Phoenix

Part 34

               The next few months were hectic. Many laws needed to be changed, and the people under his protection needed to be united. After all, this separation was the reason for Wen Rouhan's downfall. Wei Wuxian made sure to visit every village with his husband to learn about their needs and way of life. 

               The babies were a surefire way to draw people in. It's hard to look imposing with two babies in your arms and bags under your eyes. Lan Wangji was growing especially irritated at the lack of alone time with his husband. Still, with Wen Li and Lan Junjie busy getting the Sect safe from enemies, they would rather keep the boys with them. 

               Wen Ning would help them take care of the boys occasionally, but he was usually helping his sister. Many villagers needed healing. She was also creating a new curriculum to teach medicine in the sect. Wei Wuxian had become her student to better help his people in the reform. All their focus was on fixing the way the Wen people lived under them.

              The only real information they got from outside their new territory was from Nie Huasang. Their sworn brother had made an amazingly thorough spy network. Lan Wangji was glad that the fan-wielding man was on their side. 

               From the information gathered, the Jin were laying low in theory. Deeper information told them that Jin Guangshan had brought his illegitimate son into the Sect under the name Jin Guangyao. Normally, they wouldn't have worried about something personal from another sect, but Nie Huasang was worried about it. He knew the man personally. His worry was that the new Jin was willing to do anything to earn his father's recognition.

                On that same note, Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangyao were putting pressure on Lan Xichen to become sworn brothers. If this happened, Lan and Nie sect would have a harder time standing against the Jin if they tried anything. They all decided to gather with Wen Li, Lan Junjie, and Lan Yi to decide on what steps to take. It was fortunate that only Wei Wuxian's status as immortal was commonly known. If not, the power-hungry leaders would try to alienate them the way they had tried with Wei Wuxian.

               At this moment, Nie Huasang was free to act and move around since no one took him seriously. He was just Nie Mingjue's naive and weak little brother. Jiang Yanli was able to infiltrate different circles and spread rumors for them because people pitied her. Even Lan Wangji was seen as just an accessory of Wei Wuxian or his brother Lan Xichen.

             They met at an old temple on Dafan Mountain dedicated to a dancing goddess. The place had an eerie feel, but none of them were there to make wishes or pray. They picked a spot just off to the side for their meeting. Wen Li promised to check on the weird temple after. 

              Nie Huasang carefully explained why he was so worried about Jin Guangyao joining the Jins. The man was brilliant but had a deceptively meek demeanor. Nie Huasang had watched the man torture prisoners for information with a gently dimpled smile on his face. 

              Jin Guangyao had set up the upcoming hunt at Phoenix Mountain. The new Wen Sect leaders would have to attend with their best disciples or risk being seen as weak. It would be just the opening Jin Guangshan is looking for to rally support.

              Jiang Yanli cleared her throat, calling all their attention. "Mother has reinstated my engagement to Jin Zixuan. I will be attending the hunt as his date. While I am there, I will try to see what I can find." They all looked at her worriedly. None of them wanted her walking around the Jin tower without protection. Jin Guangshan was known to have no respect for women. It didn't matter that she was immortal and could defend herself to them she was supposed to be protected.

               Lan Xichen asked the elders what he should do about the request to become sworn siblings. He had refused so far, but the requests were getting increasingly pushy. Lan Junjie seemed to think about it for a bit. "Just tell Nie Mingjue that you can't since you already have a sworn siblinghood with Huasang, Yanli, and Wuxian. Isn't that what you all did on Baoshan's mountain? I mean, you even have marks linking you all together." All the young ones look at him owlishly before facepalming. He just looked on, amused that they had already forgotten such important information. 

               Lan Wangji hugged Wei Wuxian from behind, looking over his shoulder at everyone. "The Jiangs ?" Nie Huasang cleared his throat. "I ah actually forgot they existed." Lan Xichen was also looking away innocently. Jiang Yanli sighed before speaking. "My mother and brother are furiously taking out their rage on the disciples. Father is doing nothing about it, so the sect seems to be losing a lot of disciples. I only know since I have gotten letters from disciples asking me if you would take them in or if I can take over the Jiang Sect. I love the Jiang Sect, but I am not suited to lead such a hands-on sect."  

               Wen Li looked on in pity at the young ones. They were children, the oldest barely twenty, having to navigate political intrigue right after a war. She really wished she could help them more. Lan Yi was in deep thought. "Actually, Yanli, we can use that to our advantage. Huasang, didn't you say that the new Jin person was probably aiming for the title of Sect leader after his father? If so, I have a plan."

                For hours, they planned, excited to finally have something concrete to do. Wei Wuxian was glad that the Wen siblings were watching over their kids for the night. There was so much in his head. He had talismans to create before the hunt, Disciples to train, Papers to sign, and Kids to watch. His mind was buzzing while he got ready for bed.

                  His thoughts screeched to a halt as he found himself entrapped by resentment. Confused, he looked around the room to see the cause before gulping nervously. His beloved husband was looking at him ominously. Golden eyes with red edges glowed in the darkness. "Lan Zhan, wh-what are you doing?" Lan Wangji stepped closer, looking every bit the predator Wei Wuxian knew him to be. " Wei Ying was ignoring me." 

                  Wei Wuxian gulped looking as innocently as possible." Sorry husband, what were you saying?" Lan Wangji grabbed a blanket from the bed and swaddled Wei Wuxian in it like a baby before placing him on the bed. Wei Wuxian sputtered but settled down under his husband's glare, and the frost began to cover the room. "Wei Ying has not slept in days, so he will sleep beside me tonight." Lan Wangji turned into a dragon and laid over the trapped Wei Wuxian to keep him in place. "Lan Zhan, I'm not-" 

                 Lan Wangji created an ice boulder, placing it threateningly by the bed. Wei Wuxian understood immediately just how annoyed his husband was that he had been sleeping alone. He could go to sleep nicely, or Lan Wangji would knock him unconscious; either way, he would be joining him in bed. " Yeah, ok, great love you, Lan Zhan, my wonderful, loving husband. I would love to spend more time sleeping with you. Goodnight!" Lan Wangji just snorted before falling asleep. Wei Wuxian soon followed into dreamland in his husband's safe cacoon, dreaming of other ways his husband could be on top of him.