2

Wei Wuxian returned to the Jingshi in the firm expectation to be greeted by Lan Wangji and a hot dinner. He was therefore surprised to find the house dark and absent of both Lan Wangji and good food. There was nothing to do but turn on his heel and embark on a journey to locate his missing husband.

His journey brought him to the kitchens of the Cloud Recesses.

Now, just before dinner, the main kitchen building was very busy. Steam was rolling out of most of the opened windows and servants were coming and going with restless energy.

Wei Wuxian hadn't realized before, but he had yet to witness Lan Wangji prepare the food he made just for him—clearly, an unacceptable oversight on his end.

Luckily one that could be corrected immediately. Feeling mischievous, Wei Wuxian dashed past the main entrance, slinking along below the opened windows at the side of the kitchen building. They were too high up to look through from the outside and so he relied on his hearing, closely listening in on the kitchen staff's busy shouting.

Finally, the second window to the last, he got what he'd been waiting for.

"Lan-er-gongzi! The sesame seeds you wanted!"

A self-satisfied smile spread across Wei Wuxian's face.

Taking stock of his options, he was pleased to spot a few empty wooden crates that had been piled up by the wall. It was an easy thing to drag them below the window Lan Wangji's name had come from.

Giddy with excitement, Wei Wuxian climbed on top, leaned across the windowsill and peered inside the kitchen.

Abruptly, he was staring.

A peerless beauty was hidden away in the kitchens of the Cloud Recesses.

It was impossible to decide where to look first—there was the way a meticulous high ponytail contained a mass of lustrous black hair, keeping it away entirely from features so handsome not even the gods could compare, the way broadness of shoulders and superior height were softened into something precious by a simple white apron, the way it had been tied back at the elbows to reveal trained forearms and slender yet strong hands nimbly cutting perfectly even slices of chili pepper.

Lan Wangji was looking up at him with startled eyes.

The expression was so impossibly adorable that it finished Wei Wuxian off, successfully turning him into putty—he all but melted into the windowsill, resting his cheek on crossed arms and smiling like a fool.

"Lan Zhan, you look so pretty with your hair like that."

"Wei Ying?"

Wei Wuxian giggled, helplessly charmed by the red rising into Lan Wangji's ears. Heavens help him, the ponytail made it so obvious! Wei Wuxian was very sure he was presently having a heart attack.

"Apologies. Dinner is not ready yet," Lan Wangji said, eyes lowering back to his work. His fingers started flying over the cutting board, in the fraction of a heartbeat slicing up two more huge chili peppers. Around him some pots were boiling, most of them bright red. "Assisting xiongzhang took longer than anticipated."

"You're so silly, Lan Zhan, you know I'd wait an eternity to get my hands on your food," Wei Wuxian declared, delighted by the deepening color of Lan Wangji's ears.

Close by chuckling pulled him away from the sight.

"Oh, hi!" Waving happily, Wei Wuxian beamed at a servant woman who was frying a mountain of plain broccoli one fireplace over. "I hope I'm not being a bother?" Now that he'd managed to tear his eyes away from Lan Wangji he noticed that many people nearby were sending amused glances their way as they hurried through their tasks.

The woman waved her hand. "No, no, gongzi, you're fine! Wei-gongzi, right? I'm honored to finally meet the famous husband!"

"I'm famous around here?" Wei Wuxian perked up in delight.

A grinning male servant walked by, his arms laden with lemon grass. "For making everyone in this corner of the kitchen cry whenever Lan-er-gongzi comes to cook!"

"I thought for sure he was trying to poison someone the first time I saw his list of ingredients!" the woman added in awed agreement.

Wei Wuxian pouted. "So, I'm infamous, not famous! I'm from Yunmeng, over there we've been raised knowing what spice means! Food just tastes better if it has some fire to it! Perhaps you should add a little to your broccoli, ayi? Maybe just a bit, for starters, how about it? I'll bet you ten jars of Emperor's Smile everyone will come asking for more!"

"Wei Ying, behave," Lan Wangji chided. He raised a fried green bean up to Wei Wuxian's lips with a look of expectation.

Distracted by the sudden appearance of food, Wei Wuxian obediently took it in his mouth.

"Uhmhmn, 's good," he approved, eyes closed as he chewed.

"Spicier?" Lan Wangji wanted to know with a look of doubt.

"It's already perfect, tender yet crispy! No complaints at all," Wei Wuxian said. "But, um. I mean..."

Nodding, Lan Wangji deftly added the chili slices he had prepared into his pan of sizzling green beans.

The servant woman with the broccoli made in incredulous noise.

Licking the salty residue of good food off his lips, Wei Wuxian debated how he should convince Lan Wangji that more sampling was necessary, as he took notice of a suspiciously bland soup simmering in the by far largest pot on Lan Wangji's workstation.

"What's that?" he asked warily.

Lan Wangji only briefly looked up. He had started to fold dumplings with bright red filling, the rapid-fire motions of his fingers distracting in their speedy precision. "It is soup for the general meal."

Wei Wuxian was astonished. "You're not just cooking for me?"

The broccoli woman chuckled. "Your good husband felt guilty about always taking up space when this place is busiest, so he bullied us into letting him help."

"I do not wish to be a hindrance," Lan Wangji argued.

"How many times do we have to tell you you're not!" she protested immediately, then leaned over and whispered to Wei Wuxian, "Don't stop having a taste for spice, Wei-gongzi, as long as your husband comes here, he's cutting my workload down by half!"

Wei Wuxian exclaimed in amusement. "I promise you, ayi, I don't think I could stop Lan Zhan even if I wanted to! Which I most certainly don't!" Leaning further through the window and lowering his voice conspiratorially he added, "Do you know, at first, he didn't even tell me that all the food that kept appearing on my table had been made by him! He's already the most handsome man in the world, how can he be a paragon of humility as well? Isn't he way too perfect?!"

The broccoli woman laughed loudly, all other nearby servants joining in too.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji protested.

Wei Wuxian grinned at him without remorse.

Privately, he was pleasantly surprised to see that none of the people working here seemed to treat Lan Wangji with the careful reverence the rest of the sect did, even though, as servants, they arguably had all the more reason to.

It was nice.

Lan Wangji looked so much more at ease in this kitchen than he ever did in public.

Wei Wuxian contentedly rested his cheek back on his arms, his stomach grumbling in happy anticipation. Somehow, Lan Wangji was already busy boiling the dumplings. Observing someone beloved cook for him like this reminded Wei Wuxian of the countless times he'd sat in Lotus Pier's kitchen with his shijie.

There really was nothing better in the world than the smell of tasty food when you knew it was being made especially for you.

-------

Had Wei Wuxian after dinner remembered Wei Wuxian before dinner thinking that there was nothing better in the world than the smell of good food, he'd have rescinded that statement immediately.

Clearly there was nothing better in the world than said good food actually in his belly, while he himself lay naked, fucked-out and littered with bruises on Lan Wangji's equally naked chest, wrists still tied together with Lan Wangji's forehead ribbon.

However, three rounds of vigorous lovemaking and a subsequent luxurious bath, both at the hands of his husband, had turned his head into mush and so he was thinking nothing at all as he slipped into a bone-deep sleep.

Wei Wuxian woke the next morning to the gentle touch of Lan Wangji sulkily applying salve to any bruise he'd left that couldn't be concealed by clothes. He had started doing that recently—apparently one of the youngest junior disciples Wei Wuxian was teaching had gathered all his courage and approached Lan Qiren in concern about the spots on young master Wei's neck and the old man had almost burst an artery.

Lan Wangji clearly valued his uncle's health enough that he, if begrudgingly, saw sense in concealing any bruises on the days Wei Wuxian had impressionable children to teach.

Wei Wuxian missed the marks himself—it was fun to prod at them whenever he was bored—but since he could be sure anything that healed over the course of a day would be renewed at night, he could bear the deprivation.

As he left the Jingshi to teach an early morning class, whistling the song Lan Wangji had written and thinking of the coming lesson—today he would be training juniors a grade below Lan Yuhan, Ming Zheng, Xie Peng and the others and he'd decided to focus on agility as running away was a more viable option than defense for kids that young—he was surprised to find that the Cloud Recesses were once again abuzz with barely suppressed gossip.

As the days had passed by and Lan Qiren's work on Su She had dragged on, most had lost interest. But now, finally, there was news and progress to share!

Wei Wuxian listened curiously to every word he could pick up. By the time he had reached the training grounds, he'd pieced together the whole story.

The cultivators Lan Qiren had sent to Moling had returned late yesterday evening.

As things turned out, Su She had not been unconnected with the place. He'd actually been born in the very village he had been terrorizing! The whole thing was really quite scandalous!

Lan Qiren's disciples had questioned the villagers and discovered that Su She's father had once had the management of a large local farm as well as the only village mill.

According to a reluctant farmer Chen and other long-established competitors in the area, farmer Su had been far from popular. Not only had he been a hostile, irritable man and a cruel master to his servants, but he'd also levied unreasonably high fees for the use of his mill, terrorizing the surrounding lands as though he was entitled to full authority over everybody in his reach.

Unable to stand such abuse, farmer Chen himself had called farmers and servants alike to action one day, leading a rebellion that had gotten slightly out of hand, ending with the old Su farm ransacked and farmer Su chased out of the village.

Afterwards, farmer Chen had felt guilty how far they'd taken things, mainly because of the young son the man had had at the time. For years he'd wondered what might have befallen him. According to farmer Chen he'd never been able to bring himself to shamelessly take over the mill in which the boy had been born. He had taken over most of the father's fields and servants though.

When questioned on this topic, an indignant Su She had spoken at length of his own misery. Apparently, his father had managed to build a new existence for himself working as a farmhand a few towns over, but due to his financial and social diminution and because of ailing health he'd found it hard to continue providing for his son. As soon as Su She had been of an age to receive an education, his father had sent him away to join a local sect.

The sect had been very small as it had only recently been established and its leadership had lacked stability. A mere eight years after Su She had become a disciple it had disbanded. With no place to return to as he had lost his father to his illness, Su She had made his way to Gusu, hoping to make it big as a Gusu Lan cultivator.

Farmer Chen wasn't aware of this part of the history.

But when Su She had returned to his birthplace the man had recognized the father in the son's face and his old guilt had resurfaced. He'd had no realistic hopes of meeting Su She's demands but seeing as the son of the man he had driven out of his livelihood had fallen on hard times he'd been determined to make amends somehow.

He'd declared to Lan Qiren's disciples that he surely owed the young man this much!

Su She himself was of the same opinion.

Lan Qiren had gotten him to confess that he not only believed himself entitled to the entirety of farmer Chen's savings but that he'd been fully intending to milk the entire village for every coin it was worth, unwilling to leave anything at all to the illiterate peasants who had once ruined his father's life.

Upon accomplishing this, he'd been planning to set his father's mill ablaze, summon his spiritual sword out of Biling Lake and never return to Moling ever again.

-------

The afternoon at last brought a missive from Lan Xichen to the Jingshi, requesting his brothers to deliver one Luo Qingyang to him.

Wei Wuxian, who had quite forgotten he'd suggested to Lan Xichen that he should speak to her in the first place, grew slightly hysterical as it dawned on him that he had forgotten to scrub the pavilion behind the infirmary as well.

When made aware of this horrible fact, Lan Wangji dared to look amused.

He also admitted that he had apparently gone and properly cleansed the pavilion months and months ago already, the very day after they had desecrated it in the first place, so Wei Wuxian allowed him to be forgiven.

His good humor had entirely returned by the time they arrived at the gates to the woman's grounds.

Luo Qingyang was already waiting.

Strangely, her face was flushed a very noticeable pink and she looked uncharacteristically skittish, even jumping a little as she spotted them coming towards her.

She returned their greeting properly though and responded as easily to Wei Wuxian's chatter as she always did, so Wei Wuxian didn't think there was cause to worry. Luo Qingyang was not someone who shied away from saying what she thought—if something was bothering her, she would definitely mention it by herself.

Indeed, as they reached the public grounds, she abruptly took the initiative to start a new topic of conversation.

"Did Zewu-jun receive word from my sect leader today?"

"I don't think so." Wei Wuxian scratched his nose. "Lan Zhan?"

Lan Wangji shook his head.

"Oh." Luo Qingyang seemed strangely flustered.

"Did you have reason to believe he would?" Wei Wuxian asked, beginning to worry a little after all. Her flush reminded him of how she'd looked burning with fever in Qishan.

"No, no, that's not it," Luo Qingyang waved him off. "I was just wondering what Zewu-jun might want to... I mean, really anything else doesn't make any sense..."

Her face was even redder now.

Wei Wuxian was about to check her forehead as Lan Wangji next to him suddenly let out a mild hum of realization. "Xiongzhang did not state his reasons for summoning you." He sounded disappointed.

She wrung her hands. "No. But, but I'm sure there's a good explanation! I'm not, um, suggesting...anything."

Lan Wangji nodded. "Xiongzhang will not apply for your consent to a courtship. It is another matter."

"Huh...? Oh!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, abruptly grinning.

Luo Qingyang exhaled shakily, a relieved hand pressed to her chest. "Okay. Yeah, it didn't make any sense in the first place." She giggled faintly. "It's just—when the summons came everyone in the dormitory suddenly speculated..." She shook her head with a smile. "It's silly that I even thought—ah, sorry, sorry, now I'm embarrassed."

Lan Wangji inclined his head, signaling that there was no need to worry.

Wei Wuxian was still grinning, somehow finding the whole situation quite funny—he had to suppress a snicker as he imagined Lan Xichen's face once he realized the kind of misunderstanding he had inadvertently caused.

Or maybe it was better if he did not find out about it.

Lan Xichen had already been so flustered the last time he had spoken with Luo Qingyang—that she had feared he might be so brazen as to propose after a single clumsy interaction would probably kill him on the spot.

By the time they reached the pavilion, Wei Wuxian had gleefully decided he would keep things to himself in case he wanted to retaliate the next time he found himself teased by Zewu-jun.

Coming down the pavilion's steps, Lan Xichen gave a gallant greeting as soon as they were near enough that it was appropriate to do so, before he invited them to sit down for tea.

Wei Wuxian hid a quiet laugh in Lan Wangji's shoulder as he saw that Luo Qingyang had a hard time meeting his eyes.

"Luo-guniang. I realize I am being presumptuous in summoning you without prior notice, but there is something I wish to ask," Lan Xichen began once everyone had been served. "In light of recent events and also in light of what you said when first we spoke..."

He trailed off, seemingly struggling for words, then cleared his throat. "Before I ask anything of you, please let me make a confession. My ascension is yet recent and so I have not long been personally involved in Gusu Lan's recruitment process. But I could not rest after you confronted me with what you claimed was a widely accepted fact about my sect's way of choosing disciples."

Wei Wuxian thought Lan Xichen's manner of speech seemed even more proper, his posture even more rigidly perfect than usual.

"Upon looking into the matter, I indeed found that... on occasion more superficial criteria have been... valued above what should always be most important in new disciples. Suitableness of character has been neglected in favor of a proclivity for studiousness and—" his ears turned red, "—and pleasantness of appearance."

Lan Wangji looked concerned. "Xiongzhang?"

Sighing, his brother pulled out a scroll from his sleeve. "Wangji, see for yourself. This is a report of the very day Su Minshan passed his admittance evaluation."

Not hesitating, Lan Wangji swiftly opened the scroll.

Wei Wuxian hooked his chin over his shoulder to get a glimpse too.

A handful of names were listed, together with rather meager information pertaining to each.

"Su She, Minshan, fourteen years of age, from Moling," Wei Wuxian read aloud once he had found Su She's entry at the bottom of the list. "Average cultivation base. Tolerable calligraphy. Clean appearance. Distinguished himself among fellow applicants by repeating the most precepts from memory... that's it, huh?"

Lan Xichen cleared his throat again. "I was taught to believe that precept one hundred eleven refers to righteousness of character, and so was startled by your words," he said to Luo Qingyang, then, finding her face void of comprehension, colored and quickly added, "Oh, pardon, you would not—precept one hundred eleven dictates that the acceptance of disciples must be preceded by careful screenings."

Luo Qingyang hummed. She was looking at Lan Xichen somewhat uncertainly. Or maybe impatiently? Wei Wuxian hadn't yet learned to read her face perfectly but could say for sure that her expression definitely affected the person it was directed at.

Lan Xichen looked like he wanted to fidget.

"Zewu-jun, it is commendable that you made the effort to do research after your beliefs had been called into question," Luo Qingyang finally said, speaking as carefully as Lan Xichen had. "But I have to admit... I don't really understand why you are telling me these things?"

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Xichen expectantly.

"Yes—perhaps I should have led with that," he conceded. "As I mentioned, there is something I wish to ask." Apparently encouraged as her apprehensive expression gave way to curiosity, he went on, "Based on our first conversation I feel confident to surmise that you have not been exactly... entirely pleased with the hospitality my sect extended."

She immediately looked apprehensive again. "If it seemed like I wanted an apology, please don't worry. I'm indebted to Gusu Lan, I would never dare..."

"It is not that I merely wish to apologize," Lan Xichen hastily soldiered on. "Rather, I wish to... Luo-guniang, would you be willing to give your honest impression of Gusu Lan's faults?"

It was her turn to be at a loss for words. She glanced at Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji as though they could make sense of the situation for her.

Wei Wuxian smiled at her happily.

"I... I really don't think I'm the right person for this," Luo Qingyang managed at last. "Would Lan-er-gongzi and Wei-gongzi not be more suited to such a task? As a complete outsider I have no right to pass judgement."

"It is precisely because you are an outsider that your perspective is valuable," Lan Xichen insisted. "Wangji and I were raised the same way, while A-Xian was indicted into the inner clan swiftly once Wangji expressed interest. But you, as someone who does not answer to me and—and as a woman, too..."

Comprehension dawned on Luo Qingyang's face. "You want to hear about my stay on the women's side?"

Lan Xichen inclined his head. "Yes, if that is what you can comment on. But only if you have no objection."

For a moment, Luo Qingyang was silent.

Then, squaring her shoulders, she said, "There are actually a few things that have stood out to me. But... I'm really not sure whether I should..."

"I swear that I will not hold anything you might say against you," Lan Xichen promised.

"I... I see. Well, um." She nodded to herself. "I suppose Zewu-jun must know that I was given a copy of the sect rules and highly encouraged to study them. After I had stayed in the dormitories for a few days one rule in particular struck me as odd."

"Which rule?" Lan Xichen asked, eyes focused entirely on her.

"The one saying that female disciples should not be disturbed. There is nothing wrong with it, but... it doesn't explain why everyone acts as though contact between men and women has been forbidden completely. To be honest, I began to wonder whether Gusu Lan did not actually expect its male disciples to respect this rule since, to enforce it, you built a wall."

This made Lan Xichen visibly start. "The wall is there to assure our women's safety," he argued.

"That may be true," Luo Qingyang conceded. "But does it really make your female disciples feel safe? Actually, I've gotten the opposite impression living with them. The girls I've talked to speak of the men's side as though it is something to fear. The wall does not make them feel protected, it reminds them daily that they need protection."

There was an alarmed frown on Lan Xichen's face.

Wei Wuxian was quite impressed with Luo Qingyang's level-headed way of laying out her arguments.

"Doesn't the wall just lead to a divide in the sect? Your female disciples might have heard of you, Zewu-jun, but most will never see you in their lives. How can they place their trust in you if they can't witness your efforts? For young women they really seem uncommonly subdued. I heard Wei-gongzi speak at length about how much the male junior disciples are gaining in skill and confidence. Meanwhile the female disciples spent their days in silent meditation and shy away from the mere mention of Wen Xu's name."

Wei Wuxian sent Lan Wangji a surprised look. He didn't know anything about the female disciples' curriculum, but he hadn't expected such a great difference.

Lan Xichen was clearly mulling the matter over too, silently regarding his tea with an introspective look.

The longer the silence lasted the more embarrassed Luo Qingyang seemed. "I realize I am criticizing what must be ancient customs," she said, lowering her eyes. "As someone from a small sect I am ignorant to the importance old sects like Gusu Lan place on tradition. I apologize if I overstepped."

"No need. You presented your arguments with admirable logic," Lan Xichen assured her, still thoughtfully frowning into the middle-distance.

Luo Qingyang blinked up at him in surprise.

"What about the evaluation of new disciples?" Lan Xichen wanted to know. "Does Luo-guniang have an opinion on this matter as well?"

"Um... well. I mean, if you really want my honest opinion..." She seemed a little flushed again. "I wouldn't be surprised if most people who try to join a sect as renowned as Gusu Lan did so for purely self-interested reasons. Even those who might not agree with your sect rules would probably regard them as a small evil to pay for the prestige and status that being part of a great sect brings..."

Lan Xichen frowned at her again, clearly disturbed by the idea.

Luo Qingyang fiddled with her teacup. "Zewu-jun, you said yourself that what should be valued in new disciples is righteousness of character. It must be possible to test for that, right? Perhaps your acceptance procedure should become a little stricter."

"...Prestige and status. I see." Lan Xichen nodded slowly. "Indeed, why should it not be possible to test for righteousness of character? If a case like Su Minshan's could be avoided in the future it would be worth it. Even if we have to rethink tradition. Wangji, A-Xian, I must beg your assistance in this."

"Yes, xiongzhang," Lan Wangji said.

"Of course we'll help!" Wei Wuxian agreed, quite pleased with how the conversation had developed.

"As to what regards the female disciples... that too must be considered carefully." Lan Xichen directed earnest eyes at Luo Qingyang. "In the future, would Luo-guniang be amenable to providing her insight again?"

"Ah... sure," she agreed, cheeks pink. "Okay."

-------

It was obvious that Lan Xichen was inspired.

Wei Wuxian had seldom seen him so full of impatient energy. The baffled expression on Lan Wangji's face proved that even to him his brother's current mood was a novelty.

They had been called to the Hanshi after dinner and Lan Xichen had greeted them distractedly, bowed over Su She's admittance report.

"I thought about it," he started before they'd even fully taken a seat. "Potential new disciples are being tested every two years. How about, in addition to having them recite the rules in an interview with the elders responsible for the testing, we were to hold a nighthunt for disciples such as Su Minshan, who already have cultivation history?" He looked at them beseechingly. "What do you think? Is this solution too obvious?"

"I think it's a good idea," Wei Wuxian approved. "In Lotus Pier things are done similarly, and it works fine. Much can be inferred from your conduct while you're helping people who are entirely reliant on you."

"This method is not suitable for applicants without cultivation history," Lan Wangji chimed in.

"Right," Lan Xichen assented. He was tapping a finger on his desk, a nervous gesture Wei Wuxian had never seen before.

"An additional theoretical evaluation," Lan Wangji suggested. "Tailored to expose one's attitude towards the rules pertaining to morality."

His brother nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, that's good, Wangji! We could ask questions without mentioning that they are based on rules applicants would have to follow after joining and get everyone's honest opinion that way."

"Good morals can be taught to some extent though," Wei Wuxian mused. "Especially when it comes to kids."

"Not all questions given should lead to immediate disqualification if answered wrongly," Lan Wangji proposed. "They could be assigned penalty points. A predetermined number would serve as measure of what would and would not be acceptable."

"Brilliant, Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian praised, filled with pride. "And hey, we could still imbed these questions in hypothetical nighthunt scenarios! That way it'll not be so obvious we are trying to vet someone's sense of righteousness especially! And those who don't already have a background in cultivation would get a chance to check whether they're really up for the jobs of a cultivator!"

Lan Wangji made a noise of approval, eyes full of affection.

Lan Xichen was taking notes in front of them.

By the time curfew was approaching, his desk was filled with mountains of paperwork once again.

"Xiongzhang should make an announcement tomorrow," Lan Wangji said.

His older brother looked startled. "That soon? I—I haven't even presented this matter to shufu yet."

"Shufu is unlikely to object. And xiongzhang is sect leader," Lan Wangji reasoned, clearly unable to comprehend why Lan Xichen was hesitating. "Su Minshan's circumstances directly contributed to this matter coming to xiongzhang's attention. In the wake of his execution everyone of import will be assembled. Delaying the announcement makes no sense."

Feeling sympathetic as Lan Xichen wilted beneath Lan Wangji's uncompromising eyes, Wei Wuxian suggested, "Dabo, do you want us to help you write a speech?"

Lan Xichen's face filled with hope. "Would you? It is so late already..."

Lan Wangji looked satisfied. "We will help."

Needless to say, Zewu-jun once again ended up missing curfew working late into the night.

-------

Wei Wuxian was sure that the execution of a former disciple would have been cause for great commotion in most sects.

He had once heard Nie Huaisang speak with a shudder of the sabers that hung in the Unclean Realm's communal dining hall whose purpose it apparently was to remind Nie disciples of their fate should they happen to go against their sect's code.

And the likes of Lanling Jin or Qishan Wen were unlikely to be more merciful.

From his time as Yunmeng Jiang's head disciple Wei Wuxian knew that Lotus Pier had no fixed procedure regarding such things. No one would be stupid enough to do something that warranted such a harsh punishment while Madam Yu was the first lady of the sect anyway.

Gusu Lan had strict ideas about the structure of the entire event.

To the relief or perhaps slight disappointment of the junior disciples who had speculated a few days ago whether they would have to be present, it was strictly forbidden for uninvolved spectators to pay witness to Su She's end, as was said end to under no circumstances turn into a spectacle.

If the Discipline Pavilion hadn't burned down such a thing would have been easy to accomplish—its high walls would have prevented any overcurious eyes from catching a glimpse—but as it was, all that was left of the building was an ashen stretch of land. Lan Qiren was forced to send senior disciples to patrol the area and chase away anyone who accidentally strayed too close.

The crowd actually authorized to be a witness was limited to high-ranking members of the main clan and the elders' council.

Wei Wuxian, standing at Lan Wangji's right, tried to discreetly scratch his skin where it itched slightly beneath his forehead ribbon. He still felt like a bright, white imposter decked out in the same mourning robes as everyone else, but Lan Wangji had gently informed him that protocol demanded official sect attire so here he was.

Su She was struggling so much that two senior disciples had to forcefully keep him on his knees, and he was shouting so constantly that Lan Xichen had a hard time getting anywhere with the verdict, screaming profanities to the heavens and beyond and verbally cursing every member of the Lan sect and the main family especially.

In the end, a vein throbbing in irritation at his temple, Lan Qiren cast the silencing spell on him. Luckily Su She's cultivation was a few years too immature to allow him to rip his lips apart forcefully and continue yapping.

Lan Xichen looked relieved to finally progress with the verdict. Wei Wuxian felt quite sorry for him. Being sect leader really wasn't easy.

Perhaps he and Lan Wangji should find their big brother someone good to marry so that he had a wife who would share his burden? Now that he thought about it, the sooner Lan Xichen married and had children, the sooner Wei Wuxian could rest assured that Lan Wangji would never be forced to put up with being sect leader himself! It would be a win for everyone involved, really!

He was distracted from such merry ideas by the short silence that ensued after Lan Xichen had finished enumerating Su She's crimes. Lan Qiren came forward to hand his older nephew the jade container Lan Yi's qin string was kept in.

Wei Wuxian noticed how Lan Xichen took a discreet breath as he slipped on the protective gloves.

In comparison to the time the old man had ordered him and Lan Wangji beaten when they'd returned from Qishan, Su She was not afforded an opportunity to protest his punishment.

First, a woven basket was placed at his knees. Then a third senior disciple had to join the two holding him down to allow for Lan Yi's string to be placed around his neck.

Finally, the third senior disciple stepped back again while the two remaining pressed Su She forward.

A single yank of Lan Xichen's gloved hand caused Su She's head to pop clean off and land in the woven basket with a dull thud. Like a pumpkin ready for sale. Save for the blood spurting forth from the severed neck that was left Wei Wuxian found it all kind of underwhelming.

As soon as the head had been covered with a cloth and carried off with the rest of the body, Lan Xichen raised his voice.

"With the venerable elders' council, my honored uncle and my dear brothers as my witness, I decree as Gusu Lan's sect leader that Gusu Lan's recruitment policy will be expanded upon and thus become stricter as of this day, for the purpose of determining future disciples' suitableness of character as regards conscientiousness, true righteous conviction and honest integrity."

The surprise of his listeners was very evident though reactions differed.

Lan Qiren looked slightly stunned at his nephew's shoulder, but the more Lan Xichen spoke the more that wary expression shifted into one of clear approval.

Some elders looked like someone had stepped on the ends of their forehead ribbons as Lan Xichen expressed his discontent with the manner in which Su She had been approved for discipleship.

Perhaps they'd been the ones who had been responsible.

However, with Su She's blood still drying on the ashen ground before them, they did not dare to utter a single word of protest.

Others were whispering with their neighbors.

"This is quite sudden," elder Zu harrumphed. "Why was the council not informed?"

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes.

Most looked approving.

"Xichen is wise to make the tests stricter. Su Minshan might have set a dangerous precedent had he not been caught and yet still he did great harm. Clearly, we should judge more carefully who we accept into the sect," Lan Fang grunted to Lan Xiaobo who stroked his beard, radiating agreement.

Lan Xichen did not leave his decision up for debate anyway.

Yesterday evening's nervousness was nowhere to be seen as he recited the speech Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji had helped him write. And though his words were obviously carefully rehearsed, in a sect of scholars that was not a detriment to his authority.

-------

Lan Xichen's announcement replaced Su She as the new topic of interest among the Lan disciples the following week. One could be sure that, if there were two people with their heads stuck together, there was only one thing they could be discussing.

Especially outer disciples who had passed the now outdated admittance evaluation made sure to approve of the change, pronouncing how horrible they found what Su She had done and that they had never had anything to do with him.

Wei Wuxian was quite fed up with it all by now.

"And then, Lan Zhan, that guy told his friend, you remember when I failed advanced calligraphy? I had crossed paths with Su Minshan the evening before! This is getting more than ridiculous!"

Lan Wangji's eyes were narrowed in displeased agreement.

Still annoyed, Wei Wuxian twirled one of the meditation mats they had just retrieved from storage in his hand. They were currently on their way to the training field to meet up with Luo Qingyang—Lan Wangji was planning to introduce her to handstand meditation today which they needed the mats for.

"You should go visit the junior dormitories and give them a good scare, Lan Zhan, or those kids will all grow up to be worse than gossiping housewives."

"Mn."

"Ah, you really will? Tell me before you go, will you? I want to see their faces!"

"Gossip is forbidden. They should know better."

"True! Ah, look, Luo-guniang is already outside! Let's hurry!"

During the weeks they'd been training with her Luo Qingyang had unfailingly arrived with and been picked up by the same young female Lan disciple—clearly someone had assigned her the job as she certainly didn't seem like she would have chosen it herself—but though the two young women had never appeared to get along per se, they hadn't seemed to hate one another either.

As such it was quite surprising to find the two girls not only openly glaring at each other, but apparently in the middle of an argument.

"...not the one who bothers headmistress Xi, insisting on special treatment!" the Lan girl was squeaking angrily, her usual proper posture nowhere to be seen.

Luo Qingyang raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Do you expect me to stop just because it bothers you ?"

"That—impudence is forbidden! Obstinacy is against the rules! It's inelegant!"

"And shouting isn't? I'm not a Lan disciple. I can do as I please."

The girl sputtered. With her round red face and small agitated body, she looked astonishingly like some kind of small angry animal.

A chipmunk, maybe.

"Hey, is everything alright, you two?" Wei Wuxian laughed, running over. "What's this about?"

The Lan girl jerked towards him.

She quickly bowed.

"Excuse this one's loss of composure, Lan-er-gongzi. Wei-gongzi," she gritted out. "I beg you would excuse me." Not waiting for a response, she whirled around and stomped away, forehead ribbon whipping around behind her.

Wei Wuxian threw Luo Qingyang a questioning glance.

She just sighed. "It's nothing." Smiling faintly at Lan Wangji she added, "That meditation technique you wanted to show me might be a good idea right about now, Lan-er-gongzi. I could use a clear mind."

Lan Wangji hummed agreeably. "We will start by testing your shoulder stability."

Luo Qingyang took to meditating upside down with surprising enthusiasm.

She could not hold the pose for even half as long as Lan Wangji, her arms unfailingly beginning to shake and forcing her back to her feet after a few fen or so, but a short pause sufficed to return her strength.

Lan Wangji was serenely serving as a living example of what to work towards next to her, standing on a single hand, forehead ribbon held delicately between his lips, face tranquil and body so immoveable even a mountain would have felt intimidated.

To Wei Wuxian it was incomprehensible how they could bear staying in the same position for so long—he had tried keeping up on a whim at first, but boredom had forced him to give up very soon.

He went through sword forms instead, letting his thoughts flow freely—he thought about the juniors' progress, Lan Wangji's shoulders, what he might eat for lunch later, Lan Wangji's shoulders again, Lan Wangji's soft pouty lips, the letter that had arrived this morning from Mu Lijuan requesting more time to work on the compass and, on occasion, the marks Lan Wangji's teeth had left on his inner thighs last night.

Finally, he was joined by the other two.

Over the weeks a routine had established itself in which they took turns fighting while the one who was disengaged watched from the outside and gave feedback afterwards.

In Wei Wuxian's opinion fighting Luo Qingyang made for some of the most fun he'd ever had in a spar—though she couldn't compare to Lan Wangji who, as his equal in skill, demanded complete focus and physical commitment from him, she was clever, resourceful and eager to learn.

She knew how to use her left-handedness to her advantage as well. Once while fighting Lan Wangji, she had momentarily adopted the footwork of a right-handed fighter before switching back abruptly, successfully getting Lan Wangji to hesitate. It hadn't won her the spar, but she had managed to parry a move he had until then unfailingly disarmed her with.

Lan Wangji's eyes had been burning in the wake of that fight. The next time he had fought her, he had been aggressive, holding nothing back for the sake of gentlemanly politeness anymore.

Though Luo Qingyang had lost after only five moves, the smile on her face had made clear she too had understood what it meant; she had at last earned Lan Wangji's esteem as a swordswoman.

It had been the last assurance Wei Wuxian had needed to decide for himself that Luo Qingyang should become a permanent fixture in the Cloud Recesses.

Lan Wangji deserved more friends who knew how to appreciate him properly, and he deserved to have them nearby and easily accessible—there were so few people whose company Lan Wangji actually enjoyed, that every single one needed to be preserved! Not to mention that Lan Xichen seemed to like Luo Qingyang, and Wei Wuxian himself liked her too, both things which were a plus!

The only problem was that Luo Qingyang found staying in the Cloud Recesses tedious.

But Wei Wuxian had thought the same when he'd first come to Gusu and look at him now!

Granted, there was no denying that Lan Wangji spoiled him quite a bit in general and when it came to obeying the sect rules especially.

Still, Wei Wuxian was determined to make their new friend like Gusu somehow.

As the bell rang for lunch and Luo Qingyang's smile dimmed, Wei Wuxian took it upon himself to ask her to return the meditation mats into the training hall with him and Lan Wangji to stall her having to return into the women's grounds a bit.

"Is everything okay between you and that girl?" he asked as they walked, looking back at where the female Lan disciple had once more appeared at the edge of the training field.

"Probably not," Luo Qingyang admitted with a sigh. "I was offered to join the female disciples' daily afternoon meditation by the headmistress a few days ago, but, well, as you know, meditating in lotus pose just doesn't work for me. I refused."

"So what? She took that the wrong way?"

Luo Qingyang shrugged. "She approached me while I was training yesterday and accused me of disrespecting the headmistress. An older disciple overheard and made her write lines for uncouth behavior towards a guest."

Wei Wuxian huffed. "Sounds like it wasn't your fault, then."

"Guests are not required to attend official lessons," Lan Wangji confirmed.

"Hm, I know." Luo Qingyang smiled at them. "Don't worry about me, I'll think of something. Zu-guniang is younger than me, I think. I should be the bigger person."

"And she should take care to respect you properly. Hold on... Zu? That's her name?" Wei Wuxian frowned in thought, digging through his memory.

The snide attitude, paired with that surname...

"Her name is not Zu Zhenzhen, is it?"

"Huh? Yes, it is." Luo Qingyang looked curious. "Is that important?

"Ah, no. She's the granddaughter of one of the elders on the council, that's all. I hadn't realized until now," Wei Wuxian explained, smiling.

Luo Qingyang just hummed, though she looked quite suspicious of his smile. "Well, I'd better hurry or she'll get even angrier. I'll see you in three days as usual?"

"Yes."

"Of course! Lan Zhan and I will be here!"

With one last smile, Luo Qingyang quickly bowed in farewell, then joined her frowning chaperone. The two girls left the training field side by side without exchanging a single word.

Crossing his arms, Wei Wuxian followed Zu Zhenzhen's small departing figure with narrowed eyes.

"So, she's the one, huh? The girl your family tried to set you up with when you were little."

"Mn," Lan Wangji agreed.

"Elder Zu should be glad it didn't go anywhere." Wei Wuxian sniffed. "She isn't good enough for you at all. You don't fit together one bit."

"Indeed," Lan Wangji agreed, rearing him in by the waist.

Mollified, Wei Wuxian grabbed his chin and pressed a kiss to his lips, only to immediately find himself moved back into the training hall's corridor and backed against a wall.

"Lan Zhan, you remember when you stole my virginity in this hallway?" Wei Wuxian laughed breathlessly, futilely struggling against the hands pinning his wrists above his head.

"I remember," Lan Wangji agreed. Then he set his mouth to that spot below Wei Wuxian's ear that he knew drove him out of his mind.

"Mngh, you're going to the library to copy books after lunch, right?" Wei Wuxian babbled, shivering as a bruise was sucked into his skin and a thigh shoved between his legs. "You think you might have some time to spare before you do that? Just—just half a shichen or so..."

"There is time now."

"Yes. Yes, you're absolutely right, Lan Zhan, perfect, smart Lan Zhan— ouch! Don't bite, I'm frail, I'm weak, I'm sore from training so hard all morning, Lan Zhan, I can't fight you off at all, I have no energy, have mercy, er-gege, I'll do anything you want."

With a single move of his hand, Lan Wangji slammed the doors leading into the hallway shut, hiding them from view.

Perfect.

-------

Having sex in the middle of the day was great.

Having a noticeable limp while teaching juniors archery wasn't that great, but Wei Wuxian made it work—in the end, it was actually fun to answer their concerned questions with wild stories about how he'd been chased by a wild Lan elder for shaving off his beard, had climbed up a tree and then fallen on his ass.

All was well that ended well!

Once he'd returned to the Jingshi after archery practice and treated himself to a quick bath, Wei Wuxian made his way over to the Hongshi where he'd left the letter Mu Lijuan had sent in the morning. He was mentally drafting a reply in his head as he ran into Lan Xichen coming down the path that led to the Cold Springs. The tips of his hair were damp.

"A-Xian," he greeted.

"Dabo, good afternoon! What a coincidence, were you having a soak? I've just finished bathing, too!"

"I was cultivating. Shufu reprimanded me for neglecting my training just sitting at my desk all the time."

"Oh, that's nice! Are you heading back to your quarters? I was just going to the Hongshi to answer a letter, why don't we walk part of the way together?"

Lan Xichen nodded agreeably.

Grinning, Wei Wuxian happily fell into step with him.

"What kind of letter?" Lan Xichen wanted to know.

"Lijuan-meimei wants more time for the compass project I gave her. Oh, dabo, I can't recall if I've told you about it already? I'm thinking of calling it the Compass of Ill Winds! It can detect resentful energy!"

"Mn, shufu spoke of it." Lan Xichen smiled affectionately. "It seems to me a very promising project and a suitable name, A-Xian. If there is anything I can do to support its finalization, do let me know."

"Hehe! No need, I think I've got things handled. Thank you, though, I appreciate the offer!"

"Of course," Lan Xichen replied easily.

Wei Wuxian beamed at him. "By the way, dabo, can you imagine, Lan Zhan showed Luo-guniang handstand meditation today and she really liked it! It's a real mystery to me, it's so hard to stay focused while your blood is rushing into your head."

Lan Xichen's eyes lit up with curiosity . "You and Wangji trained with Luo-guniang this morning?"

"Yeah! She's made good progress." Wei Wuxian crossed his arms behind his head. "She's working on this wicked slash right now. Lan Zhan and I agree that it's getting harder and harder to block. She seems to have had an argument with the disciple who's in charge of picking her up though."

"An argument?"

"Mn. It wasn't her fault. That disciple was already punished for being impolite."

"Oh. I see."

They walked in silence for a bit.

Then, Lan Xichen said, "I have written her sect leader three times now but am still awaiting a response. It is peculiar."

"She did say her sect leader was kind of a dick."

"A-Xian," Lan Xichen scolded. Then he sighed. "But to refuse Gusu Lan an answer? I wonder if there is some other explanation."

"Hmm. Well, apart from flying to Lanling and asking him yourself, I don't see what you could do."

"Luo-guniang must be impatient to return to her sect by now." Deflating slightly, Lan Xichen added, "Well, I suppose once she has tired of the Cloud Recesses, she will leave on her own terms."

Wei Wuxian started at this unwelcome truth. He hadn't thought about it this explicitly yet.

The only thing that was keeping Luo Qingyang in Gusu was probably his and Lan Wangji's training with her. Once she was satisfied in that regard, she would leave.

Unhappy, Wei Wuxian frowned at the gravel below his feet. Then he perked up with an idea.

"Dabo, why don't I write Lijuan-meimei if she's willing to let Luo-guniang stay with her a few days a week? She could come up the mountain on the days Lan Zhan and I train with her and stay the others in Caiyi and relax!"

Lan Xichen seemed surprised. "You think Mu-guniang would be amenable to such an arrangement?"

Wei Wuxian shrugged. "Probably. She was so nice to my shijie that time I took her to meet her, I can't imagine she would mind. And I'm about to write a letter to Caiyi anyway! What do you think, should I ask her?"

Lan Xichen frowned.

Then his smile returned, though for some reason it seemed a little sad.

"Mn. It is a good idea."

-------

Mu Lijuan sent word back as early as the next morning, thanking Wei Wuxian for his patience regarding her work on the compass, reassuring him that there was no problem with his notes and that she merely wished to refine her result and gladly offering any friend of his shelter for as long as they needed it.

It was decided that Luo Qingyang would be staying with her three days a week and spend the remaining four in the Cloud Recesses.

Luo Qingyang expressed conflicted feelings about the arrangement at first—though she wasn't opposed to staying in Caiyi, she said that she feared Mu Lijuan would regard it as an imposition.

Wei Wuxian did his best to reassure her.

Quietly though, he did worry a little that his two friends wouldn't get along himself and so was relieved as Luo Qingyang came back up the mountain after three days at the Mu estate, visibly more at ease.

"I was able to assist Mu-guniang with the cultivation manuals Chifeng-zun left her," she told Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji proudly. "Mu-guniang even said she would be happy to let me stay in her guest chambers forever if it meant I helped her parse through them."

While Wei Wuxian was glad that Luo Qingyang didn't worry about being a bother anymore, he wondered a little sulkily why Mu Lijuan hadn't asked him for help with the manuals.

An opportunity to ask presented itself the very same day early in the afternoon just after he'd had lunch with Lan Chuanli and Yuan Xiang. A disciple approached him with a letter from Mu Lijuan—she had at last finished the compass and wished him to come appraise it at his earliest convenience.

Wei Wuxian, who had been cooped up in the Cloud Recesses for multiple weeks now, was ecstatic about the opportunity to stretch his legs.

He immediately ran to the library pavilion to find Lan Wangji.

The latter had finished copying the entire medical section of Gusu Lan's library just recently and was currently working on mathematical texts, but Wei Wuxian was convinced that he could afford to take half a day off to accompany him to Caiyi Town.

"Lan Zhan, I come bearing great news!" he announced as he dashed into the reading room that Lan Wangji used for his copying work. "You'll never guess what it is!"

Lan Wangji, who had looked up at his entrance, hummed questioningly.

"Lan Zhan, I said you'll never guess! That means you should definitely try to guess!"

He was rewarded with a little confused frown for his nonsense.

"Chuanli-tangxiong and his wife served side dishes Wei Ying liked," Lan Wangji tried hesitantly.

"Wrong! Well, I guess not wrong. But not it! Try again!"

Lan Wangji carefully set aside his brush. Then, eyes slightly hopeful, he suggested, "The rabbits bred again?"

"Oh no, Lan Zhan, now I've gone and made you hope for baby bunnies!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, throwing himself to the floor next to Lan Wangji in dismay. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, I don't think there are new little ones."

"Hm."

"But Lijuan-meimei wrote that she's done with my compass! I want to go down and take a look. Won't you come with me?"

Lan Wangji pensively regarded his desk. A highly impressive number of finished pages lay neatly stacked to his left, while a huge tome was opened in front of him.

"I have almost finished copying this compendium," he said. "If Wei Ying is willing to wait, I will come."

"Alright! Don't let me bother you then, I'll take a quick nap," Wei Wuxian decided happily, at once lying down and settling his head in his husband's lap.

By the time Lan Wangji was done, he needed to be coaxed awake with kisses.

They left the Cloud Recesses just a little after shenshi.

There was not a single cloud in the sky as they arrived at their destination. Caiyi Town's vendors had adapted to the new heatwave, offering watermelon, duck soup and rice wine at every corner. Delighted, Wei Wuxian dragged Lan Wangji into the market, quickly calling to a saleswoman offering watermelon that she should cut up a large slice for them.

They arrived at the Mu estate just as they had finished the fruit.

Wei Wuxian had just raised his hand to knock at the gate as a sudden inhuman scream split the air. As though in response, loud noises came from somewhere on the property, men's fearful shouting followed by more screeching.

Alarmed, they immediately pushed through the gate, hands on their swords.

Running straight towards the commotion, Wei Wuxian was already brainstorming what kind of malevolent being could possibly produce such horrid screeches and also be active in broad daylight, as they rounded the corner into the bird garden and the malevolent being was promptly revealed to their eyes.

A giant goose was chasing terrified manservants around the hibiscus shrub in the middle of the garden, huge wings flapping menacingly, long neck outstretched and fat, white-brown body moving with impressive speed.

Bewildered, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji came to a stop.

"No, don't! Don't bite me!" one of the servants yelped. He let out a high-pitched scream as the goose's vicious beak found his hand. The other manservants tried to free their comrade, only to find themselves the bird's new targets.

The parrots and canaries in the surrounding cages had all fallen silent for once, most of them looking quite spooked at the blood-curdling honking of the giant goose.

"What the..." Wei Wuxian chuckled.

It was then that he spotted Mu Lijuan, standing on the balcony that was connected to her chambers. She was pressing two exasperated fingers to her temple.

"Look, Lan Zhan, Lijuan-meimei's up there! Let's ask what's going on," Wei Wuxian suggested.

Lan Wangji however stayed where he was, eyebrows furrowing as one of the terrified manservants managed to catch the goose, then promptly hurled the bird away as its sharp beak attacked his face.

The goose crashed into a flowerbed, flower petals and feathers stirring up into the air. Wings thrashing and with offended honking, it immediately started another attack.

Radiating displeasure, Lan Wangji marched forward.

Shrugging, Wei Wuxian let him do as he pleased. He himself went to climb the large maple by the house and leapt onto the balcony to join Mu Lijuan.

"Xian-ge," she greeted him without averting her eyes from the chaotic scene below her. "I see you have arrived."

"Did Huaisang saddle you with another one of his problem children?" Wei Wuxian guessed with a laugh, jumping to sit on the balcony railing next to her.

"A-Sang discovered this one at a poultry auction last week. He wrote that he has never seen a gander with as handsome a plumage." Mu Lijuan let out a delicate sigh. "He arrived this morning, together with three females. A-Sang hopes he'll take to at least one of them. The girls waddled into the enclosure I built them obediently enough, but the gander broke free. Really, he is quite the ungrateful thing. I even had my gardeners dig a pond."

"Are you keeping them close by?" Wei Wuxian winced as the gander honked threateningly at Lan Wangji, who had by now sent the manservants away and was approaching the beast with slow steps. "What if that bird screams like this when you're trying to sleep?"

"I am afraid that is quite the point," Mu Lijuan replied drily.

"Huh?"

"Don't look at me like that, it was A-Sang's idea. Apparently, there is no alarm system more efficient than geese beneath one's bedroom window."

Wei Wuxian frowned. "An alarm system? What, do you have cause to worry about intruders?"

"According to A-Sang one cannot be too careful. Though I dare say he would have happily been less careful had he not been quite so seduced by handsome feathers. Oh, would you look at that. Your husband has become the new favorite."

Lan Wangji had indeed managed to calm the furious goose down already.

Crouching, he was feeding it by hand, holding the pouch of nuts that he kept in his sleeve for when Wei Wuxian wanted a snack. The bird was inhaling the nuts so aggressively that Lan Wangji couldn't seem to retrieve more from the pouch quickly enough.

"I see. It appears he was hungry." Mu Lijuan thoughtfully touched a finger to her chin.

"Those are for me," Wei Wuxian huffed sulkily.

"Ah, well. I am certain your husband will replace that nifty bag of nuts so swiftly you are hardly going to notice its absence, Xian-ge," his friend reassured him. "In the meantime, why don't you accompany me into my workshop? I have cake there."

"Oh! What kind of cake?" Wei Wuxian asked as he followed Mu Lijuan into the house. "How sweet? Maybe Lan Zhan would like it."

"I have not sampled it myself yet, but it is a rather plentiful amount. It was a gift."

"Did you do someone a favor?"

Mu Lijuan chuckled. "Not quite. But it just so happens that Caiyi Town's magisterial office is experiencing an executive change at this time. The new magistrate's secretary personally delivered all sorts of little treats to the families of the neighborhood."

Wei Wuxian hummed. "What happened to the old magistrate?"

"Ah yes, I suppose Gusu Lan must not have heard the tragic news yet." Mu Lijuan shook her head with a delicate sigh. "Impaired by drunkenness, magistrate Yang fell down a flight of stairs and broke his neck a few nights ago."

This caught Wei Wuxian's attention. "Was his death investigated properly?"

His friend inclined her head. "Multiple emptied liquor jars were found in his office, and his body stank heavily of alcohol. His death was naturally declared self-inflicted." As though greatly shaken, she put a hand to her cheek. "It is rather heartbreaking. The poor man must have still been grieving the loss of his only son."

"Ah, wait, I remember now!" Clicking his tongue, Wei Wuxian's concern dispersed on the spot. "He was the fucker who tried to have you killed! The father of that lowlife who attacked you! Yang... Yang something or other."

"Yang Ping, yes," Mu Lijuan agreed mildly. "It truly grieves me that our families will have no opportunity to bury the hatchet, now that the Yang family has lost its last remaining male scion. But it does not do to dwell on misfortune, as my mother liked to say. I am determined to console myself with the thought that the new magistrate comes prepared to forge good relations with all the neighborhood, my house included."

Wei Wuxian huffed. "He better be."

Mu Lijuan smiled to herself. "His secretary is already a most pleasant man. And the Hua family has solid footing in the imperial court. I am told magistrate Hua's oldest brother holds the office in Nanjing City."

"Huh. Is that so?" Distracted, Wei Wuxian studied the floral tapestry that was adorning the wall. He was pretty sure it hadn't existed the last time he'd visited.

"Oh yes. They will be a most propitious connection. I am thinking of fashioning a bouquet of golden roses as a gift of welcome. According to his secretary, the younger magistrate Hua has an appreciation for goldsmithing and other rare crafts. It is very fortunate that one of the smiths I employed is proficient in the art."

"Yeah, fortunate," Wei Wuxian agreed, having quite lost the thread of their conversation in his study of the tapestry but happy that his friend sounded happy.

Mu Lijuan snickered. "Cultivation sects really are removed from worldly matters. Such ignorance is rather impressive. Ah, Xian-ge, I hope you will not mind me showing off our welding stick? The secretary gave me reason to believe his master would be most interested in a display."

"Huh? Oh, that. Yeah sure, I don't mind. You did most of the work anyways, do with it what you want."

"Do not downplay the importance of your contribution," she objected sunnily. "Indeed, I would not be surprised if the magistrate demanded to meet the mastermind behind the design. Should that come to pass, I would be forced to send for you so that you could meet him."

"Sure, sure," Wei Wuxian nodded along, "If that magistrate Huang wants to meet me, he can treat me to some Emperor's Smile. Unless he's as lousy as the last one was, then I'm afraid it's a hard pass from me."

Mu Lijuan seemed satisfied. "Delightful. Though I would hope you'll remember to call him magistrate Hua when you share wine with him."

-------

His friend had undersold the cake situation in her workshop somewhat.

Wei Wuxian gaped at the plates upon plates of decadent sweets that were littering the room, most of them strange colorful desserts he had never seen before in his life.

"I'm told exotic recipes are magistrate Hua's second passion, aside from goldsmithing," Mu Lijuan said, handing Wei Wuxian a small plate filled with jiggly cake pieces that were colored a striking green. "Here, this one isn't very sweet. I will give the rest to the servants to share, but if there is one you believe Lan-er-gongzi might like then do feel free to take it."

"Alright, thanks!" Wei Wuxian agreed, inspecting the jiggly cake pieces on his plate. Curious, he picked one up and put it in his mouth. It tasted strangely like jasmine tea and something nutty.

Sitting on a stool by the window, Wei Wuxian munched on the cake as he watched Mu Lijuan dig through the mess on her workbench until she at last retrieved a simple wooden box.

"The mechanism began to react to what I have to assume is resentful energy halfway through the construction process," Mu Lijuan said. "I suppose it's a sign of good design, but it made leveling the lodestone needle a little more difficult than I had anticipated."

Cake forgotten, Wei Wuxian eagerly received the box, immediately opening it.

The compass inside was a work of art, beautiful reddish bronze embellished with elegant knots and swirls. Beneath a protective lid a delicate needle was moving even now, vibrating and vacillating a miniscule amount. The compass was leagues more professional-looking than he could have ever achieved by himself.

Wei Wuxian raised it up to his eyes, staring at the almost imperceptible movement of the needle. "It's moving."

"As I said. The needle is reacting to something," Mu Lijuan agreed. "I took the compass through the market and to the lake just yesterday and it was a similar picture then. My guess is that there must be small amounts of resentful energy present everywhere in human settlements. From what I've read on the topic that seems possible."

"Hmn! Fascinating. Fascinating," Wei Wuxian mumbled, turning the compass this way and that to check how delicate the mechanism was—if it couldn't withstand being shaken around it would be hard to use on nighthunts—but his friend's craftsmanship didn't disappoint, and the needle stayed entirely unaffected by the attempt.

Mu Lijuan was watching him with a smile, her dark eyes narrowed. "Is Wei-gongzi satisfied?"

"Definitely! This is amazing. I'll have to check how it performs with actual ghosts and stuff though."

"There was a momentary spike in movement the night magistrate Yang traipsed down his staircase," Mu Lijuan said, turning to her desk and picking up a large, decorated piece of folded paper that would clearly become part of a paper fan. "Luo-guniang went over to his estate when I expressed worry. It was fortunate that she could immediately react and subdue the discontented magistrate Yang with talismans and that sword of hers."

"Magistrate Yang had turned resentful? Are you sure his death was investigated properly?" Wei Wuxian asked with a frown.

"Oh yes. According to Luo-guniang, violent, premature deaths can create violent ghosts. Is that not so?"

"Well. I suppose." Wei Wuxian shrugged. If Luo Qingyang had already taken care of things, all was probably well. "By the way, how have things been with her here?"

"On the whole, I have nothing to lament. Luo-guniang is good company, polite and unobtrusive." Mu Lijuan smiled ruefully. "Ever since she caught me with Chifeng-zun's cultivation manuals, she has been very keen to helpfully advise me, thus marking her charitable to boot. Almost as though I might kick her out to the streets if she doesn't prove herself useful. She is a most pleasant guest, I might say."

"Oh. That's nice though, isn't it? Sounds like you're getting along," Wei Wuxian replied distractedly, attention once again caught by the faint movements of the compass needle.

"Hm, yes," his friend agreed, propping up her cheek on her hand. "Nice, indeed. I have had my heart crushed in all avenues but that of hostess and student so far, though."

Wei Wuxian sent her a quizzical glance, finding her close to pouting. "What's your heart got to do with anything?"

Mu Lijuan's smile returned with a wicked edge. "Really, Xian-ge, you have to ask? You sent me a pretty, troubled girl in need of refuge from the rigidity of your sect, and I am meant to resist the temptation? How could I not at least try my chances at seduction?"

Before Wei Wuxian could parse through those words, Mu Lijuan was already losing her playful expression to a pout again. "So far matters have really been entirely hopeless though. I'm afraid to report that Luo-guniang is quite unaware in the face of flirtation. Truthfully, she is almost as tragically hopeless as you were when we first met, Xian-ge."

"Flirtation? You're... flirting with her?" Wei Wuxian asked, wide-eyed.

His friend's perceptive gaze sharpened. "Should I not? As far as I know Luo-guniang is not yet spoken for, is she?"

Wei Wuxian could do nothing but blink at her in astonishment.

Mu Lijuan raised an eyebrow, gradual understanding dawning on her face. "Oh? Xian-ge, don't tell me. You are yourself one half of a union comprised of two men—I would hope you have considered before that the opposite must also be possible on that account alone?"

Wei Wuxian closed his mouth. He put a hand to his chin. "Hm. Well, if you put it like that, it's hard not to see your point," he mused, nodding to himself.

Mu Lijuan's expression bordered on pity. "The education of a young master leaves one quite sheltered, doesn't it? Poor thing. Have more cake, Xian-ge, if you think too hard and hurt your pretty head Lan-er-gongzi will be cross." With that she turned back to her paper, picking up some needlework.

Observing her turned back as he ate more cake, Wei Wuxian wondered how he hadn't realized before that his friend had such preferences. His eyes wandered about the room, lingering on the scrolls depicting dancing women that had made the move from Mu Lijuan's old workshop into the new one, then to the large artwork Nie Huaisang had created for her.

Wei Wuxian had never paid any special consideration to the fact that its motive was an artfully posed songstress in a beautiful dress, erhu resting in graceful hands, a coquettish smile lifting painted lips. Her left collar was suggestively slipping off a bare shoulder, showing quite a bit of cleavage.

Now that Wei Wuxian was looking for them, he supposed the signs were there.

He tried to remember seeing Mu Lijuan interact with other women, curious if there had ever been any indication of her being more than just friendly that he had overlooked. Nothing of consequence came to mind though—the only other female person he ever really saw his friend speak to was A-Mei.

Well, apart from that one time his shijie had come to visit for his wedding preparations and Mu Lijuan had convinced her to play dress-up in her private chambers...

Wei Wuxian's half-eaten cake dropped out of his hand and plopped back onto the plate.

"You—back then!" He jumped to his feet. "Back then! You touched her hair all meaningfully, made her wear your clothes! You—" a scandalized gasp left him, "—painted her lips ! You were totally coming on to my shijie!"

"Again, have you really only realized that now?" his friend retorted.

Wei Wuxian sputtered.

"It's not like I did anything Jiang-guniang hadn't priorly agreed to. Once I realized her heart was set on that Jin boy I backed off, did I not?" Mu Lijuan deftly poured herself some juice from a colorful pitcher standing near pretty cuts of pink sponge cake. "Now sit back down. Someone as tall as you should not be allowed to stand when others are sitting. Have some decency, hm? You are looming like a tree."

Wei Wuxian wanted to continue arguing but found that he had no idea what to say.

He sat back down.

Looking at Mu Lijuan gracefully sipping her beverage, he felt as though he was suddenly seeing her through fresh eyes. Perhaps he should warn his shijie not to let down her guard? Though he supposed he trusted his friend enough to believe she would respect a rejection.

Then, struck by an alarming thought he asked, "Damn, wait, does Huaisang know?"

"Does he know what?" Mu Lijuan echoed, letting picky fingers trail over the sponge cake pieces. "That I might invite women into our home, dress them up in my clothes and paint their lips when we are married?"

"Well. Yeah," Wei Wuxian agreed.

Mu Lijuan settled for a piece of cake that was decorated with spun sugar. "A-Sang has sworn not to interfere with my private affairs on the condition that I will not implicate him or his sect, whereas I have sworn never to demand to try for an heir in the carnal sense, not even should I find myself threatened by the pressure of failing to produce one. I had to swear an oath. I should hope he knows."

"You had to—what? An oath ?"

Mu Lijuan just made a vague sound of agreement, already busily chewing behind a raised sleeve.

Wei Wuxian frowned to himself, completely bewildered.

Why did Nie Huaisang collect springbooks if he was so against the idea of bedding his future wife? Surely, going as far as making her swear an oath to prevent the possibility was a little extreme?!

Then again, this was probably more than Nie Huaisang had ever wanted him to wonder about. And certainly, more than Wei Wuxian himself had ever wanted to wonder about Nie Huaisang.

He had sometimes asked himself how his friends could seem so satisfied with a betrothal that was a pure business arrangement. Meeting Lan Wangji had solidified Wei Wuxian's ideas of true love from vague fancies into solid assurance and he certainly couldn't imagine why anyone would settle for anything less anymore.

But neither Nie Huaisang nor Mu Lijuan had ever shown any indication of regretting their choice.

Shrugging in his head, Wei Wuxian decided that all of this was not his business at the end of things, so it didn't matter if he didn't really get it.