Backlash Part 1

Chapter 93: Discussion Conference Arrival

Wei Wuxian practically ran once they reached their destination. This was the first day of the conference. The opening ceremony and the archery competition would be taking place. Wei Wuxian wasn't running because of excitement for the competition. Rather he was running because he knew who he would find beforehand.

Wei Wuxian was dragging Lan Wangji by the hand. The sound of an error striking a target was the first hint Lan Wangji had that they were close to their destination. Finally winding their way to the secluded spot they found Wen Qionglin practising his archery. Wei Wuxian practically tackled Wen Qionglin.

"Didi!" Wei Wuxian shouted while beaming widely. Wei Wuxian and Wen Qionglin were only saved from tumbling to the ground thanks to Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian had apparently forgotten he was still holding onto Lan Wangji's hand. When Wei Wuxian threw himself at Wen Qionglin, Lan Wangji was able to brace himself and take some of Wei Wuxian's force.

Lan Wangji only released Wei Wuxian's hand when he was confident that Wei Wuxian was standing on the ground properly. Mostly properly since Wei Wuxian was still bouncing on the balls of his feet. Wei Wuxian had been doing that for the last few hours. He had been too excited to stay still. Lan Wangji knew most of the excitement was for getting to see Wen Qionglin and Wen Qing safe. Lan Wangji did have a suspicion that some of the excitement was for the opportunity to put space between them and certain travelling companions.

"How have you two been doing? Has everything been alright?" Wei Wuxian asked eagerly. Wen Qionglin smiled warmly at Wei Wuxian.

"Xian-ge, I-I am alright." Wen Qionglin's smile radiated warmth and excitement, although certainly not as expressively as Wei Wuxian's. He smiled more shyly towards Lan Wangji and greeted the Second Jade. "Lan-er-gongzi. It is good to see you again." Lan Wangji greeted back while Wei Wuxian snickered at their formality.

"A-Ning, shouldn't you be addressing Lan Zhan a little less formally? You're my Didi, and Lan Zhan is courting me." Wei Wuxian said excitedly. Wen Qionglin glanced at Lan Wangji, but didn't comment. The three of them found somewhere to sit so they could talk comfortably. As soon as they were seated Wei Wuxian took two *jinbu out to hand them to Wen Qionglin.

"These are for you and Jiejie," Wei Wuxian said. He cradled the jade ornaments in his hands reverently as he presented them. Wen Qionglin accepted them, looking at them closely. A sphere of white Jade carved in the image of a bird holding a branch in its mouth. A few smaller pieces of white jade ending in a white silk tassel.

"These are beautiful Xian-ge," Wen Qionglin said softly as he admired them.

"Make sure you both wear them. They will be able to offer you some protection. If you are seriously injured or your spiritual energy is dangerously low they will signal me and allow me to find you." Wei Wuxian explained. Wen Qionglin gazed at Wei Wuxian in wonder then looked back down at the precious gift. More than beautiful. It represented countless hours of labour and ingenuity all pushed towards the purpose of trying to keep Wen Qionglin and Wen Qing safe.

Wei Wuxian asked many questions about how Wen Qionglin and the rest of their family had been faring. Wen Qionglin answered them as best he could. He had to admit they had only been able to spend a few weeks in Dafan. Wen Qing was hoping they might be able to make a short visit after the discussion conference, but didn't want to be away from Qishan for too long. Wen Qing wanted to be around in case anything changed in the plans for attacking Cloud Recesses.

Lan Wangji could see Wei Wuxian visibly relax as Wen Qionglin answered question after question. Lan Wangji did not need to be told that Wei Wuxian had been worrying about them. Lan Wangji had witnessed the tears when Wei Wuxian was struggling with designing his gift. Trying to create something that offered the protection he was looking for and the ability to find the people he loved when they were in danger.

Lan Wangji would have enjoyed having something like that attached to Wei Wuxian. He resisted bringing it up, all too aware of how Wei Wuxian was running himself into the ground trying to plan and create his way into protecting as many people as possible. Lan Wangji took out food he had purchased and packed away earlier. Wei Wuxian had not eaten this morning, too anxious and excited to see that his siblings were alright.

Wei Wuxian had finished all the important things first. He presented his gifts. He asked about his family's well being. He made the request for medicine that he could be given at the end of indoctrination. Wei Wuxian slipped into more casual chatter as they started eating. Lan Wangji did not speak during the meal, but he smiled fondly at Wei Wuxian throughout. It was nice seeing Wei Wuxian feeling comfortable. There was no tension, fear, or guilt as Wei Wuxian chatted with Wen Qionglin.

"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji interrupted gently.

"Mn?" Wei Wuxian inquired with his cheeks puffed out with food.

'Cute.' Lan Wangji's brain exclaimed loudly.

"Don't talk while eating." Lan Wangji stated softly. Wei Wuxian groaned, but his eyes were glittering with amusement. They continued to quietly enjoy the meal together, the comfortable silence dotted with the sounds of wind through trees. After he finished eating, Wei Wuxian sighed with satisfaction.

"When did you buy this anyway?" Wei Wuxian asked, stretching languidly before draping himself across Lan Wangji's lap.

"Wei Ying was distracted this morning." Lan Wangji replied.

"Mn." Wei Wuxian hummed with another sigh as he relaxed. Lan Wangji gazed fondly at Wei Wuxian, observing the slow change from relaxing to sleeping.

"H-Has Wei-gongzi not been sleeping well?" Wen Qionglin inquired, somewhat nervously. Lan Wangji was not certain how to answer that. Wei Wuxian's sleep was something that came and went. Sometimes Wei Wuxian would sleep well. Sometimes he would be plagued by nightmares.

"Wei Ying's didi does not need to address him as gongzi." Lan Wangji said, trying to sound gentle. Lan Wangji knew that Wen Qionglin was still rather nervous around him. He was not certain if he wanted that to go away completely, but Lan Wangji did want it to improve. Wei Wuxian loved his didi, and Lan Wangji loved seeing Wei Wuxian happy. That meant at least allowing Wei Wuxian's family to be somewhat comfortable with his presence.

"How... How has Xian-ge been doing lately?" Wen Qionglin asked in a worried tone. Lan Wangji's lips pressed together in a troubled line.

"Lotus Pier was difficult." Lan Wangji said with a sigh. Lan Wangji found Wen Qionglin staring at him expectantly with concerned eyes. Lan Wangji bit the inside of his lip subtly. He had not expected to continue speaking from there. Lan Wangji glanced down at Wei Wuxian.

'Wei Ying is not always good at talking about what is bothering him. It might be good for his Didi to have an idea.' Lan Wangji thought to himself.

"The trip here was stressful." Lan Wangji said, choosing his words carefully. "Wei Ying is not able to sleep alone." Wen Qionglin's eyes widened in recognition. Lan Wangji took a slow breath putting his thoughts in order. Trying to decide what was important.

*Author Note: I was trying to find the term for what the dangling ornaments worn at the waist are. From what I can tell they are called jinbu, or this is at least one term used to refer to them.