Unrestrained Heart

Chapter 11 🔞

Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and Jiang Cheng meet with Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangshan to discuss their intention to return to Lotus Pier to start the rebuilding process. Lan Xichen and Meng Yao are also there. Meng Yao is now wearing Jin robes and has taken on the courtesy name Jin Guangyao.

"We intend to leave right after the ceremony." Jiang Cheng says.

There is going to be a ceremony and banquet for Lan Xichen, Jin Guangyao, and Nie Mingjue to declare their sworn brotherhood.

"Do you have to leave so soon?" Jin Guangyao asks. "There are going to be many hunts and banquets in the days to come."

"I am sure clan leader Jiang is anxious to see Lotus Pier, it has been many months since he has been home." Lan Xichen says, diplomatically.

"Of course," Jin Guangyao says with a bow and a smile.

"Wei Wuxian," Jin Guangshan says, "Since you are here, I feel there is a matter we should discuss. You used a certain device during the Sunshot Campaign, everyone has agreed that device is too dangerous. Are you willing to hand it over for safekeeping?"

Wei Wuxian stiffens. He knows they want him to turn over the Yin Tiger Tally. To be honest if it were Nie Mingjue asking Wei Wuxian would seriously consider it, especially since they don't know if they can destroy it yet. However, he doesn't trust Jin Guangshan or Jin Guangyao. Not to mention he doesn't want Jin Zixun anywhere near it.

He almost laughs out loud, if someone would have told him a year ago that Jin Zixuan would be the only Jin he trusted he would have thought that person had lost their mind.

"Hand it over to the Jins? Is the Jin Clan going to take over and replace the Wen clan?" Wei Wuxian asks.

"Wei Wuxian," Jiang Cheng hisses.

"No of course not, rest assured the Clan leader is only concerned about this thing." Jin Guangyao says.

"Well in that case you can be certain that it will be taken care of. Now if you will excuse me, I need to pack for Lotus Pier." Wei Wuxian says. He doesn't really, they didn't bring much and Lan Wangji has already packed for him, but he needs to get out of the meeting hall.

He is barely down the stairs when he notices that Lan Wangji followed him out.

"Lan Zhan, do you think I should hand the Tally over? I know you don't like it." Wei Wuxian asks.

"I don't, I think it needs to be destroyed and that it is dangerous," Lan Wangji says honestly.

"But?" Wei Wuxian prompts.

"Don't tell Lan Xichen, but I don't trust Jin Guangyao. He is someone dear to my brother, I have even wondered if they might secretly be mates. I have tried to accept him for Lan Xichen's sake. It's just that he feels..." Lan Wangji can't seem to finish the thought.

"Insincere. Simple and open on the outside but I would like to know what goes on in his mind." Wei Wuxian says.

Mentally Wei Wuxian compares Jin Guangyao and Nie Huaisang. Both have a lot more depth to them than shows on the surface. However, Wei Wuxian feels like he could hand Nie Huaisang a knife without worrying the man would stab him in the back. He isn't so sure about Jin Guangyao. In a way he would rather deal with someone like Jin Zixun. At least he knows that man is an asshole.

They pass Jin guards leading a group of bedraggled people in chains. The group consists of people so elderly that they can barely keep up as the guards drag their chains. There are a few children in the group as well as some sickly-looking and injured men and women. These people could hardly be members of the enemy troops.