Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lan Xichen proofreads his proposal one final time. It was his first official proposal. One which would be read and presented by his uncle in front of all the sect leaders and important officials of the cultivation world during the discussion conference later that day. Not only had he tossed out dozens of ideas before settling on the final one but he’d also written and rewritten the document multiple times, his house littered with previous iterations of the paper that currently laid before him.

It was perfect.

Now all he had to do was get ready to join his uncle. Seeing how monumental of a day it was, Lan Xichen changed into his nicest robes which were not only the whitest ones he possessed, but they also had a thin almost invisible silver strings embroidered into it creating a pretty sparkle when it was hit by the sunlight.

He’d many times received compliments on his looks when wearing these robes. Because despite others not knowing quite what was different about him from usual, many would comment that his looks were greatly improved and that he was downright shining.

Vanity might be against Gusu’s rules, but dressing up for important occasions was not. Allowing Zewu-jun to look his best on days such as this. Wanting to calm his nerves by double checking that everything was in order Lan Xichen walked over to get a final glance in his bedroom mirror, as it was the only mirror he owned, before he was ready to leave.

Walking back into his office he found his uncle had already arrived. Unaware that Lan Xichen had returned he stood by the desk, his fingers gently grazing the proposal as though he was afraid it would turn into dust at the slightest touch.

“Greetings uncle, I’m ready to leave now.” Lan Xichen spoke to announce his arrival.

Turning around slowly Lan Qiren looked at him as though it was a completely new man standing before him. This wasn’t his little nephew anymore, Lan Huan was all grown up and was even writing his own proposals now.  “Mn, you sure are ready.” Lan Qiren spoke as he blinked away the wetness that had began to form in the corner of his eyes

Lan Xichen chuckled. “Why are you getting so emotional for? It’s just a minor adjustment to a basic transportation system, and not even a very inventive one at that.”

“I know, but it’s my Huan’s idea.” Lan Qiren responded, wiping away a tear before it had the chance to fall.

Shaking his head at his uncle’s sudden emotional state Lan Xichen took a couple steps forward and took his uncle’s hands in his own, lightly squeezing them in support. “If you get like this for something so insignificant what are we going to do when I become sect leader and make genuine changes to the cultivation world? Are you going to sit around crying all the time? Do I need to invent you some super-absorbent handkerchiefs next, or should we start documenting you as the third waterfall of Gusu?” he teased.

Lan Qiren sent him a warning look not to take it any further. “How can you call today insignificant? This is such a big day and as your uncle I’m very proud of you”

“I know. Thank you uncle, without you I would’ve never gotten this far.” Lan Huan spoke, turning the old man’s cheeks a light shade of pink.

“No need to flatter this old man. You were always a bright kid. I am certain you would’ve gone far even without my guidance.” Lan Qiren spoke, swatting at the air to get rid of his nephew’s compliments and responsibility for the younger Lan’s accomplishments. Lan Qiren tried to hide his bashfulness by grabbing his nephew’s proposal and turning towards the door. “It’s time to go, let’s not be late on such an important day.” He huffed, despite there still being plenty of time to spare.

“Alright master Qiren, please lead the way.” Lan Xichen spoke, as he fell in line after his uncle like he’d done many times before, only this time was different. His stomach filled with anticipation and worry. Because even if he knew that what he’d written was a perfectly good and presented well, it could still be shot down and ridiculed for no other reason than because someone was having a bad day or as retribution for Lan Qiren having turned down a previous proposal of theirs.

The only thing left to do was for Lan Xichen to cross his fingers and follow the older Lan to the conference room where everyone would soon gather. As uncle Qiren went off to speak with some of their sect elders Lan Xichen quickly spotted the straight-backed Lan standing all on his own at the edge of the crowd.

“Greetings Xiongzhang” Lan Wangji spoke, sparing him a short yet respectful glance before his eyes once more focused on a point of interest off in the distance. Following Lan Wangji’s gaze Lan Huan unsurprisingly found none other than young master Wei who looked to be in the middle of getting scolded by his younger brother.

“Are you trying to call him over by staring at him long enough to burn a hole in his back?” Lan Xichen asked, having exchanged his usually polite smile with a lightly smug grin reserved only for his brother in times like these. Times when it was so painfully obvious that he wanted something, yet he did absolutely nothing to get it. If Lan Wangji really wanted to talk to young master Wei before the conference all he had to do was walk over there. With how talkative the other young man was Lan Wangji would probably not even need to start the conversation himself, just being in close proximity to the Wei would be enough.

“I don’t want to talk to him, and It’s not been that long. He only just arrived” Wangji responded, not even bothering to pretend that he wasn’t staring. There was no point in denying what his elder brother already knew.

But the Wei arriving late would explain why he was getting his ear chewed off by his annoyed brother. Young master Jiang wasn’t usually one to show his annoyance during important meetings. It wasn’t good for gaining the approval of those more powerful than him, but today he had apparently made an exception prior to the discussion conference’s start to ensure his brother stayed in line for once.

“You’re nervous. Don’t be.” Lan Wangji said in a monotone voice, after noticing the older Lan fiddling with Liebing by running his finger’s over her hills and valleys. Even without his eyes leaving his target he could still read his brother as well as his brother could read him. And beyond just reading Lan Wangji’s body language Lan Huan could thankfully decipher his speech as well. What, to an outsider, would’ve sounded like a cold dismissal of the older Lan’s feelings was meant to reassure him, to tell him that Lan Zhan had no doubts that he would do just fine during the conference and that there was no need to worry.

“Thank you Wangji, I’ll try not to” Lan Xichen responded before hearing his younger brother let out a sudden gasp under his breath.

Looking up Lan Xichen found two purple clad cultivators on their way over, one dragging the other along by the wrist and using his other hand to wave at them. Brimming with joy he wore a large bright smile as he hurriedly walked in their direction.

“Seems like he didn’t need to be stared at for as long as you thought… or perhaps he wanted to stare at you as well?” Lan Xichen teased, causing Lan Zhan to clench and unclench his fist in an emotion that was somewhere in-between agitation and panic.

“Greetings Lan Zhan! Zewu-jun.” Wei Wuxian spoke, being the only one alive who would dare to make their greeting to the Lan clan’s sect heir their second thought. But seeing as young master Wei’s first thought was reserved for Lan Wangji, the Lan’s older brother was more than happy to let it slide.

“Greetings to you too young master Jiang and young master Wei” Zewu-jun replied seeing as his brother was not going to greet the pair verbally. Lan Wangji, who had previously been unable to not look at the Wei, was now unable to not not look at the Wei. His gaze still firmly stuck in the distance where the two cultivators had previously stood.

But to Lan Zhan’s relief, or perhaps disappointment, Wei Wuxian hadn’t walked over to talk to him, but rather turned to the older Lan. “I heard from Huaisang that you will have a proposal presented at today’s conference Zewu-jun. That’s really cool, do you think I could have a copy of it?”

Lan Xichen hadn’t even thought of making copies of it seeing as it wasn’t a very difficult concept to grasp, nor was it particularly interesting, but here young master Wei was showing an interest in his proposition.

“I don’t have any available at the moment, but if young master Wei is truly interested I’ll have one written up for you by tomorrow” Lan Xichen offered, steeling himself for being rejected. Young master Wei wasn’t the kind of person who would usually take interest in sect matters and so Lan Xichen would hold no false belief of their interaction being anything but feigned interest.

“Oh, in that case could you write one for my brother too?” Wei Ying asked excitedly, still interested in receiving a copy. ”Jiang Cheng, you want Zewu-jun’s proposal too don’t you?” He spoke with a smirk as he bumped shoulders with his brother who looked equally as upset and unhappy with the current interaction as Lan Wangji did.

Instinctively being against anything that came out of his brother’s mouth young master Jiang let out a loud “No!... I mean, if Zewu-jun would write me a copy too it would be a great honor, but if it’s a bother it really isn’t necessary… for either of us” He added in a much more mellow tone as he glared at Wei Wuxian for bothering their senior.

From his constant change in tone, it was clear that the Jiang was working very hard to try and keep his emotions in check. Anger and annoyance aimed at his brother was mixed with the shame of not being able to hide said emotions in the presence of a well-respected cultivator. It was cute how hard he was trying. And the accompanying rosy cheeks gave him a very alluring look. If there had been any bachelorettes around he’d surely be engaged by the end of the day.

But thankfully young master Jiang was unable to see just how seductive his struggles were or else it would become a big problem. Not only would it be highly useful for picking up a mate, but also a weapon to use during future discussion conferences.

If sect heir Jiang could, with just a bashful face, convince everyone to agree with his proposals that would be highly dangerous. So before the Jiang learnt how to manage the talent he possessed Lan Huan would need to come up with a counter for the sake of protecting his sect. Whether he needed to practice self-control or participate in some other emotional-strength training he would need to stay strong for his people.

“A-Xian, A-Cheng!” a female voice called out.

“Sounds like it’s time to go” Young master Wei spoke in an uncharacteristically excited tone. As if the next couple of hours wouldn’t be filled with a lot of sitting still and listening to their elders speaking, two of the things he despised most.

Lan Wangji could also feel something going on. His hand clenching in preparation for what was to come. With Wei Wuxian behaving better than normal he believed this was the calm before the storm. Certain that the Wei would try something.

“Wangji-di. Young master Wei has been blessed with the ability of being able to be entertained by any little thing, there’s no telling what has gotten him happy. Let’s not make any rash judgements.” Lan Xichen reminded his brother, who had already made plenty of judgements in regards to the Wei’s current mood.

But before the younger Jade twin could reply their uncle had returned to lead them inside the conference hall.

Chapter Text

The discussion conference was nothing out of the ordinary. Proposals were presented, followed by some bickering which eventually led to a conclusion on whether it should be dismissed, accepted, or perhaps reworked. During which Lan Xichen and his younger brother did what they always did, silently listening in without participating as doing so was their uncle’s job.

But this time was slightly different. Other than just dead-pan staring off into nothingness as he somewhat listened in to what decisions were made Lan Wangji was clenching and unclenching his fist around Bichen’s hilt as he grew more and more agitated because of one young master Wei. A young man who was exchanging looks with Nie Huaisang. Looks that even someone like Lan Xichen, who still wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, couldn’t claim were completely innocent.

Each time the two cultivators’ eyes met their gaze remained on each other for a second longer than it needed to. Speaking of hidden meanings only the two of them could understand, which were then followed by both of them choking down laughter which their respective brother did not approve of. Neither young master Jiang, nor Nie Mingjue were particularly amused and sent their brothers dark glares each time they began to giggle. This was not the time to play around.

But Lan Xichen didn’t have much time to ponder over the young cultivators’ mischief as it was finally time. His uncle proudly announced to the room that today he would present a proposal made entirely by his eldest nephew. His first one. Lan Xichen straightened his already straight back as all attention honed in on him.

Even those that weren’t going to be interested in the proposal itself were curious simply by the fact that it was written by sect heir Lan, the future sect leader Lan. How the proposition was put forward was just as important and interesting as the information itself as it gave an indication as to how stable the Lan sect would be in the future.

Lan Xichen looked around, smiling and nodding at people as he accidentally met their gazes. All ears were perked and ready to hear what he had written. And despite this Lan Xichen remained mostly calm, he wasn’t unaccustomed to this kind of attention after having grown up as the sect heir of a major sect.

But when his uncle starts reading the proposal his heart skipped a beat in fear. The words his uncle spoke were not those he’d read earlier that morning. It wasn’t the final version, but a previous draft. Had they gotten the wrong one on accident!? Well it was too late to do anything about it now. Lan Xichen simply had to plaster a polite smile on his face and hope the previous version was sufficiently good.

Hands sweating, he now searched the crowd for false smiles and disproving looks, and though he found a few, most people were still positive despite the occasional poor wording of certain lines.

His proposal was centered around the transportation system of less wealthy cultivators, those who couldn’t afford a flying sword of their own. Similarly to how one could rent a horse and carriage, those with a golden core could also choose to rent a sword from one location to another. But unlike with carriage-services where there was a coachman driving the carriage who would return the carriage back to its original location flying on a sword was a one-way trip after which the sword would be left at the cultivator’s destination.

Unsurprisingly there were locations, like Lanling and Yunmeng, that were more commonly the end-goals of such trips leading to an excess of swords ending up at those locations.

Lan Xichen’s suggestion was to allow discounts for people traveling to less well-traveled areas who were willing to take an additional one or two swords with them, as it would allow the swords to be moved back at a cheaper rate than they were currently as they hired bi-monthly carriages to take the swords back to their original locations.

It was by no means a revolutionary idea, but it was something.

“…and thusly would not only lead to a decrease in maintenance costs by about twenty percent, but it would also make the service affordable to a new audience, leading to higher profits.” Lan Qiren said, ending the proposal…

Only his uncle didn’t stop talking as Lan Xichen had expected, there was more. “And as compensation for the Lan sect implementing such a system, which would greatly benefit the owners of the current transportation systems, that being the Jiangs, the Lan sect would in turn like to request young master Jiang’s hand in marriage to the eldest young master Lan.” His uncle’s voice remained clear and audible to the very end, determined to read his nephew’s proposal to the very end despite the strange content.

Only Lan Xichen had never written that part. He’d never even toyed with the idea of asking for compensation, not even a monetary one. But given that the rest of the paper had been written by him, everyone in the room naturally believed him to be the one responsible for that request as well.

All attention was once more focused on him, only this was not the kind of attention he was used to. People analyzing his every movement as they tried to determine whether or not he man in front of them was downright mad or a genius for making such a bold request during his first official debut at a discussion conference.

Was this a power play towards the Jiangs? A way to ask for higher compensation than they usually would in order to not have to give away their one and only son?

Was it a ploy to make sure no one would forget young master Lan’s first contribution?

Or perhaps… they dared not even think it. Perhaps young master Lan was a degenerate, lusting for a fellow man.

The previously somewhat silent room burst into an avalanche of sound as people asked, screamed, and wondered what this was all about.

Daring not to look anyone else in the eyes the mortified Lan turned to his uncle who stood beside him. “Uncle, I promise I didn’t write that!” he spoke, his voice drowned out in the sea of noise as even during these sorts of circumstances he was unwilling to raise his voice.

“…” And then it all went silent.

Lan Qiren had used the Lan clan’s spell to silence everyone, leaving only those he trusted not to speak unsilenced. Lan Xichen being one of them. Not that it made any difference, with everyone else having been silenced, he was not allowed to do anything but hold his tongue, waiting for his uncle to give him permission to speak. It didn’t matter how much he wanted to correct the previous statements, he knew he had to wait his turn.

He had to wait as Madam Yu attempted to burn a hole in his skull using her glare alone. She was pissed, unlike her adoptive son who was struggling to breathe as his body convulsed with laughter that failed to escape his silenced lips much like the Nie across the hall.

Lan Wangji had been right when he thought those two were up to no good. It was as clear as day that they were the ones responsible for the additional request added to Lan Xichen’s proposal.

Spotting his uncle turning towards him, Lan Xichen was ready to jump for joy as he would finally have the chance to redeem himself. But his uncle very much asked the wrong question. “Zewu-jun, is it true that you wish to marry young master Jiang?” he asked, expecting a simple no. With his nephew’s previous reaction and the still chuckling young men that was Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang what had happened was obvious to him. Especially since the last part of the proposal he was holding in his hands was, upon closer inspection, written with thicker and slightly crooked strokes.

But Lan Qiren had taught his nephew well and it was strictly against Gusu’s rules to lie. So the Lan straightened his back and replied with a clear “Yes, it’s true. I would wish to marry young master Jiang.”

Because even if he hadn’t written that part of the proposal he wouldn’t be against taking the young master Jiang as his husband. On the contrary he was anything but opposed to marrying Jiang Wanyin. There were plenty of reasons why a marriage between them would be a good idea. The first being that their union would create a strong, almost unbreakable, bond between their sects that would be much advantageous to both the Jiangs and the Lans. The second being Jiang Wanyin’s talent of seduction. What had previously been considered a threat to the safety of Lan Xichen’s people could become a great asset once the young Jiang learned to hone it. And perhaps most influential reason of them all was that it would mean he didn’t need to hide it anymore.

He would be able to proudly display his complete and utter adoration for the hardworking Jiang in front of everyone. There would be no reason to hold back or fight against the Jiang’s seductiveness anymore. Lan Huan would be free from the endless fight that he would otherwise need to endure.

He genuinely wanted to marry sect heir Jiang.

“Good” his uncle spoke with an acknowledging nod. But having been so certain of his nephew’s reply Lan Qiren continued on without registering that Zewu-jun’s actual response differed from what he’d expected. “Young master Wei, you seem rather amused, please explain to us why that is?” the older Lan inquired.

Having finally been unsilenced young master Wei let out a final giggle before turning to the two Lans who were the center of everyone’s attention. With a wide smile he happily spoke “As young master Jiang’s Shi-Xiong, I’m simply delighted to hear that Zewu-jun would like to extend me the honor of calling such a talented and handsome cultivator my brother-in-law. Welcome to the family and please treat my Shi-di well. As you can tell he’s quite a delicate soul” Wei Wuxian added, gesturing to his now unconscious brother.

Overwhelmed by the sudden admission, Jiang Wanyin’s systems had short-circuited causing him to faint. Thankfully he was sitting next to his sister who had been able to catch him before he fell onto the floor. Her arm still wrapped around his shoulders to support him even now.

But unlike Lan Xichen, Lan Qiren was not concerned with young master Jiang’s current state. Having not only heard young master Wei’s speech, but also having caught up on what his nephew had said he called for the early end of today’s discussions. The official ones which included the entire cultivation world that is. There would still be plenty of conversations to be had with the Jiang clan after what had just transpired.

Chapter Text

“May I enter?” Lan Xichen called out after knocking on the door where young master Jiang had been temporarily brought to as the Lan clan and the Jiang clan discussed things over.

As the one involved party who was still conscious Lan Xichen had explained that he hadn’t written the final, and rather ridiculous, request but that he was still interested in making a second separate proposal. He did wish to marry Jiang Wanyin, but not in exchange for a minor financial idea, something he made sure to greatly emphasize as he defended himself to an audience of a confused Lan Qiren, a still fuming Madam Yu, and two still processing sect leaders. But after telling his side Lan Huan was no longer needed for the discussions and so was free to go check up on the fainted man.

“Of course, please come in brother-in-law” Wei Wuxian cheerfully called out from the other side.

Opening the door Lan Xichen found young master Jiang, still passed out, sleeping in a bed. His sleeping face so stunning Lan Huan could stare at it forever. There was no longer a permanent frown stuck to it. If Lan Xichen had thought he looked alluring before it was nothing compared to now. The person who’d one day be allowed to marry such a man could truly count themselves lucky to get to wake up to that expression each day…

“Should we give some space for the new couple?? You two lovebirds could at least have the decency to let us leave before you begin to mind-fuck each other” Wei Ying spoke, after which he received a scolding glare.

But not from his sleeping brother. “A-Xian, behave.” The young woman with features similar to that of young master Jiang spoke before turning to greet her brother’s visitor with a smile. “It’s nice meeting you again Zewu-jun.”

He’d met young miss Jiang on a couple occasions, but never more than through minor nods from afar as they silently stood beside their older relatives as they greeted each other. “Yes, it’s nice meeting you too miss Jiang.”

“I’ve heard quite a lot about you in my brother’s correspondence.” She spoke, offering up a topic of conversation which Lan Xichen gladly picked up.

“Yes? Young master Jiang has mentioned me in his correspondence?” The thought made Lan Huan’s heart jump with joy.

But before his potential future sister-in-law could speak once more young master Wei felt the need to butt in. “Bold of you to assume it wasn’t me writing about you, Zewu-jun.” Wei Wuxian spoke with a smirk.

“Does young master Wei have any reason to mention me in his correspondence?” Lan Xichen asked, they had barely ever interacted, only really speaking when Lan Huan acted as an interpreter for his shy brother.

“Perhaps not, but neither does Jiang Cheng… right? Or have you and my brothe…” Wei Wuxian’s teasing was interrupted as his brother grunted awake.

“Wei Ying, stop being so loud you’re giving me a headache!” Jiang Wanyin complained. “Also, did you slip alcohol into my tea again? I feel like I’m dying” he complained, letting out another grunt as he caressed his aching head, certain it was the result of a hangover.

“Nope, not this time. You fainted after hearing Zewu-jun’s proposal and hit your head on the table” Wei Wuxian reminded him.

Jiang Cheng snorted. “Who would faint after hearing about decreased expenses of a business that is so unprofitable it might as well be called a charity?“ he grumbled.  The transportation business had only ever been for the sake of their people, not for their pockets, and Lan Xichen’s suggestion was an attempt to help both. Even if it was just a small improvement.

“Oh, I don’t mean that proposal but the one that came after” Wei Wuxian teased, seeing as his brother seemed to need some time to recount the true reason why he’d fainted.

“Zewu-jun made a second proposal?” Jiang Wanyin wondered, sounding slightly somber that he’d missed it, before suddenly remembering. His face turning a bright Wen-red.

“BA-HAHAHA! No need to be so shy brother. You’re going to make a wonderful wife for Zewu-jun.” Wei Wuxian laughed.

“Oh fuck off, I’m sure it was just you and Huaisang messing with his proposal.” Jiang Cheng shouted, using his pillow to hit his brother with. Swinging in the direction of his brother’s voice. And for the first time since waking up the Jiang opened his eyes, finding out that he was no longer in his and young master Wei’s bedroom. Nor were they alone.

“A-Jie… Zewu-jun…” The pillow Jiang Wanyin was previously swinging around dropped down onto the bed and slid off onto the floor beside him with a light thud. “W-What are you two doing here?” he stammered, too bewildered to keep fighting with his brother.

“Yeah, why are you here?” young master Wei asked. He hadn’t really questioned Zewu-jun’s arrival before, but now that he thought about it how come he had left the discussion going on between their sects?

“I came to deliver these” Lan Xichen spoke, holding out two pieces of paper for the brothers.

Young master Wei held out his hand and curiously unfolded the piece handed to him, letting out a small chuckle as he realized what it was. “I get the original?” he asked as he stared down at Lan Xichen’s proposal, the one on which him and Nie Huaisang had added the clause of Lan Huan asking for Jiang Cheng’s hand in marriage.

“Yes, and young master Jiang gets a slightly revised version that I wrote together before coming here.” He spoke, handing the Jiang the second paper.

Unfolding it Jiang Wanyin’s eyes widened at the sight of the proposal. “Slightly revised?” he asked seeing as the only thing written on his paper was ‘Jiang Wanyin, will you marry me?’ in a soft cursive. The strokes as immaculate as the one who had written them.

“Yes, I removed the unimportant parts. Is young master Jiang unhappy with the revisions I made to my first proposal?” a small smile formed on the Lan’s lips as he watched Jiang Wanyin’s cheeks light up as he shook his head.

“Then can I expect the Jiang sect’s accepting the request?” Lan Xichen wondered, his heart skipping a beat as the Jiang started to hesitate.

“I mean… maybe…? I just don’t understand why Zewu-jun would make a proposal that’s so advantageous to me and my sect. What do you have to gain from it?” Jiang Wanyin didn’t feel comfortable accepting a proposal where the other side’s terms were obfuscated like this.

Wei Wuxian, now highly curious about the secretive revisions the two were vaguely talking about snatched the paper right out of his brother’s hand. “No need playing coy ChengCheng.” Wei Wuxian spoke before turning back to Lan Xichen “The Jiang sect will certainly accept, Zewu-jun. I will personally make sure of it.”

“Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng hissed.

“What? Have you changed your mind about Lan Xichen being your top choice of marriage-candidate?” he asked.

“I-I never said that!” Jiang Wanyin insisted towards his soon-to-be fiancé.

“No, but it was very much implied.” Wei Ying teasingly added before complimenting his future brother-in-law’s paper. “For being your first proposal, it turned out very well Zewu-jun. Good job.”