally filled with laughter.
-----
“Sect Leader Jiang wants to see me?” Lan Jingyi’s eyes bulge out of his head. “Why?”
“You know why, A-Cheng.” Lan Xichen chuckles quietly. “He’s in the side room.”
Lan Jingyi looks up at his father. “Oh… right. He’s… my father.”
Lan Xichen smiles slightly. “A-Cheng, he wants to talk about that. Will you at least go meet with him? For my sake.”
Lan Jingyi nods. “Sure, A-Die.”
That’s how Lan Jingyi finds himself in an unusually tense one on one meeting with Sect Leader Jiang, both of them quietly sipping tea.
And how Jiang Cheng finds himself in the oddest meeting of his life.
“So.” Jiang Cheng starts, trying his best to meet his son’s- his son’s - eyes, the new realization settling quietly on both of them.
Lan Jingyi tries to hold himself back, very visibly, his hands clenching and unclenching behind his back, every once and a while going up to touch his forehead ribbon, as if to remind him of his restraint.
“Jingyi.” Jiang Cheng sets his hands on the teen’s shoulder. “I…”
“You didn’t know.” Jingyi looks up at him, giving him a smile that reminds him so much of his sister that his heart thumps in his chest. “It’s fine, Sect Leader Jiang. Neither of us knew.”
“Fuqin.” Jiang Cheng corrects softly, squeezing Jingyi’s shoulders.
Jingyi stares up at him as if he’s in shock, as if he’s just now realizing what the implication of him being Jiang Cheng’s son actually means. That their relationship has permanently changed. “I…”
“I’d… like it. If you called me your fuqin.” Jiang Cheng pulls his arms back, straightening up. “You don’t have to. After all, we-”
Jiang Cheng stumbles back, his arms flying up to steady the boy that has suddenly wrapped his arms around him, putting his foot back so he doesn’t bowl over at the sheer force of the hug.
“Fuqin.” Jingyi whispers, closing his eyes. “I can’t believe it’s you. That you’re my fuqin.”
Jiang Cheng can only pat the boy’s back, holding him gently. “Neither can I.” He murmurs, brushing one hair behind his son’s ear.
“I hope you’re not disappointed that I’m your son and not Sizhui, fuqin.” Jingyi jokes, trying to lighten the mood, but all it does is remind Jiang Cheng of Wei Wuxian’s self-deprecation. “I know I’m not exactly the perfect Lan.” He moves back from his father’s arms.
Jiang Cheng can only chuckle, reaching up slowly to adjust his son’s forehead ribbon. “Well, then you’ll make a perfect Jiang.”
Lan Jingyi’s heart stops in his chest, as he stares at his father. That’s when Wei Wuxian’s words ring in his head.
”You remind me so much of myself it’s almost crazy Jingyi! You would fit right in as a Jiang!”
“Really?” Jingyi whispers. “Wei-qianbei said something similar. That I would fit right in.”
Jiang Cheng ruffles his son’s hair. “Jingyi.” He murmurs. “Your bobo is the ultimate embodiment of the Jiang sect’s motto. You act almost exactly like him during his time in the Cloud Recesses. I think…” He pauses, letting his first words soak in. “I think you would make a fantastic Jiang Sect heir.”
Jingyi’s eyes go wide, staring up at his father. “What? But…”
Jiang Cheng pats his son’s shoulder. “You don’t have to decide now. In fact, I think we’ve got a lot of time. But I would like you to be acknowledged formally in the Jiang Sect as my son. That would make you my heir, as… my only living blood relative besides Jin Ling.”
Lan Jingyi finally feels the reality of his fuqin’s situation set in. He’s been lonely, with his whole family pretty much decimated in the Sunshot campaign. Now, besides his nephew, he’s finally found his family.
Lan Jingyi gives his father his most blinding smile. “I’d love to, Fuqin! I’d love to be a Jiang!”
Jiang Cheng can only smile, adjusting his forehead ribbon quietly, as the realization that he now has a new family- not only in his son, but his soon to be husband too - that he can rely on. That he’s no longer alone.
------
“You’re going to Lotus Pier?” Lan Sizhui blinks, watching his cousin stuff his precious items into his bag.
Lan Jingyi nods, wiggling his toes as he packs- he can barely keep his body still. “Yep! Fuqin said that I’m going to be his heir!”
Sizhui smiles. “That’s great, Jingyi! From the stories baba has told me I think you’d fit right in.”
Lan Jingyi grins. “Yeah. Fuqin said that too. I’m just…” His smile falters slightly, his hand coming up to rest on his forehead ribbon. “I guess I’m gonna miss the Lan clan too.”
Lan Sizhui pats his shoulder, smiling. “No big deal. You can always come visit, you know that. Bobo would love to see you and see how you’re adjusting.”
Lan Jingyi looks over at his friend, smiling. “You think so?”
Lan Sizhui smiles. “You’re not just a Jiang or a Lan, Jingyi. You’re both.”
Jingyi’s eyes widen again, staring at his friend. “Oh… yeah, I guess you’re right. I’m… both a Jiang and a Lan. I’ve never thought about it like that… That I can come visit either one because they’re both my home sect.”
Lan Sizhui sits down nearby. “That’s the spirit. So, what else do you need to pack?”
“Can you just reorganize my bag? I don’t think I have enough space.” Jingyi asks sheepishly. “You’re always ten times more organized than I am.”
Lan Sizhui gives him a smile. “Of course, biaoge.” He gets to work immediately, pulling out a couple of items from his qiankun pouch.
Lan Jingyi watches him quietly, grabbing an item or two. “You have to come visit, Sizhui. I’ll miss you, A-Die, and jiujiu the most.”
“Of course A-Die and I will visit. Baba says he’s always wanted to show us Lotus Pier. What better way than an official visit to introduce you as the sect heir?” Lan Sizhui says.
“You’re a genius, Sizhui! I have to tell A-Die and jiujiu to keep it a secret!” Lan Jingyi springs up, running out of his room without a second thought, leaving Lan Sizhui laughing and shaking his head in his wake.
------
When Lan Jingyi touches down at Lotus Pier, his A-Die behind him, all he can hear is the laughter and the sounds of the lake- cicadas and the splashing of people fooling around. The noises of the piers, full of life with vendors and people shopping, seem immediately enticing, almost beckoning him to see them first, but a gentle hand on Jingyi’s shoulder from Lan Xichen reminds him of their first task.
“Welcome to Lotus Pier.” A familiar voice calls, walking towards them from the gate. “I’m glad to see you both made it safely.”
Lan Xichen gently steps past Lan Jingyi, greeting his beloved with a quick kiss on the lips. Lan Jingyi can’t help but stare at the casual exchange of affection, as if his fathers had been together since he had been born, and not only for a couple weeks.
“Xingan.” Lan Xichen says, his voice the softest Lan Jingyi has heard since childhood.
Jiang Cheng’s cheeks flush, and he doesn’t meet either of their eyes. “What?”
Lan Xichen smiles softly, quietly wrapping his arm around Jiang Cheng’s elbow. “I missed you.”
Jiang Cheng looks away, huffing quietly. He doesn’t say anything, but the flush on his cheeks says enough.
“So where do we go first?” Jingyi asks, hoping that his voice will remind both of his parents that he’s still here and he would rather they don’t do anything too embarrassing.
Jiang Cheng looks back at him, walking over to him quickly, pulling Jingyi into a hug as Lan Xichen lets go of his arm.
“I’m glad you’re here, A-Cheng.” Jiang Cheng murmurs, making Jingyi freeze up slightly, just as he was about to wrap his arms around his father.
Lan Xichen smiles for a moment, before moving closer to them.
Lan Jingyi glances over at his A-Die, quietly leaning on Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. “I’m…” He starts, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. “I’m glad I’m here too, fuqin.”
Jiang Cheng sighs, visibly letting out some relief at his words. “Good. That’s… good.”
Lan Xichen smiles slightly. “So… a tour?”
Jiang Cheng pulls back slowly, patting Jingyi’s shoulder. “Right. A tour. Right.”
Lan Jingyi nods slightly. “Okay.”
Lan Xichen gently takes Jiang Cheng’s arm again. “So you’re glad he’s here but not me, xingan?”
Jiang Cheng side eyes him and says nothing, moving towards the gates.
Lan Xichen only laughs, as the two of them follow Jiang Cheng to their first destination.
-----
Lan Jingyi fits right in.
The training sessions filled with laughter, messing around in the lakes (despite the fact that Jingyi had to learn how to swim- it was a bit humiliating), and the small dinner with his father, filled with chatter.
Lan Jingyi has never felt more like he belonged than in Lotus Pier.
“Fuqin.” Lan Jingyi headed into his office, not even bothering to knock.
Jiang Cheng sighs. “How many times have I told you to knock, A-Cheng?”
Lan Jingyi grins. “How many times have you actually punished me for not knocking, Fuqin?”
Jiang Cheng narrows his eyes, staring at his son before shaking his head. “What is it?”
Lan Jingyi heads up to his desk, giving him a small bow. “I think I want to take on sect heir training.”
Jiang Cheng sets his brush down, looking up at him. “You sure?”
Lan Jingyi nods, standing up again. “I may not have spent long in this sect, but… I feel at home here. I want to protect the people I’ve befriended here. I… want people to look up to me as they look up to you and A-Die. I… belong here. I don’t feel like I’ll be shamed for being myself.”
Jiang Cheng stands up from behind his desk, moving to stand in front of him. “Who?”
Lan Jingyi blinks. “Sorry?”
Jiang Cheng sets a hand on his shoulder. “Who made you feel like you should be ashamed for being yourself?”
Jingyi stares, blinking a couple times. “Fuqin… No one did. No one in the Lan sect did, but…” He sighs quietly, moving closer to his father. “It wasn’t their words. It was their stares. Everyone but A-Die, Sizhui, and jiujiu would stare at me like I was a fierce corpse. Even… Even Great Uncle Qiren.” He murmurs under his breath, praying foolishly that his fuqin won’t immediately write this interaction to his A-Die. “I’m… more Jiang than I am Lan.”
Jiang Cheng rubs his back. “Well, I’m sure next time you go visit you won’t have that problem.”
Lan Jingyi leans on his father’s shoulder. “Could you not tell A-Die? I don’t… want him to feel like it’s his fault. And you know he will.”
“Jingyi.” Jiang Cheng says, lifting his son’s head up gently. “Do you want to take off your forehead ribbon?”
Jingyi’s head snaps up quickly, and his fingers land on his forehead ribbon. “Huh?”
Jiang Cheng tilts his head slightly. “If you’re the Jiang sect heir, you don’t have to wear your robes or ribbon from the Lan sect anymore. Unless you want to.”
Jingyi stares at him like he’s grown a third head.
Jiang Cheng rubs his head. “It’s up to you. Just know you don’t have to if you don’t want to, okay? And we’ll start sect heir training soon. As soon as I write this letter….”
Jingyi groans. “Fuqin!”
------
“Jin Ling!” Jingyi calls, sprinting down the dock of Lotus Pier, following after the guest who’s only been here for less than a day. “Jin Ling, you young mistress! Don’t ignore me!”
Jin Ling whips around, staring at him. “What the hell are you doing here?! Aren’t you supposed to stay in the Cloud Recesses?” His eyes slowly lift to Jingyi’s forehead, suddenly completely bare. It almost sends a shiver down his spine.
Lan Jingyi grins. “Aw, don’t say that! You’re going to be seeing me around way more often when you come visit now, you know!”
Jin Ling frowns. “Are you going to fucking explain, or are you going to continue being cryptic?”
“Oh, don’t be like that… tangdi.” Lan Jingyi laughs. “I’m the heir to Lotus Pier now! Now we’re all sect heirs! Isn’t that hilarious?”
Jin Ling stares at him. “Why the hell are you my jiujiu’s heir?”
Lan Jingyi huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re really dense, you know that? So dense.”
Jin Ling groans. “Please just spit it out already.”
“I did! I already did, you asshole!” Lan Jingyi yells, throwing his arms into the air. “Gods, it feels good to yell without being punished about it.”
Jin Ling thinks for a moment, going over every minute of their conversation. “Tangdi?”
Lan Jingyi nods. “Yes. That’s you. You’re my tangdi.”
Jin Ling’s eyes go wide. “No. You can’t be Sizhui’s bro-”
“I’m not Sizhui’s brother! I’m his cousin too! We’re all cousins! God, how hard headed do you have to be?! Just like fuqin.”
“Who’s your fuqin?!” Jin Ling cries. “It can’t be jiujiu!”
“Finally, he gets it!” Lan Jingyi cries, walking past him. “Took you this long, young mistress! You know, you should start calling me biaoge.”
“Hell no!”
-----
“Ah, to be back in Yunmeng!”
Jiang Cheng hears Wei Wuxian before he sees him, and he swears a blood vessel pops out of his forehead at even the sound of his voice. The memory of the last time they met is seared into his brain, and until he sees the motion of Jingyi’s head, it’s all he can see.
“Is that Wei-qianbei?” Jingyi looks over at Jiang Cheng. “Oh, right- fuqin, I didn’t tell him that I was here or that I’m your heir.”
Jiang Cheng can only snort. “You’re too like him.” He murmurs, looking back down at his letter. Xichen has demanded to have a letter about his son every other week, to know how he’s settling in.
“Jiang Cheng! We’re here!” Wei Wuxian calls, before busting the door open. “How have you been, shi- Is that Jingyi?”
Behind Wei Wuxian’s back, Jiang Cheng sees Lan Sizhui and Lan Wangji share a look, and Lan Sizhui actually grins.
Jiang Cheng looks over at Wei Wuxian. “Could you not have knocked? I’ll break your legs, Wei Wuxian.”
Beside him, Jiang Cheng can hear Jingyi trying not to laugh.
“Oh come on, answer my question Jiang Cheng! Is that actually Jingyi, or did you find his twin? Lan Zhan and A-Yuan have been super cagey about where he was this whole time!” Wei Wuxian whines, heading over to them, and almost pinching Jingyi’s cheek, before Jiang Cheng smacks his hand away.
“Oi. Show him some respect.” Jiang Cheng frowns, staring down his brother. “Don’t just touch him casually.”
Wei Wuxian grins. “Does someone have a soft spot for him, hm Jiang Cheng?”
Jiang Cheng quickly glances over at his son, and he gets a small nod in return. They’re on the same page, then. “Of course I do.” He tries to keep his tone as casual as possible, as he looks back down at his paper. “Can I not have a soft spot for my son?”
Jiang Cheng can almost hear Wei Wuxian’s jaw hitting the floor.
“What?!” He screeches, moving to actually shake Jingyi’s shoulders. “There’s no way! Did Xichen-ge let you adopt him or something?”
Jingyi snorts, trying to suppress his laughter.
Jiang Cheng looks up from his letter to his beloved, frowning at his brother. “Why the fuck would I adopt my own son?”
Wei Wuxian looks between the two of them, and Jingyi even tilts his head and imitates Jiang Cheng’s face to give his uncle a better sense of just how much they look alike when they frown.
Which is to say, if all the disciples of Yunmeng Jiang are to be trusted, a whole awful lot.
Wei Wuxian gapes, head flicking between the two of them. “Holy shit.”
Lan Sizhui giggles, hiding his mouth behind his hand.
Wei Wuxian whips around to stare at him, his eyes wide. “Hey! Were both of you in on this?! Who was going to tell me?!”
Lan Sizhui smiles. “Jingyi said he wanted you to find out, so I told A-Die and bobo to keep it a surprise.”
Lan Wangji nods. “I have known of Lan Jingyi’s parentage since before he was born.” He murmurs, dipping into a slight bow. “I hope his fuqin is satisfied with his courtesy name.”
Jingyi blinks slightly. “You gave me my courtesy name, jiujiu?”
“Wait, jiujiu? Hold on, hold on! I’m missing some important context here!” Wei Wuxian cries, looking between his husband and his brother.
Jingyi stands up, lowering himself into a bow. “A pleasure to meet you, Yiling Patriarch. This one is Lan Ancheng, courtesy Jingyi. I am currently the sect heir to Yunmeng Jiang and the only child of Zewu-jun and Sandu Shengshou.”
Jiang Cheng can’t help but grin at Wei Wuxian’s complete and utter speechlessness. Truly, he wouldn’t change a thing about his life.