Fluffy WangXian Oneshots Book Two

The Pursuit Of Contentment

A/N

Dear Beautiful Readers,

This oneshot came about because of an article my Bestie sent me of an MDZS fan stating that in their opinion, Wei Ying walking away from Jiang Cheng instead of having a real reconciliation is correct, and I agreed, and this is the result. I do not like Jiang Cheng at all, and the way that he is in the book is the very reason I think he's a fantastic, complex character and fan fiction is a fabulous way to explore all the possibilities. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion about him, but to all JC stans, please let's not make this into a heated debate, and let's agree to disagree.

All my love,

Charlie
🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫

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THE PURSUIT OF CONTENTMENT

The knock on the door surprises the two inhabitants of the Jingshi into silence as Lan Zhan goes to open it. XiChen smiles gently back at him, although there is tension lurking at the corners of his honey-coloured eyes.

"Xiongzhang," Lan Zhan greets him with a bow.

Wei Ying also stands to bow, meeting Lan Zhan's puzzled eyes. The hour is late, and so the matter must be one of concern for him to arrive here personally instead of sending a messenger. In fact, curfew is not far away. Only the time of burning an incense stick remains. As XiChen joins them around the small table, Lan Zhan brews another pot of tea and waits for his older brother to speak. XiChen has recently come out of seclusion after deciding that his time would be more productive by relieving his brother and uncle from Sect duties, although his return has been met with a gentle welcome. Six long months have passed since the events of the Guanyin Temple and the elopement of his brother and Wei WuXian, and slowly, all concerned are just beginning to settle around these new developments.

Fragrant jasmine fills the air around them as steaming liquid is poured into three cups.

The Lans, ever subtle in the way they express themselves, communicate support in the smallest of ways and the serving of this particular type of tea, XiChen's favourite white tea, speaks volumes. He smiles at his brother, acknowledging the message, though the stiffness in his shoulders remains.

Lan Zhan studies him carefully. His brother is here with news, but it remains to be seen whether it is good news or not. Perhaps the news will be news, and it is more about their reaction to it. His eyes drift over to Wei Ying and his protectiveness for his husband washes over him; he shifts that much closer to his side and takes Wei Ying's smaller hand in his, under the table. The movement is not lost or ignored by the members in the room. XiChen gives him a warm smile of approval, while Wei Ying's face floods with an adorable blush, his smile in contrast is wide and bright, as expressive as he is lively.

"We have a guest, and his arrival at this hour is concerning. I thought I should inform you both personally because he is here requesting to see Xian-Di." XiChen takes a sip of his tea, appreciating the light floral scent of it combined with the natural balance of taste with the tea itself.

"Jiang WanYin." Lan Zhan says his name with distaste, as if he has had the absolutely terrible experience of swallowing a toad. A slimy one.

"I have bought you both some time to decide whether or not you wish to see him. He is aware that with curfew approaching, a visit at this time is unacceptable. He has been escorted to the guest quarters, and now it is your choice whether or not to meet with him tomorrow morning." XiChen continues, but now his gaze is fixed upon his younger brother by marriage. His protectiveness is clear by his next words. "Xian-Di, please understand, you are under no obligation to meet with him, not after-well," he pauses, swallowing hard. "If you would prefer not to, I wanted to make it clear to you that you are not obliged to see him. This is your home, and you should feel safe here. Please tell me what your thoughts are. How shall we proceed?"