Phoenix

Chapter 23*Revised*

         Jiang Yanli was extremely surprised by the entire meeting that day. Originally, she had planned for her reputation and her family's to be shredded together. In her mind, it was a small price to pay for her little brother's freedom. She knew no matter how well Wei Wuxian spoke of her, people would see it as a biased emotion. You couldn't say someone was good just because they were nicer to you than others. 

        She was extremely surprised when her new didi, Lan Wangji, was the one to place her on a pedestal while ripping Jiang and Lan apart mercilessly. It made her feel warm until her mother attacked, and they had to choose a punishment. Don't get her wrong; she honestly didn't care about her family's behavior. At the end of the day, it was still her mother, no matter how horrible she was to her brother.

       Her hope was that they would let her stay. That way, her mother wouldn't be whipped. Her parents' immediate decision made her sad. They didn't even discuss it; they just said that she would stay. She was glad to stay but felt like she had been sold off. It was one thing to know you were a disappointment to your parents. It was another to have it forcefully shoved in your face that you were worthless to them.

        Wen Li, seeing Jiang Yanli's state, pulled her over to sit between her and Wei Wuxian. Both gave her loving smiles and held her hands in support. She was surprised to see actual emotion on Lan Wangji's face. He sneered at her family like they were less than dirt. To him, she guesses they are less than the dirt below his feet. 

        Dragons are known for being fiercely loyal to the people they consider family. They are a Lan dragon's hoard. This is why the main family is so picky in who they allow to get close. Suddenly, she is filled with overwhelming warmth. A realization that is so profound it leaves her breathless. 

         Oh, she is part of his hoard now. She is his family. A man known to be cold as ice who only ever allowed his brother near now considers her family. Unlike her family, he will do everything to protect her. She always thought it was just her and A-Xian, but that is no longer the case. A spark of determination awakens and settles firmly in her chest as she bows to never let him down.

           Lan Wangji paid close attention to Jiang Yanli's emotional state, worried being discarded had hurt her too much. He had just wanted to keep her safe. It was never expected for her family to throw her away without a second thought. In his mind, they would take a day to deliberate, but the Jiang leaders answered on the spot. Only Jiang Wanyin protested, and even then, the protests were weak. These protests didn't last long under Madam Yu's glare.

          All in all, it was very disheartening. It made him sick to know he had caused his new sister pain without meaning to. If he were in Jiang Wanyin's shoes, he would have fought tooth and nail for my sister. After getting to know her, Lan Wangji knew how right his husband was describing her. Her soulmate was very lucky, yet even he treated her badly. Lan Wangji had hoped to do right by her as her new brother.

          He relaxed slightly when she reached over Wei Wuxian, placing her hand on his in a comforting gesture. He breathed out, relaxing his face out of his sneer and looking at his father to end this farce of a council meeting. Qingheng-Jun quickly finished the meeting and ushered everyone out except for Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, Jiang Yanli, Lan Xichen, and Nie Huasang. 

             The sect leader took a few moments to gather his thoughts before talking to them. " This was a good, solid win. I'm happy to celebrate my new son-in-law in two days, but for now, you all should know what happened in the clan heads' meeting. There will be another meeting tomorrow to finish the discussion. I want all of your opinions as well. The Sects are speaking of war on the horizon, but no one wants to make the first move.