Thread by @LeJiujiu

#Xicheng

Lan Xichen accidentally stumbled on Jiang Cheng who they thought k worded when he got captured by the Wens.

When Wei Wuxian returned to rescue him Jiang Cheng wasn't there anymore and since then he had never seen his brother and there was no news of his whereabouts.

He took over the Jiang Sect the search for Jiang Cheng stopped after ten years of no news. The remaining siblings were devastated but they had to move on and finally found peace on their respective spouses.

One day Lan Xichen had a night hunt and after he successfully finished.

He got lost in the town and ended up in a small village, it was a secluded place and probably hard to find if you happened to visit the town. He was tired and wanted to rest, he wanted to find his way back tomorrow instead.

Thankfully he spotted a small inn and spent the night.

When he was heading to his room he heard the inn keeper yell at his employee, the poor man is cowering against the wall.

Lan Xichen frowned, its not his business however he couldn't ignore the scene specially when the inn keeper raised his hand, his stopped him midway.

He glanced at the poor man and when he did their gaze met and his eyes widened seeing a familiar face, although he looked older now he could not be mistaken

"Jiang Wanyin?"

The man in question only tilted his head in confusion. It seems that Jiang Wanyin doesn't recognised him.

The inn keeper was surprised and he was about to rebuke but the stare Lan Xichen gave him made his mouth shut and he left.

Lan Xichen looked at the man once again, Jiang Wanyin had his hair tied in a messy bun, his robes looked old and a little dirty. He had a few bruises too.

It was clear what's happening here and he frowned, glancing at the inn keeper who retreated into the counter.

"Thanks, you didn't have to do that sir" he said and bowed before picking up the broom that he dropped earlier.

Lan Xichen was in a state of shock that he only nodded dumbly "It's fine" he looked at the other as he left and Lan XiChen braced himself against the wall.

He was alive.. All this time, he should inform his siblings, he definitely is not in a safe place.

He went up to his room and set his sword and xiao down the table. Isn't this risky? If he leaves Jiang Wanyin here he wouldn't be safe, but how can he convince him to go back with him?

He needs to investigate first, had to make sure it was Jiang Wanyin and convince him.

The next morning Lan Xichen is supposed to leave however he decided to stay and just before heading out of his room he heard a knock and opened it to see Jiang Wanyin standing with a tray carring a pot of tea and a cup.

"Morning tea, freshly brewed" he offered.

"Thank you, please come in"

The man hesitated a bit before he slowly walked inside and placed the tray in the table. "If there is anything you need you can head down stairs."

"What's your name?"

"... I.. Well, I don't have a name"

"What do you mean?" Lan Xichen was confused.

Jiang Wanyin left after that, the other looked uncomfortable around him and he decided not to push the other within his presence, he later found out from the other workers that the innkeeper found Jiang Wanyin, barely alive and took him in to work for him.

His suspicious is right, he didn't remember anything and they took advantage of this to make Jiang Wanyin work because he owed his life to him, they didn't even name him.

He experienced a strange feeling of anger, for the first time now he is more determined to take him away.

After having his breakfast Lan Xichen searched the place and found Jiang Wanyin behind the establishment fetching a water from the well. He slowly approached him and observed the other man.

"Good day"

"Fuck!" Jiang Wanyin flinched and looked back, almost glaring but

immediately lowered his head when he realized who it was.

"I didn't mean to startle you" Lan Xichen said and approached him "My name is Lan Xichen"

"Hi.." Jiang Wanyin awkwardly replied and returned back to his task.

"Let me help you with that" Lan Xichen moved.

"No! No, I can handle it" he said and it made Lan Xichen pause as he looked at him filling the bucket with water. It seems that it won't be easy to gain his trust, he understands it though, he would have to extend his stay in here then.

Everytime he runs into Jiang Wanyin he tried to approach him, engaging in a small conversation.Asking something random and by the time the other got a little comfortable with him it had been three days already

"I actually lost my way here and I don't know where to find the town"

"Oh" Jiang Wanyin paused, he was sweeping the dried leaves on the side of the establishment when Lan Xichen found him. "I know the way, I can help you find it but I'm not allowed to go there so I can only give instructions"

"Why aren't you allowed to go there?"

"Mr. Zhu will get mad at me" he murmured and glanced at the inn.

Lan Xichen followed his gaze and he clenched his fist, that inn keeper huh. ".. You haven't told me your name yet" of course Lan Xichen knew why but he couldn't possibly just call him that out of nowhere.

"I.. Uh, I got in an accident and Mr. Zhu saved my life and took me in, I couldn't remember anything.. Not even my name... Sorry I couldn't give you anything" he murmured.

"Wanyin"

"Huh?"

"Can I call you Wanyin? It fits you well, I don't want to keep calling you 'hey'"

"..." Jiang Wanyin stared at him for a while and suddenly beamed at him nodding "I like that name, no one really bothered giving me one".

Lan Xichen smiled at him, it was the first time he saw him so happy ever since he arrived here it reminded him of the past

When Jiang Wanyin is still studying in Cloud Recesses, such a youthful face and charm. Even though he was older now he still had the same beautiful smile, he didn't know why he suddenly got reminded of that day when he first saw him years ago.

Now while looking at Jiang Wanyin, Lan Xichen is contemplating, if he should already tell him that he knew about his past or should he give him enough time.

Should he...

Lan Xichen decided not to say anything as of the moment, he didn't want to surprise the other and possibly lose his trust he would have to work on it slowly.

"Well you deserve a name, a beautiful name at that" he replied.

"Are you always this kind to people?

just looking at you.... You seemed very well off and a cultivator at that, I just find it odd that you would talk to someone like me" Jiang Wanyin said, he looked curious.

"Ah, well yes I am but I do love spending time with you" he smiled.

Jiang Wanyin was about to say something but he turned away when he heard someone calling for him. It was the inn keeper, he immediately took off and ran towards him. Lan Xichen watched in silence and glared while Jiang Wanyin was being scolded and if he was not around

who knows what this bastard would do to him, He would need to have a close eye on that person.

The next morning Jiang Wanyin taught him the direction towards the town when they are nearing it he suddenly halted.

"I can't go with you now, I'll wait here" he murmured.

Lan Xichen looked at the direction of the town and then back to Jiang Wanyin.

He thought for a moment deciding if he should.

Lan Xichen reached out and held his wrist, coaxing him to come with him however he noticed something else at their close contact that made the older male gasp lightly.

He couldn't sense any spiritual energy.. Did he...

"What?" Jiang Wanyin asked.

"Come with me, just for a while" Lan Xichen tugged his hand and Jiang Wanyin wanted to protest but in the end he followed Lan Xichen.

Now another worry became present, it seems that Jiang Wanyin lost his golden core. Basing on what Wei Wuxian said he returned to retrieve

his parents body, if by any chance Wen Zhuili were able to destroy his golden core?

Unbelievable.. Just how much did he endure all these years, and until today he is still suffering.

"Where can I find store that sells good fabrics and robes?"

"Yes, I think I know if I recall, its been a long time since I left the village.." Jiang Wanyin said before looking at him. "Also.. Do you plan on holding my hand like this?"

"Oh! Sorry" Lan Xichen let go of his hand and chuckled "Well, let's find it together"

They explored the market place together and when they found a shop Lan Xichen looked at the fabrics and robes that was suggested by the seller.

He glanced at Jiang Wanyin who stood behind him awkwardly. "I want something purple for my friend here"

"For me? No, no please don't bother yourself! I can't possibly afford any items here" he murmured.

"Wanyin it's fine, it's my gift so you don't have to worry okay?" Lan Xichen gave him a small pat on the back.

At the end Jiang Wanyin finally agreed after a long coaxing and he went out of the shop wearing the new robes. "This is expensive.."

"Not really, I could have brought the one with much finer fabric"

"No! No this is fine! Its okay.. Thank you" Jiang Wanyin smiled.

Lan Xichen doesn't usually curse even mentally but damn.. Looking at his companion right now, Jiang Wanyin seemed very happy and something inside him stirred once again, the urge to protect and keep Wanyin safe.

He is staying in the inn for a week now.

He can't be absent from his duties for this long. He glanced at Jiang Wanyin that was eating some meat buns as they made their way back to the inn.

He should come up with a decision soon. He suddenly stopped walking and Jiang Wanyin stared at him.

"I forgot I have something to do first.. You can go ahead"

"Okay, don't get lost" Jiang Wanyin waved at him as he made his way back.

Lan Xichen needs to send a letter to inform them he would be back soon, they must have been worried if they didn't hear anything from him.

After sending his letter he returned to the inn and looked for Jiang Wanyin however he didn't see him around. He started asking around and found out that he was in the storage room outside.

He immediately went there and just found out that its where he was actually sleeping.

Knocking on the door it slowly opened and Lan XiChen could barely see the other on the small partition.

"Wanyin, did you already eat? Sorry it took me long I had too look around where to send my letter"

"I already ate, you should rest" he responded.

There was a slight trembling on his voice and didn't went unnoticed by Lan Xichen and before Jiang Wanyin could close the door he placed his hand in between, he didn't eveb struggle to put all his strength into stopping it even though Jiang Wanyin forced to shut it.

Lan Xichen opened the door and grabbed Jiang Wanyin’s wrist pulling him out his eyes widened when he saw his face and hand.

Fresh bruises.

"What happened?" Lan Xichen inquired.

"I stumbled on the stair and fell, I was being clumsy" he murmured and pulled his hand away.

"Did he hurt you?" Lan Xichen's voice slightly trembled, his fist curled and he glanced at the direction of the inn before he started marching towards it, he never felt such strong feeling of anger towards someone for a long time now and he wanted to teach him a lesson.

Jiang Wanyin ran after him but Lan Xichen is quicker and he arrived at the inn without returning the greetings from the inn keeper as he grabbed his neck and slammed him towards the wall.

"How dare you" he hissed.

The few people gasped as they watched the commotion.

"Xichen! Stop!" Jiang Wanyin clung on his arm trying to pry him away. The light from the inn made the bruises even more visible and Lan XiChen just snapped as he tightened his grip. "Dont do it! Please don't dirty your hands"

---

Lan Xichen glanced at his pleading eyes and he immediately let go of the man and grabbed Jiang Wanyin’s wrist. "I can't let you stay here, we are leaving!"

"But this is my home!"

"No its not! Its..." Lan Xichen trailed off "Wanyin can't you see that you aren't safe here?"

"... I have nowhere to go" Jiang Wanyin murmured and Lan XiChen led him outside.

"You have..." he frowned for a while now that he suddenly dragged him out he isn't sure what's the best next step should he take him to..

"If you come with me.. I will take you to somewhere safe."

Jiang Wanyin hesitated at first and Lan Xichen feared that he would decline however the other gave a small nod and that's all the confirmation he needed before leading Jiang Wanyin towards the town.

Once they arrived at the town he treated the bruises on Jiang Wanyin’s skin first and he was silently gritting his teeth as he tried to calm himself.

It's fine now, no one is going to hurt Jiang Wanyin anymore, He will be there to look after him.

Lan Xichen didn't know what came into him for suddenly taking Jiang Wanyin with him, sure it's because he didn't want any harm to happen to him however there is something else... A stronger feeling that he couldn't name for now.

"I will be taking you back to Gusu"

"Gusu?"

"Yes, that's where I live" Lan Xichen assured him and reached out to pat his head.

"... You are doing so much for me, I'm wondering why" Jiang Wanyin stared at him. "Your presence.. Is somewhat familiar, do you perhaps knew me?"

"Well.."

"No, its okay, don't tell me"

Lan Xichen raised a brow at this.

"For some reason.. I'm a little frightened about my past" he placed his hand on his chest "I have hideous scars.. I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle knowing what happened to me, something tells me as well it's better to be left forgotten"

"Wanyin.." Lan Xichen tried to offer comfort reaching out to pat his shoulders "If that's what you wish"

Lan Xichen took him back to Cloud Recesses adjusting the straw hat and white veil around it to conceal the identity of his guest.

They didn't question Lan Xichen when he arrived with a guest however he knew that running in with his Uncle or Wangji he would have to explain this to them.

He immediately took Jiang Wanyin to the Hanshi, Sooner or later they will find out his identity.

Thankfully Lan Qiren is too busy to seek his presence, he did visit him when he arrived and It seems enough to ease his worries.

Lan Wangji is in Yunmeng with his husband of course, so that left Lan Xichen with Jiang Wanyin.

The first few days are peaceful while Lan Xichen worked on his missives Jiang Wanyin is busy cleaning his place. He insisted not to do it but the younger male is not having it.

The bruises is also starting to fade, after the continuous application of medicine.

"Wanyin, come here" he called one day and asked the other to help him with his work.

Jiang Wanyin was happy to assist him and day by day they gotten closer and Lan Xichen is starting to realize the budding feelings he had for the other.

"Do you like it here?"

"I like it" Jiang Wanyin said.

"Be honest Wanyin" Lan Xichen asked again.

"Well the food is a little bland but everything is better than what I had before, and you are here too which makes it better" Jiang Wanyin said and it made Lan Xichen smile.

Admittedly Lan Xichen started to realize that he was slowly falling for Jiang Wanyin, ever since he first saw him there was a certain feeling that lingered within him which he ignored, unaware of what it was until it was too late.

He was sad when he heard about the disappearance of the Sect heir, he had been unfocused for next months while they searched for him until one by one people started giving up, moved on and had forgotten about it.

He hates himself for being one of those people.

Jiang Wanyin’s siblings the last people who gave up on searching finally moved forward too building their own families.

"Wanyin, do you want to stay here? With me?" Lan Xichen asked one night and Jiang Wanyin eagerly nodded.

"Wherever is fine as long as you are there"

That gave Lan Xichen an assurance, that night they shared their first kiss.

Of course things doesn't go well as always when Jiang Wanyin left Hanshi and accidentally ran into Jin Ling.

Lan Xichen didn't know if he would be happy or mortified seeing them together.

Of course he was happy that one of his relative is having a good time with him but the fear of being discovered is also hovering in the air, its only a matter of time right?

"Jin Ling!"

Lan Xichen froze hearing that voice in the distance he could see Wei Wuxian approaching.

Lan Xichen stared at Jiang Wanyin as he slowly stood up from the ground, Jin Ling is waving back at Wei Wuxian.

Unable to say anything Lan Xichen decided to

Lan Xichen's pace increased and Jiang Wanyin smiled at him waving his hand while Jin Ling stood beside him.

"A-Ling! What are you doing out here? Your Father is looking for you" Wei Wuxian called out and Jiang Wanyin turned to face him.

Wei Wuxian's froze and his eyes widened as he slowly walked towards the other "Jiang Cheng is that... really you?"

Jiang Wanyin stared at him and for some reason took a few steps back away from Wei Wuxian.

"It's really you!" Wei Wuxian went and hugged Jiang Wanyin who looked so lost and confused. "I didn't.. Oh.. Im just, Shijie will be so happy to see you!" he was still fussing around his hold tightened and Jiang Wanyin felt uncomfortable that he pushed him away.

Shocked, Wei Wuxian stared at him as he made his way towards Lan Xichen's side.

"Wanyin are you alright?" he asked.

Jiang Wanyin nodded, but his fist tightened around Lan Xichen's robe as he peered towards Wei Wuxian.

"What's going on? Why is Jiang Cheng clinging to you?"

"Huan- ge... Who is he?" Jiang Wanyin asked and Wei Wuxian looked surprised and he immediately narrowed his gaze towards Lan Xichen.

"It's me Wei Wuxian! Your brother! This is Jin Ling! He is your nephew!" He pointed at Jin Ling who also looks lost and confused.

He was not expecting that the older male he was teaching how to use a bow is actually his uncle.. The missing uncle that his Mother always mentioned.

Wei Wuxian walked towards their direction and confronted....

He confronted Lan Xichen.

"You knew he is alive all these time?! You! How..." Wei Wuxian gritted his teeth, for years he and Jiang Yanli had been in grief thinking Jiang Cheng is gone.

"Why didn't you say anything!?" He grabbed Lan Xichen by his shoulder.

Lan Xichen didn't move, he had no excuse, he had been hiding Jiang Wanyin for too long he understood where Wei Wuxian is coming from but what he didn't expect is when Jiang Wanyin pried Wei Wuxian's hands off him.

"Dont hurt him!" he stood in between the two.

Surprised Wei Wuxian froze seeing the glare Jiang Wanyin directed at him.

"I don't know who you are but I won't let you hurt Huan-Ge! I was the one who asked him to keep me here" Jiang Wanyin said, he didn't move and eagerly stood in front of Lan Xichen to protect him.

"Jiang Cheng.. I'm your brother Wei Wuxian and this is Jin Ling your nephew, I.. Let's go home?" Wei Wuxian offered and for a moment Jiang Wanyin looked suspicious and uncertain.

He started to relax when he felt Lan Xichen's hand holding his own.

"Perhaps he needed time to decide" Lan Xichen said and Wei Wuxian fixed him an angry glare.

"Why? It's only natural that he comes back with us!" Wei Wuxian said and finally Jin Ling stepped in, observing Jiang Cheng for a while.

"Lets... give him time, he is probably confused"

"A-Ling?" Wei Wuxian blinked.

"I know you and Mother missed him but, you should consider his state as well, you are basically a stranger for him that he couldn't trust. Don't force him.. Tch let's go" He tugged at Wei Wuxian's robes.

"Wait! A-Ling! Hold on!"

Lan Xichen watched the pair as they left and he felt Jiang Cheng relaxed.

"Why didn't you join them?"

Jiang Cheng looked at him and frowned "I don't know, I don't know them.. I want to stay with you" he murmured.

"Of course you can, I'll be beside you"

The following days it was Jiang Yanli who arrived she immediately travelled after hearing the news and Lan Xichen observed the exchange, she hugged him tightly telling him how much she missed him.

Lan Xichen wanted to give them privacy however Jiang Wanyin held his hand.

So Lan Xichen decided to stay within the duration of their conversation. Jiang Wanyin listened to her attentively but keeping a small distance between them.

Wei Wuxian arrived later that afternoon and the siblings talked catching up with eachother.

Lan Xichen didn't know what to feel, he shouldn't be here but Jiang Wanyin continued to hold his hand under the table, sometimes he would grip his hand when he is tensed. There was something strange in the way Jiang Wanyin look at them and Lan XiChen is a little confused by it.

However he did notice that Jiang Wanyin’s distance towards his siblibgs doesn't apply to Jin Ling. With his nephew he was more comfortable and Jin Ling is eager to teach him using the bow. Sometimes he makes some pastries to give it to him.

When Lan Qiren found out about Jiang Wanyin after he got back he didn't scold Lan Xichen instead he seemed relieved to see Jiang Wanyin and now he is freely roaming around Cloud Recesses.

"Wanyin, Do you want us to visit Lotus Pier?" Lan Xichen asked as he brushed Wanyin’s hair.

There was a small beat of silence before he replied "No" he murmured.

Lan Xichen was surprised to hear this, the usual soft tone Jiang Wanyin had was replaced by a stern tone. "Why? Don't you want to visit your home?"

Jiang Wanyin met his gaze at the mirror.

There was a flicker of cold gaze directed to him before he turned around and wrapped his arms around Lan Xichen. "You are my home, Why should I dwell with a past I cant remember when I make better memories with you?" he murmured.

"... Right. Of course, whatever you want my love"

Jiang Wanyin gave a small hum and rested his head against Lan Xichen's shoulder.

He loves this man, he loves Lan Xichen so much. "I'll stay with you" he murmured and tightened his grip around his neck and he basked into the warmth of Lan Xichen's body against him.

Jiang Wanyin stared at his reflection in the mirror and frowned.

"Huan-Ge have you ever thought about leaving Cloud Recesses?" He asked.

Lan Xichen is silent for a while and Jiang Wanyin decided not to push the question any further however his partner answered him.

"It depends, why are you asking?"

Jiang Wanyin turned to look at him "I said I'll stay with you right, and I will but do you want to.. Like you know live together? Just us? Away from here?" he asked once again. "Away from everyone"

"That's.."

"Forget I ask, don't mind that question" he added before returning back into his position and started playing with Lan Xichen's long hair, lazily braiding them.

That was a stupid question, Lan Xichen is a Sect Leader he had responsibility on his sect, who is he even to demand?

"Wanyin, are you upset?"

"I'm not, it was a stupid question" he said and slowly stood up from his lap "You should sleep it's getting late"

"You are clearly upset, you've been moody these past few days" Lan Xichen held his wrist "You can te--"

"I said I'm not! Stop fucking asking!" Jiang Wanyin yanked his hand away and Lan XiChen stared at him surprised at his behaviour.

This look, he had seen it before.. That fire on his eyes and posture is just like the Jiang Wanyin he previously knew.

They stared at each other for a while and Jiang Wanyin blinked before looking away "I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout" he added "I just.. I need some air" he grabbed his cloak and left the Hanshi, leaving a confused Lan Xichen.

Something is not right.