#but by then we know wwx well enough that when I read that bit I was like

[ninjakk]

The cold spring scene - An important part of Wangxian's developing feelings for each other

The cold spring scene when WX are adorable teens is just such an interesting spa date interaction between the pair. WWX is a big tease and poor LWJ just can't seem to escape him! I actually think more praise needs to be given towards LWJ here... He keeps his cool quite well considering the circumstances. Although the scene is quite short and sweet - it still has a lot of details hidden just under the water surface.

After recently re-reading the ongoing MDSZ manhua, I noticed quite a few bits from the novel are missing. One scene in particular, is the one I am going to analyse here. I was quite surprised to see this was not included, even if it 'needed' censoring for whatever bullshit 'reason' - it still could have been included somehow surely?!

To me, this scene and the punishment scene prior to this, are actually quite an important part of the CR arc and a fundamental building block of WXs budding friendship/relationship. It shows their true characters to each other and the reader. LWJ punished himself alongside WWX because he is in essence, fair and just - even if WWX pulled him out of the CR grounds! We also see the utter horror WWX has at realising that LWJ has taken his words so seriously and is going to punish himself also. WWX tries to stop this happening, because he's kind and caring - he doesn't want LWJ to get hurt or punished, especially for something he caused. So to omit this and the cold spring scene, where WWX is very sincere and somewhat in awe of LWJ, is quite sad in my opinion.

So let's take a look at the scene in question. I have to say, one thing that always stands out to me is that WWX doesn't visit the cold spring until night-time. WWX was dragged out of bed very early in the morning, apparently 'before daylight even appeared'. After the beating, JC is carrying WWX away and they bump into LXC, who informs WWX there is a way for him to heal in a few short hours. WWX was beaten quite badly, and very swollen - yet he didn't go to the cold spring until much later. There were no lessons, because LQR was still away in Qinghe - so I find it a bit odd he waited all day before seeing to his injuries.

Chapter 18

It was night-time, at the cold spring of the Cloud Recesses. Lan WangJi’s eyes were closed as he relaxed in the ice-cold water. Suddenly, a voice rang beside his ears, “Lan Zhan.”

“...”

Lan WangJi’s eyes sprang open. Sure enough, Wei WuXian was lying on his stomach, above the blue stones beside the cold spring, tilting his head and smiling at him.

WWX has snuck up on LWJ while he is mediating in the spring. We don't know how long he's been there, but he's lying down on the rocks watching LWJ. Personally, I think it's safe to assume WWX was probably thinking similar thoughts to what he did when he saw LWJ in the cold spring in his second life. Blinded by his looks, but convincing himself he's not - as he's done so many times. We already know he finds him attractive from the amount of time he's said so since coming to the Cloud Recesses - so it's probably not too far off! The fact WWX lay on the ground in quite an alluring pose, just adds to the teasing tone he loves to use with LWJ.

At some point, probably after a long while of marveling at how beautiful LWJ looks WWX calls out to LWJ near his ear, which is quite a seductive way to make himself known. When LWJ opens his eyes, he sees WWX lying on the ground smiling at him with his head tilted. Interestingly enough, the head tilt is in a number of translations I have read as well. A head tilt is a subconscious facial cue that not only shows you are interested, but it also shows you are being submissive. Because it exposes a vulnerable part of the body, it's a sign that you are comfortable being vulnerable around the person you are talking to. Ironically, it's nonverbal communication that means 'I trust you not to bite harm me' - and considering LWJ's penchant for biting later in the novel, it's quite amusing. It's something females tend to do with someone they like. It's also often used in literature to convey flirtation and interest as well. So it's very interesting to see WWX adopting this stance in front of LWJ.

Lan WangJi blurted out, “How did you come in?!” Wei WuXian slowly crawled up, and spoke as he took off his sash belt, “ZeWu-Jun told me to come in.” Lan WangJi, “What are you doing?”

Wei WuXian kicked off his boots while leaving piles of clothing all over the ground, “I already stripped, so what do you think I’m here for? I heard that your sect’s cold spring can cure injuries aside from helping with one’s cultivation. So, your brother told me to come here and bathe with you. Except, it’s really not nice of you to come here to heal alone. Eep! It really is cold. Brr…”

I find this next bit quiet interesting. WWX slowly crawls up and proceeds to take his clothes off - which is a little provocative. He could have taken his clothes off before drawing attention to himself - but he didn't. He waited for LWJ to turn around and stripped in front of him. I know he's probably very used to be naked in front of the other male disciples back at his sect when they bathe and change. But it's the way he does it here that just seems more deliberate and teasing. Especially after speaking next to LWJ's ear and slowly crawling up before undressing. It's a good job LWJ's waist-deep in cold water if you ask me.

I also find it interesting that LXC told him to come and bathe with LWJ specifically. Perhaps to set up a spa date help mend their budding friendship after the joint punishment they received at LWJ's behest. LXC does seem to fancy himself as a bit of a mediator at times, and even used a similar approach to try and help clear up animosity between JGY and NMJ later in the novel. At least this one was more successful I guess! This could also be the reason WWX doesn't go to the cold spring until night-time as well.

“Do not move!” As he spoke, he extended an arm, and put his hand on Wei WuXian’s shoulder. Wei WuXian instantly felt a surge of warmth coming from where their bodies connected. Feeling better, he couldn’t help but to shift closer over there. Lan WangJi was wary of this, “What?” Wei WuXian replied in an innocent tone, “Nothing. It seems like your side is warmer.” Lan WangJi firmly kept his arm between the two of them, maintaining the distance. He sternly declared, “It is not."

I always find this part quite funny, as the adorable 'I do not have physical contact with others' LWJ was just pushed to the point he touched WWXs bare shoulder. LWJ refused to hold onto WWXs hand while saving him from the waterborne abyss, but now he's resorted to physical contact in order to keep WWX away from him - because he's shy. Personally I think the surge of warmth could have a double meaning here. Yes, the water is freezing and of course body warmth would cause this reaction. But considering how WWX subconsciously feels about LWJ, and the chemistry that has been there since they first met - it could also be a reaction to being touched by someone he is evidently attracted to. After the physical contact, WWX continues to gravitate towards LWJ, as he so often does. WWX claims he wants to get closer to him because LWJ's side seems warmer, apparently.

Wei WuXian wanted to get closer to Lan WangJi so that it was more convenient for him to flatter the other. Even though he couldn’t go over and was given the cold shoulder, he wasn’t angered at all. He glanced at Lan WangJi’s palms and shoulder. The bruises were still there, meaning that Lan WangJi really wasn’t here to heal. Wei WuXian spoke sincerely, “Lan Zhan, I admire you so much. You really did punish yourself as well, without treating yourself any better. I don’t have anything else to say.”

Lan WangJi shut his eyes again, without any words. Wei WuXian spoke again, “Really, I’ve never seen someone as prim and proper as you. It’d be impossible for me to do something like this. You’re so cool.”

Lan WangJi still paid him no attention.

WWX has now given two separate reasons as to why he was trying to get closer to LWJ, while they are naked in the cold spring. As we've previously seen, WWX actively uses self deception to rationalise the feelings or actions he is not ready to understand. There are many examples of WWX doing this throughout the novel. WWX actually did something similar when he saw LWJ in the cold spring prior to the Cloud Recesses flashbacks. He tried to rationalise why he was looking at the bathing beauty. So in the above scene, WWX is trying to reason with himself and justify his need to be near LWJ at this moment in time...while they're naked.

WWX goes on to state he wouldn't be able to punish himself if he was in LWJs position - but we know from other parts of the novel that this is not true. WWX actually takes the brunt of the punishment for the other junior disciples at his sect often. Perhaps not always out of choice, but I think he'd probably do it anyway as he's very protective of people he cares about.

What WWX is really impressed with is that LWJ took the punishment alongside him, which no one has ever done before. As we later find out, he's always the one taking all the hits and punishment dished out at Lotus Pier. No one has ever really stepped in to take some of the punishment with him. The joint punishment they received is an important part of the developing relationship (and somewhat unconscious feelings) WWX has for LWJ.

WWX didn't get a reaction from his very sweet and sincere compliments, so he continues to flatter LWJ to try and elicit a response. It is just adorable how much WWX craves LWJ's attention to the point he says 'I don't have anything else to say' after being so sweet - but then continues to praise him anyway!

WWXs compliments are genuine and sincere. He really is in awe of LWJ at this moment when isn't he tbh and his comments are very sweet. But as genuine as they are, this is also a flirting technique, as I've mentioned in a previous post. Complimenting in such a way, is feminine flirting technique that is a way to appease the male ego.

After Wei WuXian stopped feeling cold, he started to swim around the cold spring.

He swum for a while, but still went near Lan WangJi, “Lan Zhan, didn’t you notice what I was doing when I talked to you?” Lan WangJi, “I do not know.” Wei WuXian, “You don’t even know about this? I was complimenting you, trying to become more casual with you.” Lan WangJi glanced at him, “What do you want to do?” Wei WuXian, “Lan Zhan, why don’t we become friends? We’re already so familiar.” Lan WangJi, “We are not.”

WWX is yet again gravitating towards LWJ. As LWJ didn't react the way WWX wanted him to, he is trying to justify his compliments. He goes on to admit he was complimenting LWJ, in order for them to become 'friends'. Which I'm sure is what he wants, but subconsciously he wants more than that and doesn't quite understand that although he likes him, it's in a slightly different way to a 'friend'.

Wei WuXian slapped the surface of the water, “Now, you’re being boring again. Really. There are lots of benefits if you become friends with me.” Lan WangJi, “For example?” Wei WuXian swam near the edge of the spring, and leaned back with his arms on the blue rocks, “I’m always really loyal towards my friends. For example, I’d definitely let you be the first person to look at new porn that I get hold of… Hey, hey, come back! It’s fine if you don’t look at them. Have you been to Yunmeng? Yunmeng is really fun. Yunmeng’s food is also good. I don’t know if it’s Gusu’s or the Cloud Recess’s problem, but the food in your sect are so bad. If you come to Lotus Pier, you can eat lots of delicious food. I can take you to pick lotus seed pods and water chestnuts. Lan Zhan, do you wanna come?” Lan WangJi, “No.”

WWX begins to tease LWJ once again, because he has seemingly rejected his advances of striking up a friendship. So he initially jokes about lending LWJ porn, which he knows he would reject. In fact, WWX might have even been trying to get LWJ to get angry here once again - as he definitely got a kick out of it (and he later admits he most certainly does!). LWJ was about to leave because of WWX's teasing, so he quickly changes the subject in order to stop him from leaving. WWX invites LWJ on a date to come and stay with him at Lotus Pier so he can show him around where he lives - which is just utterly adorable! I've already covered some of this in a previous post, so I won't cover it much further here.

I really love this scene as it's nice to see WWX able to talk to LWJ away from JCs disapproval and hostility. It's also outside of the Library Pavilion environment, where he is being punished and LWJ is even more reluctant to talk. It's interesting to see how LWJ is able to converse with him a little more than usual, over their past two interactions. Granted, LWJ didn't say much here. But it's certainly a start! As @parlerenfleurs stated in a recent post, if LWJ had been a little less guarded - I have no doubt WWX would have been enticed into kissing LWJ, if he'd been able to get closer to him.

There is very much a sense of mutual respect and admiration starting to form, alongside their chemistry and physical attraction. Over the past few interactions they have shared, WWX has noticed that LWJ is very strong, perceptive and virtuous. LWJ managed to simultaneously save WWX and the third wheel Su She, pulling them away from the waterborne abyss. In turn, showing the shocking strength of his sword and himself - which certainly impressed WWX. WWX also got to see that LWJ is extremely observant, as he was first to work out the water ghouls were luring them to a waterborne abyss. As stated above, WWX is also incredibly impressed with how virtuous LWJ is, punishing himself as well as WWX. In turn, LWJ got to see how brave and kind he is by saving Su She. He also got to see that WWX is also a skilled cultivator with a keen eye, as he spotted the water ghouls hiding under the boats when no one else did.

I really think this small but sweet scene is a lot more important than some people might think. Once you have read the rest of the novel and extra chapters, this scene becomes even more important in showing the growing feelings that they had for one another from the very beginning. The Lotus Seed Pod extra shows the reader just how much both of them were affected by this small encounter. It's been around a year since they met and they are both still thinking about WWX's invitation to come visit him. Although they are miles apart, they are both pining for each other, thinking of what was said that night at the cold spring.

[jiangwanyinscatmom]

This might be a bit odd, but do you think MXTX left the ending to be interpreted openly across adaptations re: JC and WWX? Wei Wuxian has let go of a lot of his pride and learned some hard lessons about self-sacrifice and protecting people, and the younger generation is making so much room for nuance and kindness and thereby challenging society. I personally assumed they’d have that conversation eventually, but we didn’t need to see it to assume it would happen.

However, reading your translating of the phrase kinda made sense to me as well. Not all conversations, even if's about JC sacrificing his own life to save WWX from the Wens, need to lead to a point of reconciliation. Sometimes, we can acknowledge that we've come too far to restart or rebuild. It's bittersweet but I'm feeling conflicted on either end.

I honestly don't think she left it open ended at all, for either characters.

Simply because, that conversation doesn't matter anymore, what does Jiang Cheng's sacrifice matter after the extent of what they had gone through? Jiang Cheng built up a hate against Wei Wuxian because he viewed Wei Wuxian as ungrateful, and used that idea of debts to continuously cast Wei Wuxian as selfish and a martyr to show up others. Wei Wuxian hid the truth simply to coddle Jiang Cheng's pride and let his own reputation be besmirched because as he had said, it would seem as if he was using his sacrifice as leverage to downplay his own responsibilities for his actions. What is Wei Wuxian to say that Jiang Cheng will take well, he already hates that he has Wei Wuxian's core and his own hypocrisy about his own tantrums. Wei Wuxian tells him to take it as repayment, as Jiang Cheng had insisted he was owed since Lotus Pier's attack, which only goes into the same circle that neither can think of the other without debts having forced them together as friends to begin with.

Wei Wuxian's core and that reveal didn't stop Jiang Cheng to get over his jealousy of Wei Wuxian being kind enough to give his everything to make other's life easier. He doesn't like that part of Wei Wuxian, and doesn't understand it, his own "kindness" is reserved for himself and those he does love to an extent, but he is still resentful of unconditional equality and suffering that he may have to deal with. Note that he is still harassing Wen Ning despite the former saving his life multiple times already, the lesson did not extend to leave others be aside from Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Cheng said his "good bye" by letting Wei Wuxian walk away to his own future. That's not a bad way to close a relationship, is it satisfactory? Maybe not, but when you have nothing better to say, other than letting someone go, it's not supposed to feel like a victory for you. Letting go of hate isn't always cathartic, and it's something that you don't always have the easiest time ever getting rid of. You do not change your whole self when you just can't or want to, despite letting another person make their choices without your say. Jiang Cheng doesn't expect anything more, and it's why for the first time in his life, he doesn't try to have the last word in on what Wei Wuxian is doing.

Does Jiang Cheng seem upset post-canon? No, as Lan jingyi says he is the same nasty person as ever picking fights, and that's all the confirmation that Wei Wuxian needs to know that he's living and having his own life. Those sort of relationships always feel anticlimactic with resolution, but it is what it is, especially when no one needs to feel entitled or guilted into rebuilding something that neither of you really want to when you just don't get the other anymore or, only maintained it out of obligation despite having different wants and morals.

[daswarschonkaputt]

I saw “lwj doesn’t like jyl” in your wip list and I’m so intrigued, would you tell us a bit about it?

ah this ask is so old now, idk if you're still interested, but sure, i can talk about it.

so, fandom seems fairly set on the fact that lan wangji hates jiang cheng. like, i feel like no-one's arguing that fact. but i see a lot of lan wangji getting along really well with jiang yanli, which i think is... yeah, fair enough, but my brain was like, okay, let's explore a universe where he hates her too. why does he hate her? what does he hold against her? how justified is that hate? is it pettiness? or does he have a genuine grievance? how does he moderate this, given that wei wuxian definitely still loves her?

content warning under the cut for discussion of child abuse, in line with what we see of yzy's treatment of wwx in canon, but applied to a modern setting.

around the time i was musing on this, i read a modern au of mdzs that had wwx as the victim of horrific child abuse in the jiang household, and the fic was sort of about him reconnecting with jiang cheng and jiang yanli years down the line. (don't ask me which it was, because i do not recommend it.) and i was looking at that premise, and i was like, hmm. i could do something with this.

the more i worked on it, the more it started to feel like a jiang yanli character study, almost. her strengths and flaws and regrets became a central part of the fic. i really wasn't interested in doing the slash fic demonising women thing. i wanted to write her with depth and sympathy, whilst also demonstrating her flaws (that wei wuxian would be blind to).

here's a few bits:

the opening scene of the fic:

JIANG CONGLOMERATE STOCK PRICE REACHES TEN YEAR LOW FOLLOWING CONCLUSION OF LIBEL CASE Read: After the Yunmeng People’s Court ruled today against Yu Ziyuan, wife to chairman Jiang Fengmian of the Jiang Conglomerate, stockholder confidence in the company dropped, leading to their lowest share price in nearly thirteen years.

TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY ISSUE APOLOGY TO WEI WUXIAN, SCHOLARSHIP AND ENROLMENT REINSTATED Read: Tsinghua University has issued a written apology for the “hasty” sanctions they issued against post-graduate student Wei Wuxian, who has been the subject of a month-long libel case from his former family.

“I LIVED EVERY DAY BELIEVING I WOULD WAKE UP TO DISCOVER HE WAS DEAD.” – TESTIMONY FROM JIANG DEFAMATION CASE REVEALS HORRIFYING REALITY OF CHILD ABUSE IN HOUSEHOLD Listen: Leaked audio from the Jiang Family’s defamation case details the horrific physical abuse inflicted upon the defendant, Wei Wuxian.

YU ZIYUAN ARRESTED FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, ATTEMPTED MURDER; FACES UP TO TWENTY YEARS IN PRISON In Photos: As Wei Wuxian attempts to escape the crowd following his decisive victory against the Jiang Family, Yu Ziyuan’s exit from the court is interrupted by Yunmeng Police.

--

Staring at the sky When all of this started, I was so mad about what Wei Wuxian was doing. I was convinced he was a white-eyed wolf, and he was lying just to get back at a family he’d ended things badly with. I was right there with all my classmates, trending #expellweiwuxian all across weibo. Now that we know the truth, I’m so deeply ashamed. Wei-xiaozhang, I’m so sorry!!

Paralysed by the flow of time I don’t think I’ve ever listened to something that made me quite as upset as Dr Wen’s testimony in the #JiangDefamationCase. To think about her as a young med student, stranded across the country from him, trying her best to keep him alive, yet knowing it could all be for nothing if Yu Ziyuan had a bad day and killed him… And the fact that it was her that kept records of his injuries and abuse – evidence that Wei Wuxian had thrown away himself – just in case he ever needed it… It makes complete sense that when he finally ran from the Jiangs, he ran to her. Wei Wuxian, marry that girl before someone else does!

Three for free and two for too Fuck everyone in the Jiang Family who covered up the abuse that was happening. Fuck every single member of their staff who saw what was happening and stayed quiet to keep their job. And above all else, fuck Yu Ziyuan.

Three for free and two for too Prison’s too good for that bitch.

--

Jiang Yanli thinks of her life in moments, most often.

Part of it, she knows, is due to the tumultuous nature of the household she grew up in. There was a thick tension that sat heavily over their house, even when A-Xian wasn’t mouthing off in front of their mother. There were so few moments of unabashed joy that Yanli clung to them all the harder – and just let the other memories slip away.

There was one, when she was seven: the day she met Jiang Wuxian. He’d been tiny and bright-eyed – untrusting but eager for affection. She’d loved him the moment she saw him.

Then, another, at eighteen: a little tipsy, hiding from the crowds at her parents’ Lunar New Year party, when Jin Zixuan looked at her like he finally saw her, and the caught her mid-laugh with an impulsive kiss.

Twenty, legs weak as she walked to the altar. Twenty-two, with Jin Ling in her arms for the first time, tiny and precious and utterly untainted.

The most important moment, though, the one that turned her life on its head, happened three days after her marriage to Jin Zixuan.

They were on their honeymoon. He’d taken her to dinner at an exorbitantly expensive restaurant – even after a year of dating Zixuan still liked to posture. The evening is dimmed somewhat by alcohol; Yanli is a consummate lightweight, and she and Zixuan had already split a bottle of champagne in their hotel room before surfacing for food. She can’t remember exactly what she said, but it’d been something like—

“If my mother knew I was ordering steak, she’d slap me.”

It wasn’t intended to be anything more than a careless remark. She’d said things like that before, and her friends had never made it seem like something terrible. At most, she expected a little light teasing about watching her figure. Maybe a shallow smile.

Zixuan gave her neither. “Is that why you always order a salad when we go out?”

Jiang Yanli had blinked. “Ah,” she said without meaning to. The deviation from the expected script threw her. “That is…” She didn’t want to misrepresent anything to Zixuan, but she couldn’t think of a way to explain herself without making his misunderstanding worse. “You know me. Kind of a glutton. My mother just—well, someone has to watch what I eat, or else I’d never have fit into my wedding dress.”

“Kind of a—” Zixuan cut himself off. “Yanli,” he said, “you’re—you’re tiny. You eat like a bird. I always—you should eat more. I don’t care if I have to buy you an entire store’s worth of new dresses. I just want you well.”

Yanli looked down at the dinner settings in front of them and felt her mouth go dry. She shouldn’t—Zixuan was being—perfect, as always. It was nice. But for some reason, his words made her feel—agitated. Uncomfortable. Like there was something treacherous to be found in his kindness.

“I am well,” she said, at length. “Please,” she reached across the table to lay one of her hands over Zixuan’s. “A-Xuan. It was just a joke. Forget I said anything.”

Jin Zixuan turned over his hand and laced their fingers. “If your mother were here,” he said, very serious, “her hand would never even get close to your face. Even if I had to take the blow for you. So order whatever you want.”

In retrospect, it was such a small thing. It shouldn’t have mattered. But it—struck something, deep and fundamental to her very being. Her hand would never even get close to your face, echoing around her head for days, weeks, afterwards. It was the first time she had ever thought to consider her mother as anything other than an absolute authority. It was the first time anyone had ever suggested that they might protect her from her.

She thinks about it a lot.

She thinks about it when she holds Jin Ling, and wonders if there will ever come a time when A-Xuan will have to protect their son from her. She thinks about it when she visits Jiang Cheng each year, on the anniversary of Wuxian’s disappearance. She thinks about it in quiet moments, when her hands are occupied with laundry or housework, and her brain is able to spiral out and play with words like abuse and childhood trauma.

And she’s thinking about it now, stood on the steps of Yunmeng’s People Court, watching A-Xian try to fight his way through a crowd of reporters. Her hand would never even get close to your face. Yanli’s father is collapsed on the ground beside her. Jiang Cheng is arguing with the police officers leading their mother away. Zixuan is back home with their child – a courtroom is no place for a toddler.

Her hand would never even get close to your face.

It had been so easy for Zixuan to make her feel safe. She wasn’t living at home anymore. She was married. Her husband was wealthy enough to take care of them without any help from her family.

She can’t imagine—

Her hand would never even get close to your face.

—how much more difficult it must be, to make Jiang Wuxian feel safe.

There’s a clatter behind them and Jiang Yanli turns her head slightly, to catch sight of a young woman rushing down the steps after A-Xian. Yanli recognises her. This is Wen Qing. She testified for A-Xian.

Yanli watches her place her tiny body between A-Xian and the press. Wen Qing stretches her arms out, forcing her way back, giving A-Xian space. She says something sharp and short to A-Xian. When he nods, she grasps his hand, and she forces her way through the crowd, A-Xian following in her wake.

Yanli watches them both until they’re completely swallowed by the mass of cameras and microphones.

“Jiejie, say something.”

Yanli’s attention snaps back to A-Cheng. Both her brother and two police officers are looking at her expectantly. “Oh,” she says after a beat. “I’m sorry. Could you repeat that?”

Jiang Cheng growls. “They’re saying we can’t follow them to the police station to talk to Mom,” he says. “And I said they’d be hearing from our lawyers.”

Oh, A-Cheng, Yanli sighs internally. Always so convinced of his own righteousness. “We should take Dad home before dealing with any of that,” she says gently. “Gentlemen, am I to presume you are members of the Yunmeng Police Precinct?”

“Yes, ma’am,” one of the officers says.

Ma’am. How ridiculous. I’m not even 30. “Then we know where to send our legal team,” she says easily. “A-Cheng, we can get Mom out of jail later. For now, can you help me with Dad?”

“They had no right to—”

“A-Cheng,” Yanli says, stronger this time. “I can’t lift him on my own.”

Jiang Cheng cuts himself off. He looks between their father and the police officers, hesitating, before he sighs, and kneels down to hook his hands under their father’s arms. “It’s okay, Dad,” he says. “Come on. We’ll get it sorted out.”

Yanli looks around them – at the teeming mass of reporters, barely held back by their security team, at the place where just moments ago, A-Xian had staggered out of the courthouse, victorious but no less wrecked for it, at the police car pulling away with their mother in handcuffs—

Yanli looks at it all, and can’t help but feel that this is the kind of mess that can’t really be sorted out.

and the little snippet that inspired the entire fic:

(cw for discussion of injury, and fairly horrific child abuse)

(context for this scene: wei wuxian is sick, and as such has to cancel on lunch with jiang yanli. when she hears he's sick, she makes him soup, and brings it by his apartment.)

“Oh,” Jiang Yanli says, looking at the kitchen. “This is…”

Lan Wangji follows her gaze, not entirely certain what she’s noticing in particular. He has chopping boards out, piled with vegetables he was in the middle of preparing, when Yanli arrived. There’s a pot of stock simmering on the stovetop, and a steamer that’s half-filled with dumplings.

Jiang Yanli smiles helplessly. “I guess I never expected either of you to be able to cook. A-Cheng’s hopeless, and the less said about my husband in the kitchen the better. And A-Xian… I guess I don’t know anymore. Does he cook?”

Wei Ying doesn’t so much cook as he attempts to kill his tastebuds – and his husband – with spice.

Jiang Yanli hovers inside the kitchen door. Lan Wangji watches her, quietly.

“I understand,” she says at length, “why you don’t like A-Cheng. He is rude to you. I—he hasn’t figured out yet, which parts of our mother’s teachings he wishes to keep. Please be patient with him.”

Lan Wangji’s fingers pause on the knife. He does not say what he is thinking, that he has little sympathy for the plight of Jiang Wanyin. That it is simple to him: a woman who beats a child under her care is not one who he would listen or obey in any circumstance.

It isn’t his place to say such things.

“So, I understand, why you avoid us,” Jiang Yanli goes on. “But – I am not my brother. I have no quarrel with your relationship with A-Xian. You have been – good for him. So I hope – I hope we can be friends. For A-Xian’s sake,” she adds, “if nothing else.”

Lan Wangji looks down at the knife in his hands. It is sharp, and expensive, and he should not be holding it for this conversation. He places it down on the table.

“Thank you for your care,” Lan Wangji says. “Wei Ying will appreciate the soup. But we cannot be friends.”

She blinks at him. “Why not?”

“I dislike you.”

His blunt statement seems to have staggered her. She blinks, again. Tilts her head. “I—what?”

“We cannot be friends,” Lan Wangji repeats, “because I dislike you.”

“Oh,” Jiang Yanli says. “Mr Lan, I’ve never – if I’ve done something to offend you—”

Lan Wangji’s eyes fall to the Tupperware in her hands. “It is not what you have done,” he says, “but what you have not.”

Jiang Yanli follows his eyes to the empty soup containers she’s holding. “I—I don’t understand,” she says.

“When Wei Ying was thirteen,” Lan Wangji says, “Yu Ziyuan flayed the skin from his back. Doctor Wen still has photos saved from the incident. I have seen them. It is no understatement to say that Wei Ying is lucky to have survived – had the wounds become infected, he would have likely died. You brought him soup.”

Left unsaid are the events that prevented that: that Wen Qing had stolen prescription antibiotics from the pharmacy where she worked, risking her job; that Wen Ning had spent every penny of his savings on a plane ticket across China and taped the blister packs of pills inside a hollowed out workbook, that was slipped to Wei Ying under the premise of make-up work; that Wei Ying himself had applied ointment to his wounds with a cotton pad taped to the end of a ruler, unable to reach the network of lacerations stretching across his entire back.

“I – I always have,” Jiang Yanli says. “It makes him feel better, when he’s sick.”

She doesn’t get it.

“Yu Ziyuan left him lying in the dirt,” Lan Wangji says. “He had to crawl up the stairs to his room because he could not stand up without passing out from the pain. He vomited when he reached for his first aid kit, because it had been placed on the top shelf of his wardrobe by a maid. And you brought him soup.”

Wei Ying loves her for it, even now. Jiang Yanli, his jie-jie, who always brought him soup when he was sad. She is untouchable in Wei Ying’s eyes.

Lan Wangji will never forgive her for it.

“You were in a position to help him, long before I even knew what was wrong,” Lan Wangji says. “You moved out, went to university, met your husband – and for four years, you never said a word. How many times did you come back home and make soup? How many times did you see your mother’s cruelty written across Wei Ying’s body – and how many times did you choose to do nothing?

“I saw signs I didn’t have the knowledge to interpret, and I hate myself for never speaking up. It is my greatest regret, that I didn’t have the courage to end Wei Ying’s suffering even – one year, one month, one day earlier. But you knew all along. And you made him soup.”

[layzeal]

Thank you for your reply on LWJ's character! I have still doubts honestly, because you interpreted the Incense Burner extra as a dream from the real teen!lwj while I also suspected it was a dream he had later on (maybe he had a mix of different ambiguous dreams) but it was greatly influenced by wwx himself during the sex scene on the wood and then his no-more--repressed feelings influenced his subconscius and he basically filled a fantasy prompt. But I saw many have different opinions, I based my idea because according to MXTX lwj have read 🔞 books only after mxy!wwx's return and then I have the "oh" moment when I remembered the gay book porn on the dream.

But again, many people have different opinions on that, I don't want to say my opinion is the most correct!

Incense Dream apart, I understand what you said about LWJ's conflicted repressed feelings and this is why I love him and think to him as a fascinating character. But to me none of this conflict/fear/discomfort can translate as sadism because sadists actually have true joy on inflicting pain and no feelings of guilty and I have never seen this enjoyment from lwj, not even when he's a bit aggressive in bed and he's free from restrain, so I still think such word doesn't really belong to LWJ in his essence and this is a bit "too much" exploration of his dark side (?).

Actually LWJ is very limpid to me. I'm not saying he can't do mistakes, he's totally aware he did bad at the blindfold kiss. Maybe he's more possessive than an actual sadist, because he kissed wwx after wwx threw him a flower during the parade at the Jins hunting, among other girls who did the same at the cultivators as a sign of admiration and desire for courtship (it's a common tradition 🤩) and this of course unleashed a mix of explosive feelings on lwj. He reacted on his impulse and possessive desires, later regretted it. But the true beauty of lwj to me is that he has the potential of being a possessive husband (the whole hide wwx in gusu like his mother, deny him his freedom etc) but he always choose the opposite road, even though it was the hardest for his heart. This is why the "lwj actually is a sadist" doesn't sit well on how I see him. And even being finally free of the restrain, no feeling shame of his desires, it doesn't translate to me as sadism (we also have to put in context what the roleplay is, because actually I interpreted the incense dream in this way!) but the natural consequence of a guy with sharp corners who always feel too much, pining too much, crave too much, and he didn’t know how to do with these emotions because he also felt a bit alienated.

This post is going to be long sorry! I hope it doesn't bother you.

no worries!! lemme just put another read more here LMAO

i think this might just be a difference in interpretation of the wording, then? because by all means, lan wangji fits very well into the terminology of "sadist" in the sexual, bdsm context, he's not a true sadist! but this would mean getting into a whole other conversation about kink analysis and sex ed that i don't really have the energy right now kdjkdjhvjfh but be assured, it's not about lan wangji enjoying hurting people, it's just about him enjoying seeing wwx whine and cry and "fight back" (and then have some very sweet loving aftercare right after)

(funnily enough, even on your first ask, while i was still on the "HUH???" stage, i was reminded on this little section from the incense burner extra, and then thinking about it i was like "wait that person must have meant that other type of sadist")

and yep, on that whole "when did lwj begin 'doing research' by himself", i do tend to put it in his teenage years because of what MXTX said about the Lan library... *ahem* being a big library, but ngl i am also heavily influenced by that one audio drama extra where LQR says that LXC saw him studying a buddhist scripture very attentively and when LQR asks him about it he gets all flusteres, has a flashback to the libraru scene and then tells LQR "he doesn't fully understand the material yet" SKJDFHJKSDHFKJDSHK good teenji i love you. mxtx was so vague about it, and when reading the interview i still can't see it as "he only read it after wwx returned", only that he didnt do it suring those 13 years, which makes sense! my poor guy was grieving too much to get horny about gay sex with wei ying 😭 but considering how he did already know how to do it after guanyin temple, and up until that point LWJ still believed WWX had rejected him, i can only see him doing any actual research before wei wuxian died KDSFJHKDSKDJFHKJ

on everything you said about "But "the true beauty of lwj to me is that he has the potential of being a possessive husband (the whole hide wwx in gusu like his mother, deny him his freedom etc) but he always choose the opposite road, even though it was the hardest for his heart." i aboslutely agree with, and it's also one of my favorite things about lan wangji!!! he's so aware of his desires and what he should and shouldn't do, that when he does slip, he becomes SO frustrated with himself, he can only punch a tree and yell at wwx to get away from him, though it is that last part about how his sexual desires don't translate into sadism. it does, he is by definition a sadist!! just like wei wuxian is also by definition a masochist!! but ONLY in these sexual scenarios they create for themselves, and not in the actual, violent sense of the word that he finds actual joy in hurting people. context matters!!

[llycaons]

ep12: why doesn't anyone ever gif the manure scene?

I had such a great time watching this episode. it may be one of my favorites. it's funny. there's important relationship beats between the wens and wwx. there's drama. there's foreshadowing. the kids are not having a good time, but it's not so dire as to be painful to watch. lwj being wounded adds a flair to his character. and it has some nice wwx moments

he says this, and I believe he means it. he just can't help himself I fear

STAY AWAY FROM HER

ohhh bundled herbs from the ceiling

maybe one of the first Great Wei Wuxian Moments. god this was so funny. starting with the smirk at lwj like 'look what I'm about to do baby' such a showoff. and then the stretching. sob. I can't believe more people weren't in love with him

I read somewhere that wwx reciting the lan rules was like an injoke to the rest of the kids - they all shared this experience together than wen chao didn't. it's a reminder of a happier time, a reminder that they're all in this together. it makes jc roll his eyes, but jzx fights a smile

see, wwx complained about CR being strict and unfair, and it was, but they weren't at risk of this kind of physical violence or threats against their family. the food was apparently good. the lans were highly respected and the students learned important lessons about cultivation. although it seemed stressful at the time, it was probably the last extended period of time they were all safe and in a stable position. I mean, compared to being at the mercy of wen chao? man's a maniac. in CR they got to go to lantern festivals and weren't locked in their quarters

he's just very funny in this pose. and then they get called for MANURE DUTY and they're all like

THEY'RE ALL SO UPSET. LWJ IS SO MAD. HELP. wwx is like 'oh my god lan zhan. omg im sorry baby I never planned on this' lmao it's just manure. these rich guys could do a lot worse. it doesn't even smell that bad. and yeah I know I said in the past wwx is a sweetheart guy well now I think he's a baby guy

this visual is so funny

wwx standing up for himself 🥰🥰🥰🥰 god he is so badass he just grabbed that whip out of thin air. that would be a defining scene for a minor character but he does cooler shit on a daily basis so it's just a footnote

JZX STANDING UP FOR WWX! I seriously think in an AU where things didn't go to shit, they would have gotten along after growing up a bit

lwj was so ready to go into that dungeon with him but wwx refused...

HELLO ANIMATRONIC DOG!!!!!

you can't tell in a screenshot, but these walls are shaking as wwx pounds them in a way that makes it clear they're cheaply made and very thin irl. this adds to the charm I think

wq showing up to jc's prison/house and all either of them care about is wwx but then jc is like 'ummmm lady wen are you okay 🥺" and wq is like 'im fine gtg' it's so funny

WEN NING!!!!! HERO!!! I love seeing how early wn and wwx's bond became very strong. bc wwx and wen ning are both people who do the right thing no matter what authority tells them not to

Hellfire Palace....cool name

it is so sad to see wwx pretend like his injuries and mental trauma are nothing but even sadder is seeing jc yelling at him for not taking it seriously enough? dude, I think he knows how horrific it just was. HE WAS THERE. and if he won't take it seriously, doesn't that mean you just want to keep a closer eye on him instead of adding to his stress? god he sucks so bad as a caretaker and emotional support. I swear. I know jc cares about wwx but he constantly disregards his suffering even when he knows it has to be bad. there's being emotionally constipated then there's just being extremely emotionally neglectful of someone who you're supposed to care about. fucking jzx showed more defense and concern for wwx than jc did this episode

here's wwx holding jc back as wc threatens LP. he does the same for lwj, way later on

wen ning standing up to his sister!!! go wen ning!!!!

NHS EPIC FAINTING MOVE!!! love how we are never told how he gets back to qinghe. we just don't see him after this for a while and then he's back home. how? who knows. its nhs

WANG LINGJAO MY HORRIBLE QUEEN

um okay this is so funny. you can see lwj in pain trying to walk, wwx is watching with his heart clearly aching, wuji is going all gently. romantic moment incoming. but the thing is...everyone in this scene is just wandering very slowly in circles. wwx and jc are just standing there. lwj could also just be standing still like wwx is. there is no need to walk anywhere legend <3

jc going 'stop helping people!' kind of makes sense from the paranoid mind of a 16 year old boy, but in a moral, personal, AND political sense it doesn't. wwx sees someone he clearly cares about in need and wants to help them, and it's a sect heir! of course this is a good idea! jc knows that wwx won't walk away from something important to him, and it's just wrong to ignore him anyway when he could be disabled for life

jc seems to grasp at straws to keep wwx from leaving him. he leans on 'he doesn't like you' and 'focus on our family instead' even tho they are literally just standing there and I def think part of it is jealousy. he can tell wwx likes lwj and he's uneasy about wwx being pulled in another direction. also, panicked about their home being invaded and wanting all the support he can get. but wwx stands firm. there is something that needs doing! he will do it! I always liked this about him

oh, wwx removing jc's hand from his arm. the symbolism...

when he said this the first time I lose my mind, I was like "that's what YOU'RE always doing you dork!!!" on my first watch I hadn't known how the general caretaking dynamic would be between them and I still quite like wwx looking out for and protecting lwj. this is something they share, and something wwx mentions about wq too, early on

I just think this is a sweet and genuine smile

[eidelweissen]

Wangxian: why does it work? - ISTJ and ENTP compatibility analysis

I found this funny post in Quora and thought "this guy must know Wangxian, it's literally them".

And then I got a bit obsessed wondering: but if that's really the case, why does Wangxian work so well despite both characters being a clear-cut representation of an ISTJ and an ENTP?

Most would say that it's an incompatible and unlikely romantic couple in real life, arguing that the ENTP would get bored and the ISTJ overwhelmed. But MXTX managed to write them pretty realistically and to make them the protagonists of one of the most incredible love stories I've read.

We often pin their mutual attraction on their opposite personalities. And while this might be true in the initial stages of their relationship, this superficial attraction is only enough to spark curiosity, but not a real foundation for connection. However, MXTX very skillfully dives into that, putting them in situations that force their core values and true nature to come to the outside. In life or death situations, you either form an incredible bond with your companion or you end up hating each other to the guts. In the face of adversity, the differences between LWJ and WWX become insignificant in light of their dominant traits: a deeply caring and selfless nature that borders heroicity. It’s in the Xuanwu cave where this becomes clear chronologically, for the first time. They rely on each other to stay safe and sane throughout several days trapped in the cave. When their mental and physical strength are pushed t o the limit, it becomes clear that they are willing to risk their lives for each and other. That sets a foundation of mutual trust that persists through years and even through death, to the point that LWJ is convinced that WWX will return from the other world. It is no wonder that, after that, they both think of each other as a comforting and safe presence.

But the spark of attraction is much older than that, and their attention gravitates to one another since the very beginnig. WWX, being an analytical and observant type, is the only one who notices that LWJ is limping in an adverse situation, and the only who promptly offers a solution, as ENTPs are prone to do. ENTPs can come off as intrusive in offering help, but it is really a fruit of the cognitive empathy that comes from analyzing how others might be feeling when scanning the situation; which they constantly do, as Perceptive types.

MXTX does a great job foreshadowing and then stating their points of compatibility across the entire novel, continuously overlapping it to the displays of their differences: their shared values, their loyalty and their passion in defending those is where they find their common ground. They also share a strong sense of justice, which WWX understand through extroverted Intuitive function, so it comes off more passionate and assertive; while LWJ takes a logical and reserved, but equally firm approach. While bending the rules for the right reason comes naturally to WWX, it's a big development point for LWJ and a statement to his true depth, as well as his acceptance of WWX. Relationships, healthy ones, help us absorb those traits from our partners that will balance our natural disposition.

When these qualities shine through their outside demeanor, and the expression of their mutual admiration finally makes it through their barriers, a sense of assuredness grows between them. WWX no longer believes that LWJ thinks him disagreeable and inferior, while LWJ starts to trust that WWX genuinely enjoys his company and is not as shallow as he once thought.

As Thinking types, they both struggle with emotional barriers, though in very different ways, despite these being more evident in LWJ due to his Introverted nature. But let's note that WWX uses charm, teasing and casual flirting as to interact with people in a way that feelings aren’t involved, since that's his Extroverted inclination and what he thrives off. ENTPs perceive connections as a means to expose, develop and expand their inner world, and they build these words for other people to inhabitate and enrich. But that’s not evident at first, since he mostly interacts in a non-commital, flakey way. We only see him lowering his defenses and seeking true connection with softer types such as JYL, an INFP, or the people he feels a sense of loyalty towards, like JC. Even with them, he is often too occupied taking a practical approach to problems, and his optimistic, rational mindset often makes it difficult for himself and for others to realize his underlying pain. There are very few moments when he actually breaks down, and he mostly does it in solitude. However, as an ENTP and an eneatype 7, he doesn’t stay in the same place for long, either physically or mentally; which makes him incredibly resilient. Contrary to LWJ, who finds his resilience in dwelling in the depth of his feelings as uses these as a driving force, as his melancholic temperament style depicts.

LWJ, as an Introverted Thinking type, struggles even more forming deep connections. But he doesn't need casual interaction to thrive, neither does he feel the need to express his opinions and feelings unless he's asked directly. As a good ISTJ, though, it is very rare that he lies or beats around the bush when he decides to speak. But the quietness of the ocean, as we know, doesn't reflect its depth; and WWX, as an observant and curious type, eventually sees through that. ENTPs hyperfocus on the people they’re interested in, and try to understand them to the fullest, studying and turning around all the information available to contrast each side of the equation. He comes to realize thay LWJ is not self-righteous or arrogant as he once thought, and that he is, in fact, more exigent with himself that he is with anyone else, as the Perfectionists eneatypes 1 often are. He holds himself the the highest moral standards, and his self-discipline isn't but a means to achieve that. ENTPs are very quick in grasping inconsistencies and ulterior motives, and have low tolerance for mind-fuckery. It’s not strange that the consistency of LWJ’s character fascinates him, while also valuing his straightforward attitude; a trait that ENTPs share.

When the common ground of their core values is established, there’s a new openness to better understand and amold to each other. LWJ starts making active attempts to approach WWX for the first time. However, with WWX's temperament getting darkened from demonic cultivation, he is further alieneted from his feelings and his connection to others; so their coming together is only possible in his second life, when LWJ proves to be on his side from the very beginning. WWX, as ENTP who judges people and intentions through their actions but doesn’t usually hold grudges or petty impressions, has no choice but to accept a clear truth:  LWJ appreciates and respects him, perhaps more than anyone else.

His curiosity peaks at that point, as he tries to fit this new version of LWJ in the old memories from their previous life. If someone sparks an ENTP’s curiosity and sustain it over time, the ENTP will soon find themself half-way in love. In that regard, LWJ is a mystery to explore, even though solving the puzzle is not nearly as entertaining and testing its twists and turns and making him react through all sort of playful experimentation.

With that mutual core foundation, plus the mystery that LWJ poses to WWX, and the answer that WWX poses to LWJ after years of mourning him, the development comes naturally: they start to learn how to read and listen to one another while leaving aside any strong or definite judgements. WWX finds that LWJ, despite appearing indifferent, pays close attention his words and actions, and allows him total freedom to express himself and even share ridiculous ideas. In turn, with his curious disposition, always asking questions, he nudges LWJ to share more of himself. 

LWJ turns out to be a good listener and a good observer: a holy grail to an ENTP. As ENTPs are also extremely protective of the softer types, it's no wonder that WWX is delighted when he sees LWJ acting childishly when drunk, discovering a repressed playfulness in him that he never suspected - another layer of LWJ that puzzles and fascinates him, and another trait they have in common, even if in LWJ it's presented as a potential while to WWX it’s an inevitability. In the same way, LWJ is able to remind WWX to hold his horses when he's getting carried away, in a firm but not punitive manner that makes him feel guided instead of constrained.

On the other hand, ENTPs love to bounce off ideas with other people, often adopting an "opposite" stance so that no sides of the question are left unexplored. ENTPs don't mind being corrected, and respect people who can also act gracefully when contradicted. WWX enjoys discussing things in a friendly, casual way, but they also have a thick skin and aren’t easily offended, (even though they fiercely demand to be respected whenever violated). Accordingly, since they value fairess and integrity, they hate fallacies or any attempts to manipulate the facts and the truth. They are not afraid of calling out any perceived untruthfulness and lack of consistency. Similarly, as a Logistic type, neither does LWJ, even though he tends to make those statements through unambiguous actions rather than words.

While WWX is emotionally flexible, there’s a stubbornness in LWJ that comes between them at the beginning. Their relationship only starts to smooth out when he learns that his upbringing is not the only valid lens to judge the world (a huge deed, since he is a Judging type and also a 1 eneatype), and learns to differentiate between the shallow "forms of propriety" and the deeper ways of embodying his core values, such as humility, open-mindedness and generosity. Values who are clearly mirrored by WWX in his own ways. 

However, even after their dynamic smooths out in their early adulthood, the romantic feelings only start to take off when WWX overcomes his main challenge as an ENTP: identifying the depth of his feelings and ~taking ~ them ~ seriously~. Speaking as an ENTP: yes, we can rationally name our feelings (and we have A LOT of them) at any given moment; but placing them as top priority and acting on them is a different matter. We are likely to talk impulsively, but we are very unlikely to make important decision based on emotion.

Post-resurrection, it’s not only miscommunication what comes between them: both of them can be very clear when they want to. They are synchronized enough that they come to understand each other's intentions with a glance. The problem is that you simply cannot communicate feelings you are not aware of; not intentonally at least, if playing hide and seek and giving reward kisses to your bro counts for something. 

Really, unlike the stereotype says, ENTPs are not turned off by quiet types (see how much we love INFPs and INFJs!), and we don't mind carrying the entire conversation as long as we perceive signs of interest. We LOVE a good listener as much as a good debater. Conversely, our major turn-off is talking to people who aren't interested in any insight besides their own, who can’t truly listen and who are hypersensitive to differences. Not only there's nothing less stimulating than one-sided conversations where an ENTP's word is minimized or ignored, but it also feels very constricting. if that happens, we quickly go back into our minds, where it's safe to imagine, analyze and create.

LWJ, in his attentive quietness, simulates that exact safe space of the mind of an ENTP. WWX learns to trust that he will pay attention, whether he responds or not, and that he won't lose his patience with WWX's disorganized flux of ideas, even feeling the freedom to act ridiculous without fear of harsh judgement. LWJ also learns that this trait of WWX doesn't reflect the true solidity of his character, and trusts WWX to be grounded and resourseful when needed. Post-resurrectjon, LWJ feels no longer the need to shatter WWX's playful bubble with his matter-of-factly nature, and he even joins it with his own sense of humour on occasion.

This allows WWX to expand and explore different mind processes out loud, no matter of how little importance; ENTPs love carefree fun as much as they enjoy productivity and intellectual expansion. Words are their main tool for that. LWJ, in turn, doesn't need to partake very strongly in WWX's musings to enjoy them and encourage them. As Thinking types, they both have a tendency to isolate at times, so they both understand that need. And they are comfortable enough around each other that they can focus in their own endeavours while sharing the same physical space. LWJ is not bothered by WWX's occasional comments, since he doesn’t feel obligated to respond, knowing that WWX's enjoys talking out loud for the sake of organizing and externalizing ideas. And WWX, as an equally independent type, knows how to entertain himself and have fun with any available means even without the input of others.

While this dynamic would be typically boring and exhausting for an ISTJ-ENTP couple, once their main personal challanges are overcome, the patience, flexibility and acceptance that is born from the differences is what remains. Their experience of death plays a big part in putting things into perspective, and sheds light on what is truly important to them: kindness, trust, companionship and loyalty.

[boxofdice]

Three attempts on answering the ot3 meme for Chengyi, in chronological order.

1

I've kept thinking about this and my first instinct is to go with Sizhui because I like the dynamics I've devised for them, at least in my head.

I think Sizhui and Jingyi would be good for JC and he'd be either awkwardly sincere or the other angle, more experienced and showing them the ropes (if I headcanon him that way, as in not sex-repulsed).

For me, that ship feels more like a Vee of JC/LSZ and JC/LJY with either a platonic or queerplatonic relationship between Jingyi and Sizhui.

But then I thought, what if that's just my bias and not enough in the spirit of the meme?

Which is silly, it's a *meme*, but yeah. Thanks, brain.

So I thought up some more ships that might be, well, still biased but also considering JC and Jingyi's characters a bit and the inherent way I see their ship dynamic.

My problem is that Chengyi feels very contained for me.

As if they wouldn't actually *need* to have someone balance them out.

But it might be fun. So.

My second choice is also kinda biased, Wei Wuxian, but I also encountered a WWX/LJY fic once (which I can't remember if I read or not?) so that was my next idea.

But I'm also fond of Lan Wangji, so, OT4.

It might work?

Three of the prettiest men in the cultivation world.

I headcanon Jingyi as more or less unable to resist that temptation.

I think he and Wei Wuxian could have a lot of fun together, as a ship and platonically, and that might soften some of the emotional baggage of the other relationships involved.

Then, my other ideas are NHS and Wen Ning.

There's fic for the JC/NHS/LJY ship which I have a slight interest in reading one day (there are so many ships I haven't read yet).

There's a bit of power imbalance in it at times that's not quite my cup though.

Mostly hinging on how the author writes and interprets Nie Huaisang's canon actions/motivations and character in general.

It depends. :/ I'm just soft, you know?

I like Wen Ning and am pretty sure Jingyi does, too, and (and I read fic once…) they could probably work something out involving JC?

Even if the range between JC/WN interpretation can go from 'it's complicated' to 'we really hated each other's guts'.

Then there's LXC, and again, I've read fic of that threesome(and even finished it. Mostly.) and Xicheng is moderately common (which means many interpretations but also many angles it might be able to work. Or fail.) but I also found the LXC/LJY relationship interesting.

They're probably not that closely related, right?

Which is one of the questions involved in this, as well as how personal LXC and Jingyi know each other.

Just in the same sect? Knowing of each other but no closer bond?

Cousins?

Mentor and protégé?

2

I'm a bit late with this but I still have some far older unanswered asks, so.

This is almost fast all things considered.

For me, Chengyi is my go-to ship for a fun read, when I want to ship JC with someone he doesn't have age-old baggage with.

Angst is fine but I need some silver lining.

It's pretty hard for me to pick a third for them but I'll talk a bit about the ones I'd consider.

Because I am a JC shipper, they are mostly from that angle first and also because he has connections to the others that Lan Jingyi sometimes lacks.

There's Nie Huaisang, Lan Xichen, possibly Wei Wuxian with or without Lan Wangji,

3

Chengyi ot3 meme

All right, this is my third try to get this answered.

Just a caveat.

I have been thinking this over and always come to the same conclusion: I have already settled on an answer but am scared of my own boldness.

It's because shipping is a very personal thing and sometimes causes backlash.

I don't like backlash (who does?) but I still wanted to answer this.

Every time I thought about a possible third for this ship and went through the other alive characters at the end of canon, I thought: but I want it to be Sizhui!

So I'll throw caution to the wind and say, yes, it's Sizhui.

Jiang Cheng gets followed by two adorable, smitten ducklings.

Now I have ideas about this *sigh*.

I actually headcanon that Jiang Cheng eventually figures out who Sizhui is, or was, either before Wei Wuxian's return or after because Wen Ning follows him on night hunts.

One of my other headcanons is that Jiang Cheng doesn't want him dead, for being a Wen.

It could be my hopeful interpretation of CQL Jiang Cheng but I actually think he would have some scruples about killing children.

(That sounds awful out of context but most people in MDZS are a bit awful, it's a lighter grey and darker grey spectrum.)

The same post on Dreamwidth.

[stiricidewrites]

All the Things We’ll Leave Behind: ch 31, pt 1

Super short little chapter to finish up the day~

Note: there's an extra that goes between this chapter and the last, but I haven't finished it yet. I meant to this weekend, but then my mom ended up in the ER Thursday night. She's fine (mostly, needs to see a not-shitty, condescending, mansplaining ER doctor for follow up, though) but it screwed up my timing on things!

Anyways, the thing to know is that, regardless of if you want to read any explicit lwj/jzxuan/wwx stuff, the boys are just gonna be extra comfy with each other? We all need friends we can snuggle with, and lwj and jzxuan have become those friends, regardless of what happens behind the scenes.

Previously

~

lwj set the last of the rabbits into their new, more-or-less temporary home. The items his mate had sent them were extensive, although they wouldn’t do for very long, not with this many rabbits squished into so small a space. jzxuan sat on the couch behind him, looking for how to get rid of so many rabbits quickly—in ways that didn’t involve rabbit stew or any other such thing. wwx had joked about that—about cooking them up. It had not gone over well with either him or jzxuan.

So bad, in fact, that lwj had hung up on him. He had called a few times—all of which lwj ignored—before lunch had been delivered to their door, accompanied by a sad little apology note.

jzxuan appeared to know a bit about animals, saying that he had owned dogs most of his life, although not currently. lwj had been tempted to ask why not, but a look had passed through the other alpha’s eyes, and he had had the sense that whatever had happened, he didn’t want to talk about it. Regardless, the other man had designated himself as responsible for searching up ways to rehome the bunnies, while lwj set up their new enclosure.

It was… not pretty, but it would do, for the moment. wwx had suggested they move them into his mostly unused office, but when lwj and jzxuan had poked their nose into the room, it had been an absolute disaster. Decimated may have been too strong a word for the living room, but it wasn’t harsh enough for the state of wwx’s office.

His friend had even texted the teenager who had helped them the night before to ask if she had messed around in the office. It had taken her a while to respond, but she had assured them that no, she had not touched that room. She had opened the door to the office, gone fuck no, and closed it right back up.

In other news, the rabbits she had taken were doing well, and she had sent them a few photos of the black and brown rabbits buried in her bed. She apparently hadn’t told her mother about them yet, something about a “bitchy omega princess meeting,” which lwj didn’t understand, and his friend hadn’t bothered to explain.

Becca had also awkwardly informed them that they had all fucked up (read: mostly she had fucked up), because no one had bothered telling the rest of the teenagers that they had found lwj. They had searched until nearly midnight—by which point lwj, jzxuan and Becca were all fast asleep—before giving up. They were not happy to have been left searching for a not-so missing alpha, and demanded rabbits as payment.

jzxuan had given Becca the name of the man who had delivered all of wwx’s gifts—apparently the proprietor of a farming store from a few towns over. Becca and the local teens were going to go over and collect what they needed for their new pets, then lwj would allow the teens to come get themselves two or three each—with their parents' permission, of course.

He may also have plans to test their knowledge of rabbit care, before letting them take any away. He refused to let unqualified children take living, breathing creatures into their homes.

[ninjakk]

Hi.Your meta make me so happy because your meta wrote to the point of how wangxian love is mutual and wei ying had feelings and loved lan zhan back in his past life also.

I would like to ask you something from the novel that I didn't catch the meaning and have been in my mind for a while. It is the scene I didn't remember the exact dialogue but before wei ying jump from the coffin, he touch lan zhan face with his hands which had his(wei ying) blood when drawing the array and the way dialogue said is wanted to point out something?

Thank you for your metas. Hope you have a nice day.

Hi Anon,

Thank you for your lovely comments about my meta 🥰 I'm glad you enjoy it.

Yes! WX were obsessed with each other and whoever says otherwise simply didn't read the novel very well 🤷🏼‍♀️

So I'm assuming the part you are referring to is this scene in Guanyin Temple:

He was much taller standing on the coffin. Lan WangJi put his guqin away and looked up at him with the pair of light eyes.

Wei WuXian looked down and couldn’t help but touch the fair face with his right hand, adding a few blood-red marks, by accident or on purpose. Lan WangJi didn’t worry too much about it, “Come down.”

Wei WuXian hopped down with a grin before he was caught right inside those arms.

Chapter 108 - ExR

It's funny, because I actually love this scene and it's one I want to write about at some point. I think it's just so cute how natural their rhythm is when working together. WX have had a natural synchronicity with each other for a long time, as we've seen when they work so seamlessly together many times now - even in WWXs first life. But because they are finally completely in tune with each other, body and soul - it's just even more beautiful.

I think the main point of this tiny scene is just to show how comfortable they are with each other now, especially WWX with LWJ. If you look back throughout some of their earlier interactions, WWX is very conscious about getting LWJ dirty, especially with his blood.

Wei WuXian could barely manage to stand, holding onto Lan WangJi’s arm. Seeing that the white clothes that Lan WangJi had just changed into were dyed red by his blood again, he couldn’t help but reached out to wipe them, worried in an ill-timed way, I made his clothes dirty again.

Chapter 88

WWX is about to lose consciousness, but he's still making a fuss over LWJ, which is adorable. He knows that LWJ always looks pristine and probably prefers to stay clean, so he's concerned about marking his clothes with blood.

A heavy scent of blood also felt stuffed in his chest. It was more than uncomfortable. He was worried that he might cough blood onto the clean-loving Lan WangJi again.

Chapter 90

Again, WWX has just regained consciousness and he's trying hard not to cover LWJ in his blood again.

So back to your question, about WWX possibly 'inadvertently' wiping blood on LWJ's cheek. I personally always felt this was a really sweet gesture in a way. Now he knows LWJ loves him unconditionally, that he will accept anything and everything he gives him, WWX is comfortable enough not to worry about getting him dirty anymore.

It could also be a way for WWX to tease LWJ a little, smearing him with a bit of his bodily fluid, making the usually pristine HanGuang-Jun less than presentable... Marking him with his blood. And we all know WWX loves to rile him up.

But overall, I think it's probably up to the reader's own interpretation 😊

Thanks again Anon! Hope you u have a lovely day as well 😘

[chaos0pikachu]

ooh ooh ooh, for the meme, tell me the character everyone gets wrong in both mdzs AND in kinnporsche 🧋

oh girl MDZS is to easy we all know it's a mix of JGY first and foremost but know what I'd also say WWX especially if people have only watched the LA and not read the novel. What I like about MXTX's work in general is all the characters are interesting in some way even if I don't "stan" them or whatever.

Like I don't stan JC but he's still an interesting character in his own right. WWX is an interesting character, I really like them, but fandom has a tendency to do the opposite to him what folks do to JGY. Folks like to Bond Villain JGY and woobie-fy WWX. Which flattens both characters to their most trope-y basic parts. Fans don't seem to want to confront and include the good aspects of JGY and the net good he does in the novel, just like they don't want to confront the negative aspects of WWX and the harm he did to others (also being self-destructive like that's a char flaw and not a uwu he hates himself uwu like self-destructive behavior is a BAD thing it's not cute).

I can get behind slut!WWX with the best of them but also acknowledge that when pushed, and at his worse, he also murdered a fuckton of people lol

For Kinnporsche, hmmmmm surprisingly I feel like majority of fandom has a decent grasp on the characters as they're presented in canon. For a bit I'd say people were struggling with understand Kinn and surprisingly, Pete.

Kinn was obvious, Porsche is our beloved and Kinn hurt him (around the Tawan arc) so sympathy was more inclined to go towards Porsche than people trying to understand Kinn's POV. I think one thing fandom was struggling with was understanding Kinn's filiality towards his father (sound familiar? lol) and the mafia life. Porsche's problems - being poor, feeling out of his depth, being insecure about his relationship with Kinn when an old ex shows up - are much more relatable than the weight of being a mafia heir lol

For Pete, well for a while there was this idea that Pete was like...a good person??? Which I thought was baffling. It goes back to this violence thing, audiences tend to only care about violence if it happens on screen, and even then only if it happens to chars they feel emotionally attached to. Like if Pete had beat up Chay or something to protect Vegas (which I could see him doing tbh) I think fans would view Pete as more idk "bad" I guess. I don't view Pete as an either/or but a both/and. Pete, like most of the chars in KP lives by his own internal moral code.

Like, Pete kills people. That's a thing he does. On screen even. He has no qualms about murdering people for the betterment of the main family, and later to protect Vegas. He's a perfect match for Vegas in that sense, because he's self-aware enough about himself to know he's a violent person, or at least is fine with violence. He doesn't shake or look away when Vegas is torturing a man (in his hilarious murder poncho at that). I like Pete as a character for that reason because he's set up as the BL tropey best friend of the protag but he ends up being way more than that.

🔥 CHOOSE VIOLENCE ASK GAME 🔥

[vrishchikawrites]

Post-post-post cannon Wangxian being completely in love in the cloud recessess as teenagers who time travelled back to their own 16-17 year old bodies on accident.

In love. Wangxian are in love. In love. Just smooph and fluff.

Like they're effortlessly in love. (No matter how much Jiang Cheng yells and ties to control Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian casually refuses to hear any of it, as he'd been ignoring Jiang Cheng's homophobia and hate forever by the time they both came back by accident. )

Also wwx doesn't hide his genius and every one around him is like senpai *heart eyes* (honestly he's almost forgotten how to hide his effortless genius.)

(Just FYI, don't have to include this: this Wei Wuxian has long since come to terms with all his war and Sunshot and Shiji related trauma— just FYI.)

I just want to read as much of the smooph, smushy fluff and love you can stomach writing please.

Extra points if you can show them both just effortlessly and absentmindedly flirting.

(You don't have to incude this, but: They just take like a weekend off and go raze the main Wen family to the ground casually— back late with Starbucks— "We were night hunting. What do you mean the Wen family died? So sad. We feel so bad. Don't we feel bad?" " Mm. Feel bad.")

Thank you so much for existing in this fandom. I love your fics. I love you. 💖

Xichen is proud of his brother but he can't deny that he is sometimes concerned for him as well. Wangji is a dedicated and accomplished disciple but he is isolated from his peers. Xichen has friends and confidants but Wangji is simply content to be by himself.

That is concerning, even for a Lan.

He had hopes that incoming disciples would manage to shake him up a little but that hope didn't last long. Year after year, Wangji continued to remain aloof, not expressing any interest in the disciples.

But something has changed this year. Xichen didn't even know what was going on until a few weeks into the introduction of the guest disciples.

He spots them by chance. Young Master Wei is cheerfully waving at a vendor, his smile wide and bright, ensnaring the old woman's entire attention.

Wangji is right by him, Bichen in one hand but the other…

The other is placed on the small of Wei-gongzi's back.

Xichen watches as they move on from the vendor. He sees how Wangji seems to shield Wei-gongzi from the crowd, angling his body slightly to ensure his companion can walk freely.

It is a gesture of protectiveness. It is a gesture of possession.

Xichen studies their body language carefully. Wangji seems content to follow Wei-gongzi around, his expression closed but gentle. There are no frosty glares or pursed lips. His brother, for once, looks entirely relaxed. Everything about him is loose and easy underneath all of his Lan elegance. His shoulders slope gently, his spine isn't as rigid, and his walk is steady.

The First Jade has never seen his brother look so settled.

Wei Wuxian seems happy too, his smile incandescent and lovely. Almost as tall as Wangji, the boy is the very antithesis of his brother. While Wangji is sedate and content, Wei Wuxian is nearly bursting with energy and joy. His silver eyes sparkle in the sunlight and his long hair sways with every movement of his body.

Xichen's heart softens at the glimpse of such open beauty. There's certainly something alluring about Young Master Wei. He seems to suffuse his surroundings with happiness.

There's something in the air around them.

Despite his lively mind wandering from one stall to another, Wei-gongzi always finds his way back to Wangji, looking at him with a hopeful smile and a cheerful comment.

His brother's expression is unfamiliar to him. Wangji looks like his entire world is smiling up at him.

'Is this love?' He wonders to himself as he watches his brother gently pull Wei-gongzi out of a running child's way. He doesn't miss how the touch lingers, fingers curling slightly around the slender wrist before pulling away.

There are many eyes following Wangji and his friend, and all of them have indulgent expressions. The people of Caiyi town have seen Wangji since he was a child. They know him and his nature well enough.

Xichen suspects they're just as happy to see Wangji roaming the markets leisurely as a pretty butterfly flutters around him.

"Is that Lan Wangji?" Nei Mingjue observes, stepping up beside him.

Xichen nods, "And his friend, Wei Wuxian."

"Hm," his friend says, "I've been hearing that name a lot recently. They say the only reason Jin Zuxian beat him in the rankings is because of his looks."

Xichen chuckles at Mingjue's tone, "Ah, Da-ge, you must hate that."

His friend rolls his eyes, taking a sip of his tea. "How do looks matter when you're facing down Fierce Corpses?"

"From what shufu says, Young Master Wei is Wangji's equal in many ways." Shufu had been wary at first, wondering what sort of chaos the son of Cangse Sanren would bring to Cloud Recesses. So far, Wei Wuxian has proven to be a mischievous but brilliant student. "He challenges shufu in class. They end up having loud, angry debates," Xichen chuckles because he knows his uncle, despite all appearances, loves being stimulated, "He mentions the boy often." There's a comment about Wei Wuxian almost every time he has tea with his uncle.

He looks at the two younger master's thoughtfully, "I didn't expect this."

"Are they courting?" Nei Mingjue asks bluntly, "Because your little brother is acting like a husband already."

Xichen stills and looks at the pair again. That is what's off about their body language. They move around each other confidently, not like a young couple in fresh blooms of love.

There are no tentative glances, awkward touches, and hyperawareness. Wangji touches Wei Wuxian like it is his right. Like he is confident that his touch is welcome and desired.

For a moment, he feels a pang of worry. Xichen looks at Wei Wuxian, studying him carefully to see if there's any sign of strain or distress.

He finds nothing. Wei-gongzi responds to every gesture of affection like a flower blooming under the Sun.

"Ah." He realizes, "You think…?"

"Strong bonds form quickly between cultivators with matching potential." Nei Mingjue observes, "It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. Your brother looks a little too enamored for this to be a teenage fancy."

Well, isn't this an interesting development?

---

"Your hair looks nice," Nie Huaisang says, hiding a smile behind his fan. Wei-xiong always looks good but there's something particularly radiant about him now. He seems to stand a bit taller, carry himself with a bit more confidence. His gestures seem stronger, somehow carrying more authority than before.

But the hair intrigues him. There's a glittering silver hairpiece in it and the strands of ebony are tied up in a neat style.

Neater than Wei-xiong's usual style. While Huaisang is certain Wei-xiong is perfectly capable of making himself as elegant as the Jades of Lan, he usually doesn't bother.

This was done by someone else's careful, loving, hand.

Jiang Yanli isn't at Cloud Recesses and Jiang Cheng would rather burn his own hands than show even an ounce of love towards his shixiong - something pricks when he thinks about that.

So there's someone else, someone willing to comb Wei-xiong's hair until every strand is glossy and straight, before tying it up with a silver and jade pin that looks expensive.

Wei-xiong is courting- no, he corrects himself, watching his friend wave enthusiastically at Lan Wangji, 'Wei-xiong is being courted.'

Wangji-xiong bows to his brother and walks towards Wei-xiong, his gaze softer than usual. His friend is smiling widely and immediately dissolves into excited chatter. Wangji-xiong doesn't seem bothered, just nodding occasionally and watching with indulgent patience.

There's something entirely lovely about the way Wangji-xiong's eyes remain fixed on Wei Wuxian's face. It is like nothing else is more important to him than Wei-xiong's smile and cheerful voice.

Standing together in the courtyard, both clad in white and glowing under the warm light of the morning sun, they look stunning. Huaisang's romantic heart sighs at the sight.

"What is he doing?" Jiang Wanyin hisses and Huaisang looks at him, startled by his icy tone, "I can't believe he's making a nuisance of himself again!"

"Jiang-gongzi-"

"Wei Wuxian! What are you doing, messing around?"

The loud voice catches almost everyone's attention. Wei-xiong looks over his shoulder and Wangji-xiong's expression turns frosty, all warmth draining from it immediately.

"Aiya, Jiang Cheng," Wei-xiong grins but it doesn't have that sheepish, placating quality that Huaisang had seen before, on those rare occasions he visited Lotus Pier with his da-ge. This grin was full of confidence and almost... dismissal. "Why are you angry now?"

Was that tone... mocking?

Huaisang's lips twitch as Jiang-gongzi swells further with rage, "Wei Wuxian! How can you be so shameless? Imposing yourself on Lan Wangji, always trying to distract him. Think of our sect's reputation for once!"

"Do not speak for me." Wangji-xiong's voice is icy and it cuts Jiang-gongzi's rant short immediately, "Wei Ying is free to seek me out whenever he wishes. No one may stop him."

And that seems to be that. Wei-xiong laughs and Wangji-xiong guides him away gently like he's someone delicate and not the strongest cultivator of their generation.

But, Huaisang muses, even strong people deserve gentleness.

---

"Da-shixiong! Show us that one again," A Jiang disciple demands and Wangji looks up from his work. He has clear sight of the training ground from where he's sitting. Wei Ying is standing in the middle, surrounded by a few Jiang and Lan disciples.

They're all looking at him in adoration.

Wangji feels a flood of amusement and sets his work aside, content to take a small break. It is always a treat to see his husband in his element; teaching people and nurturing young minds. They may be back in their teenage bodies, but their soul is much older.

Wei Ying, with his natural ability to charm juniors and his hard-earned wisdom, is the perfect teacher.

"It is amusing to see you so smitten," Wangji looks up to see his brother smiling at him, "Wei-gongzi must be very special, yes?"

His brother probably aims to fluster him, he is so fond of teasing Wangji. But Wangji had been Wei Ying's husband for more than a decade before an accident sent them back in time. He is no longer flustered or overwhelmed by his feelings. "Very special," He agrees, unable to help glancing back at his beloved, "Very lovely."

Xichen chuckles, "He is indeed lovely." His expression turns sly, "Do I need to speak with Uncle? Betrothal negotiations may be complicated in this case."

Wangji remains unphased, "You may," He says calmly, much to his brother's surprise, "Wei Ying will marry into the Lans. Give no concession to the Jiangs. He is just their Head Disciple, not the part of the family."

"Wangji," His brother breathes, "You're that invested?"

"Un. Will marry Wei Ying. Give him a better life. A life of dignity, freedom, and respect. Free of unnecessary debt that no one should foist on a child."

That is enough for Xichen to understand. His gaze turns solemn and he looks at Wei Ying carefully, "If that is what you wish, brother, you will have it."

---

Wangji feels his heart still when he steps into the library pavilion. He gazes at the scene before him, feeling the stiff formality of his expression melt away.

Wei Ying is beautiful, sitting there and reading peacefully. The evening sunlight envelopes him, giving him an ethereal glow. He traces his husband's features, feeling something akin to desperate love. It has been so since he saw this face and this body. Mo Xuanyu didn't lack beauty and Wei Ying's radiant personality had only added to it.

But this is Wei Ying's true body.

Helplessly drawn, he steps forward. "Xingan."

Wei Ying looks up, startled to hear such an endearment aloud. Immediately, his face is aglow with a pretty blush even as he laughs teasingly, "Lan Zhan! Don't be so bold!"

He walks towards Wei Ying and settles down by him, closer than truly appropriate but this is his husband. "Research?"

Wei Ying smiles, drawing Wangji's attention to his lips. There's no one in the library so Wangji permits himself the touch, reaching forward to gently caress them, "Such beauty." He whispers.

Wei Ying blushes again, "Er-gege," He protests, "Have mercy on my heart."

His fingers slide under Wei Ying's jaw, drawing him in gently. His husband is sweet and compliant as Wangji kisses him, an innocent brush of lips and nothing more. "My Wei Ying." His voice is low, heated in ways Wei Ying recognizes. He watches as those enchanting silver eyes brighten with passion.

His Wei Ying buries his warm face in his neck with a moan of protest, "Mercy, husband. You're so cruel to tease me like this when you can't take me to bed."

It is indeed a challenge to not have their 'everyday' but Wangji can be patient. Xiongzhang is already working on it.

For now, he is content.

They sit like that for a long time, Wei Ying leaning against him, trusting and calm. No one disturbs them and Xichen only stops by once, smiling knowingly in their direction and pointedly ignoring Wangji's restraining hand around Wei Ying's waist, stopping him from pulling away.

They spend the rest of the evening exchanging soft murmurs and softer kisses.

Nothing will stand in their way this time.

[drwcn]

I loved your fem lwj take on things. How would thibgs go if WWX was the lady? Other than ppl assuming she stood up for the Wens bcs she jad feelings for WN ( and that Yuan was hers)

Heyyy friend, I think I’ve seen a couple of girl!wwx fics floating around in ao3 so i certainly won’t be the first :P.

Also I completely misread your ask initially, I thought you were asking me what I think would happen if A-Yuan was WWX’s kid, and I was like oh?? But then I realize wait... I can make it worse.  

Today, I decided that my mortal soul doesn’t matter, so here we go. Let’s see how accursed I can make this idea: 

[1]

It started with Jiang Cheng. Jiang Wanyin had set out for the Burial Mount with the explicit goal of throttling speaking with Wei Wuxian, but what greeted him at the entrance of the “Demon Subduing Palace” — more of a cave than anything really — was not his martial sister, but Wen Ning. Well, what had once been Wen Ning.

Black veins ran across his pale, ashen face, down his equally ashen neck , and into the major veins beneath his clavicles covered by the collars of his black threadbare robes. Lifeless eyes, white as his skin, stared into a void the living could not see. There were talismans littering his body, and Jiang Cheng knew that when he spoke to this fierce corpse, he was not speaking to the young Wen boy, but to his mistress who controlled him with her demonic cultivation. 

Wei Wuxian refused to face him. Refused him explanation. Refused him closure.

“Er-jie!” Jiang Cheng screamed into the stony expressionless face of Wen Qionglin. “If you continue to protect them, then I can’t protect you!!” 

There was no response. 

Suddenly, just as Jiang Cheng was about to kick and fight his way into the cave, Wen Ning thrusted out his right fist, and in his grasp was a piece of purple silk. Jiang Cheng unfolded the silk, vaguely recognizing that it had been cut from someone’s robe, and saw what was wrapped within was a slip of parchment.

割袍断义*, the paper read. Tell the world that I, Wei Wuxian, first disciple of Yunmeng Jiang has forever defected (Note: 割袍断义- to rip one's robe as a sign of repudiating a sworn brotherhood (idiom)).

With this, there was nothing left to say. Hurt and furious, Jiang Wanyin threw the piece of parchment onto the dirt ground, grinded his heel down on it, and left the Burial Mount without ever having drawn Sandu. 

Inside the cave, Wen Qing held Wei Wuxian’s hand. “Why won’t you just tell him? He’s your brother; he can help you, you can —” 

Wei Wuxian’s mile long stare seemed to be gazing at something — someone — very far away. Slowly, she placed her other palm over her belly, which horrifically was already starting to round out. “Nobody can help me now, Qing-jie.”

“I can,” said Wen Qing, blunt as ever. “I can make it go away, if you want.”

“No.” A droplet of tear escaped pass long lashes. “No.” 

[2] 

It continued with Jiang Cheng.

On a snowy night, the first winter after Wei Wuxian escaped with the Wen remnants to the Burial Mount, Jiang Cheng was rudely awakened from his slumber by a less-than-stealthy intruder breaking and entering into his bed chamber.

Zidian whipped through the air, lighting the room with her eerie violet glow, before the intruder could think to take one more step. It was a man, judging from his silhouette colliding against the wall and the pained groan he made in response. The very next second, the tail of Zidian coiled tightly around his neck and dragged him across the floor towards beneath Jiang Cheng’s waiting foot. 

The Sect Master of Yunmeng Jiang summoned Sandu, ready to deliver the final strike, but just as his blade sailed towards the intruder’s chest, a pale arm jutted upwards, blocking Sandu’s descent and revealing a pale hand holding a … a... 

Even in the dark, Jiang Cheng immediately recognized the mahogany comb. 

“Jiang — ! Zongzhu —!” The man croaked out urgently, throat still stomped on by Jiang Cheng’s foot. It was - it was Wen Ning?!

Jiang Cheng looked him over. He was pale, yes, but his eyes appeared human. His hair was brushed and haphazardly done up in a farmer’s top knot. He was wearing farmer’s clothing too, probably more inconspicuous for travel than his Ghost General getup.  

“Jiang-zongzhu! P—please!!”

No, impossible. 

“Wei — Wei-guniang—”

Jiang Cheng lifted his foot and dragged Wen Ning up in a split second. “What’s wrong with Wei Wuxian?!”  Wen Ning coughed and shook his head desperately. “No time to explain. My sister asked me to fetch you. Please, you have to come! Wei-guniang’s life is in danger! If you won’t come, I’ll...I’ll have to go to Gusu, and I don’t know if - if -” 

Jiang Cheng followed Wen Ning. 

For speed, they travelled by sword, but even so, dawn was breaking by the time they arrived. The crowd of Burial Mount’s villagers huddling anxiously outside of the Demon Subduing Palace parted for them upon their arrival. Jiang Cheng took a moment to gather himself and square his shoulders. Whatever it was; he was ready.  

He was wrong. None of the dozens of scenario he had agonized over on the flight here could have prepared him for what awaited him inside. 

Wen Qing, pale and drenched in sweat, was near complete spiritual collapse, and without Wen Qing’s spiritual energy sustaining her, the single tenuous thread by which Wei Wuxian’s life hung on would have undoubtedly snapped under the toil and devastation her body had been put through. 

There was so much blood, so, so much blood everywhere, and amidst the blood, there was a baby. 

Fuck. 

Jiang Cheng transfused his sister half of his total spiritual reserve over the course of a day, while an exhausted but unrelenting Wen Qing worked diligently under blood-soaked sheets. 

Then at dusk, when the storm finally passed, Jiang Cheng sat at the mouth of the cave with a tiny, perfect little human — a girl, a niece! —  in his arms and cursed Lan Wangji’s name. 

Wen Qing was extremely clear with them: 孩子要是留在这里，养不活。

If the newborn was left to be raised at the Burial Mount, she would not live. And so, because parting was inevitable from the start, Wei Wuxian adamantly refused to hold or nurse the child. Her child. 

I can’t. If I do, I won’t be able to let her go. Those dark eyes burned with more than just the delirium of her childbed fever. For once, Jiang Cheng could not find it in himself to argue.

Thus, he took his niece home and named her Jiang Yan 江曕. The name was not his doing. His foolish, misguided, stubborn sister had stroked her daughter’s soft, baby cheek and whispered it to her as a farewell gift. 

Yan - to be bathed in daylight. In the end, when given a choice, Wei Wuxian still opted for her child to walk on broad sunny road. 

It made Jiang Cheng wonder why, then, she would choose the dark twisted path for herself instead. 

[3] 

It ended with Jiang Cheng. 

The truth was simple: Jiang Wanyin killed his shijie Wei Wuxian. He did. He meant to. 

He killed her. But that did not mean he wanted her dead. 

In one day, he had lost both of his sisters, leaving two orphans in their wake. Jiang Cheng could not ignore the cruel irony of their fate: one’s father murdered by his aunt, and other’s mother murdered by her uncle. 

This was the kind of tragedy fairytales were made of, and if there were anything left in him to shed tears over it, he would.  Standing amongst Nevernight’s carnage, he could not dredge up even a single drop of tear.  

Jiang Cheng didn’t know how he could return home to Lotus Pier to face that cherub face, always so happy, so sweet, so utterly untainted by the world. She had her mother’s smile. Yan'er was starting to learn how to speak. Her first words were da-da. 

Da-da. Die-die. Father. 

He was standing beside her father now. 

Lan Wangji. Devastated. Destroyed. …Deceived.

Jiang Cheng hated him so much, so fucking much that for one insane second, he thought about telling Lan Wangji the truth just to see what would happen. Maybe he would run Jiang Cheng through with his Bichen - that would be a relief now, wouldn’t it? - or maybe he would jump after Wei Wuxian. 

Truly, if he knew, he would. Jump, that is. Jiang Cheng was almost entirely sure. Oh the utter melodrama that would inspire indeed!  

But then... 

Wei Ying birthed you a daughter, a lovely, perfect, blessed little girl, and she carried that secret to her grave. I may be damned by my actions, but you, who have done nothing for her and taken everything, why should you deserve something as sacred as the truth?

Jiang Cheng turned away. 

He was acutely aware that one day Jiang Yan may very well be the literal death of him. After all — 杀母之仇不共戴天 — one cannot tolerate living under the same sky as the murderer of one’s mother. 

Be that as it may, he would raise Jiang Yan well, just as he promised. Unlike his sister, he would not break his word. Jiang Yan was of Lotus Pier, of Yunmeng, like her mother and grandfather before her. That for him, was enough. 

Jiang Cheng clutched Sandu and gripped Zidian. Whatever his fate, he already made peace with it, and the rest was inconsequential. 

One day, he may die, but today he lives, and so as long as he lives, Jiang Yan and all of Yunmeng Jiang will be protected . So as long as he lives, they will flourish. 

[...and in between]

On the streets of Yiling, Lan Wangji tilted his head inquisitively at Wei Wuxian and the little boy at her side and asked, “This child, he...” 

In response, Wei Wuxian patted her chest in a self-declarative kind of way and announced, “Oh this child, I birthed him!” 

He stared at her in shell-shocked silence, his mind racing with panicked thoughts of but that’s impossible — that was just once — even if — the boy is too old to be —

“怎么，蓝湛，不要我们娘儿俩了？” What, Lan Zhan, you don’t want the child and I?

“Wei— Wei Ying—” 

Then of course, she had laughed, and Lan Wangji thought no more of it. 

Just a joke. A silly joke. 

In time, he would come to realize his mistake. 

~~~

[A/N]: I’m not even a little bit sorry. 

[theuntamedaus]

It's been a few and I have been crying over combs way too much.

Look, sometimes you choose the pairing and sometimes the pairing chooses to wrench out all of the possible angst ever and yeah.

ChengQing my beloved.

Look at the lovelorn gazes. Two IDIOTS, I tell you, IDIOTS.

And lo and behold, new canon divergent AU is born.

Before anything, I would like to say that @theleakypen wrote this AU, pls check their AO3. NOTE: at this point in time I have not yet read their fic to avoid being influenced.

So, below my own version.

Everything has gone as per canon up until that scene, we are during Sunshot campaign and JC has found WQ.

The comb scene happens... With a plot twist. WQ decides to take on JC's offer to protect her, but she says that she can't forsake the Wens.

And JC nods and understands. "It is fine, Wen guniang, I know. And I am sorry for even proposing that."

"I understand, Jiang zhongzhu. I will not ask for anything more than what you are allowed to do, however... Will you be able to find my brother?"

"Of course. I will do my best."

And that does it for WQ, bc as long as WN is safe she is happy. In this AU Jiang Cheng is given more trust in his own abilities, because he deserves that. No, I will not take criticism on this.

Of course people question JC's choices - is WQ your hostage? No, she's my fiancée. Why would you marry the enemy? And here WWX does give some glances that just say: try saying something else, just TRY IT. I am going to make you swallow that table you are sitting at for even trying to insinuate that my shidi would do something unjust.

JC rolls his eyes and says: she was the only one kind enough to provide support and refuge at the cost of her own life and her only brother's life.

She has collaborated with WRH!

JC: fine, where is the proof? Give one single sliver of proof and I will revise my point of view.

There is of course not a single shred of proof, also it does come out that WRH basically destroyed WQ and WN's family and home and now it is the rest of the cultivation world that doesn't have any leg to stand on.

JC decides to force more his hand: also, this was MY family feud and y'all have decided to go on war when all of your sects are still standing strong. In nowhere but Yunmeng WRH has decided to go absolutely ham!

And WWX is right there by his side and Yanli decides to be there as well, glancing at the Jins, saying if you REALLY want me to marry JZX you better stop the bullshit RIGHT. NOW.

Boy, Yanli does not show much of her mother's blood, but when she does she is terrifying.

And so JC sends off WWX to look for WN along with some Jiang disciples.

Speaking of the Jiang disciples, some of them are all on board with the plan, but some others have lost family and friends to WRH, WC, WX and WZL and WQ decides that, since JC has put everything on the line for her sake, she should do her utmost best to demostrate that she is different. And she heals the wounded, she comforts the lonely. She asks Yanli for help and Yanli is more than happy to help her.

Mianmian and QS decide to join the two too, as a gesture to demonstrate that the Jins are okay with the arrangements done.

JYL, Mianmian, QS and WQ best friends forever, this is the hill I will die on.

This means that even the most hardened of the Jiang disciples warm up to WQ with enough time and patience.

WWX in the meantime has found WN pretty much unconscious and when he brings him back to WQ she is desperate. WWX proposes demonic cultivation as a way to bring him back, but JC Does Not Want That. He argues with WWX, but then decides to cave in, because WQ is really inconsolable, she is refusing sleep and food just to stay next to her brother and JC is painfully reminded of a VERY similar situation happened not so long ago.

So WN is brought back as a fierce corpse - in a bit more stable home in Yunmeng WWX does obtain better results.

Yes, the Wen remnants have been welcomed in Yunmeng, a-Yuan is there too and yes WWX and LWJ will adopt him.

All seems well and good, JC finally proposes WQ properly, but WQ hesitates. They both have spent together enough time to be 100% sure of their feelings and by now they both love each other very dearly, the Jiang disciples are very attached to WQ and yet... She hesitates. JC is VERY confused and starts spiralling into a vortex of "omg I failed, omg I did something wrong, omg of course no one would ever love me", and not even shijie's soup works.

WWX confronts WQ and she tells him that she cannot marry a man she lied to - WWX is still hiding the whole core thing and he BEGS her not to say anything... Too bad that the Jiang disciples under JC have ears that are too good for their own safety.

So JC decides to talk it out, he NOT THAT VIOLENT THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YES, HE IS SPIRALLING DOWN TO BAD PLACES, BUT HE WANTS TO BELIEVE EVERYONE HAS FUCKING GOOD REASONS TO LIE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IMPORTANT.

So he starts by WQ and she looks at him, looks at the man who put the credibility and the reputation of the Jiang clan for her and her family, looks at this man with the self esteem of a boiled zucchino and... And she confesses everything, knowing fully well that she might have lost forever the man she loves.

But JC does not seem angry at her, he swiftly storms away to grab WWX by the skin of his knees and beat the shit out of him because HOW DARE YOU not think that I could not stomach the truth, HOW DARE YOU not trust me enough, HOW DARE YOU etc.

There is a huge argument, bc these two dumbasses do not know how to communicate with each other. Someone has to help and the task falls on LWJ and LXC.

WQ is in the pit of despair as well. WN would like to help, but he does not know where to start.

JC and WQ are very badass and competent, but they are completely useless idiots in each other's proximity.

Eventually things get sorted and LWJ decides to take WWX to Gusu to help him with the demonic cultivation and all.

Eventually things get sorted and JC decides that he can forgive WQ. She was honest, she has gone through shit as well and the loe he has for her is stronger than any other feeling.

He goes to her with the ancient China equivalent of a huge bouquet of roses and her favourite cake.

JC: a-Qing, I am sorry, pls, forgive me!

And WQ just. She flings herself into JC's arms bc OMG HOW COULD YOU EVER THINK THAT IF ANYTHING IT SHOULD BE ME ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS.

Idiots, I tell you.

JC proposes again and NOW WQ accepts in full.

They get happily married - in the meantime Sunshot campaign has ended.

Yes, all of this happened in the middle of Sunshot campaign.

Anyway, ChengQing wedding:

SSHHHH I know they are from different dramas THEY FIT. I know I used these pics already, but WZC to m knowledge has not got any drama in which his character marries.

Post wedding situation:

three children

two dogs (much to WWX's dismay)

three cats

a fierce corpse

the best medical teams in the whole country

the fiercest power couple ever

[agendratum]

ok so

as usual after finishing an arc of mdzs my head is full, many thoughts. so let’s talk about the guanyin temple confrontation.

first thing that i kept paying attention to were actually the changes made in order to turn it into live-action. so in cql they had to make the gray-gray characters, the “there are no good or bad guys, just people and their circumstances” characters (unless you’re jgs, than yeah you’re a bad guy and everyone agrees on that actually) into slightly more black and white characters. by the end of cql we are lured into this fake sense of security, “haha, we know who the bad guy is!” (then a year passes and here you are, now a jgy apologist), by the end of mdzs, you just know that, well, decisions were made, unfortunate decisions, by many different people. 

cql had to make wwx into a bit nicer version of himself. the good protagonist couldn’t lose control and accidentally kill a bunch of people, and then kill another bunch of people fully willingly, cause his sister just died and that was the last connection he had to the idea that something still matters in this world. no, out protagonist should be... like a little bit nicer than that. so they lifted some of that responsibility for atrocities off him, but they couldn’t just evaporate it, could they? they had to put it somewhere. they put it on jgy. after all he’s the big bad in the end of the story, well, the only surviving person from all people that could be considered big bads, he’s the one that “did every terrible deed imaginable”. he could take that responsibility, they had to make his grayness into a slightly darker shade anyway.

i am actually kinda surprised by how different my reaction to jgy was in mdzs. obviously, there is a year difference between me watching cql and me reading this part of mdzs, and over that year i changed my opinion on jgy 5 thousand times and joined the camp “actually meng yao deserves all the best things in the world”, but anyway. when i was watching cql i was like, oh my god, can someone just kill him already, before he does something bad again, before more bullcrap comes out of his mouth, and also stop yelling at this kid about all the “valid” reasons to why you killed his dad. in mdzs my reaction to jgy’s confessions was like, “huh. he has a point”.

now don’t get me wrong there, some shitty things were done, but the thing is, the things he did really made sense from his point of view, from this position and life experience he really had no other way to go. i especially was convinced by his reasoning to why he couldn’t cancel his engagement with qin su. not only he would suffer from this story, because he already went through so much to make this marriage possible, but also qin su’s parents and herself would most likely suffer, their public image would be destroyed, only jgs wouldn’t lose anything. and you could feel the hatred and bitterness he felt towards his father talking about this, and everyone in the temple could agree with that, because he “just forgot he made another child”, he didn’t even notice.

another interesting detail for me was lxc saying, “it’s not that i didn’t know that you did some of these things, it’s that i thought you had a good reason for doing them”. so yeah, a reminder, lxc isn’t blind and he isn’t an idiot. he trusted a person he thought he knew better than anyone else, and he believed in this person. the problem, i think, is that “a good reason” is different for lxc and for jgy. lxc would understand a righteous reason, doing something for the greater good. working for wen ruohan? that was explainable. they all were fighting in a war, fighting for the better, brighter future, and meng yao’s contribution to that future was immeasurable. what if he killed some people there? he had a good reason in lxc’s eyes. but meng yao had other good reasons in his life, some of these reasons lxc never had to deal with in his life. survival, for example, is one of them. meng yao’s early years were very different from lxc’s. not to say that lxc’s life was easy, but it was never truly unstable. meng yao had to learn how to survive in a world where no one wanted him. he lived with one dream, promised to him by his mother, a future where he wouldn’t have to suffer anymore, where he wouldn’t have to smile at people he hated, please every one of their desires so they wouldn’t harm him. and then he entered this life promised to him and he still had to survive, but now in a luxurious man-eats-man world of lanling jin.

meng yao’s life really was this unstoppable ball of snow rolling down the mountain, and every decision he made just made the ball bigger and it would just roll faster. there is even a moment where jgy accuses lxc of being naive. lxc isn’t really naive, of course, it was said in the heat of the moment, but it is a fact that lxc was never kicked down a staircase, never had to crawl back up, and the thing is, at the bottom of the staircase, there are other good reasons to do things.

and in a way lxc understood that jgy in his position really didn’t have any other choices, he just couldn’t find peace in this mindset. he kept repeated through that part, “and yet, and yet, you shouldn’t have done that, you should have...” and he never said what exactly jgy should have done. because lxc doesn’t know. jgy doesn’t know. no one knows. what choices were better? how could he fix all that and still survive? in a way, lxc saying that reminded me of wangxian farewell in the burial mounds. when lwj asks, “you really indent to keep going like this?” and wwx, who wished, who longed for another solution, for some way out, asked him, “what else can i do? what method can i choose to resolve this, not use this technique and still protect people i want to protect?” and lwj didn’t have an answer. lxc didn’t have an answer either.

another amazing thing about guanyin temple confrontation, is that it’s very heavily wwx’s pov. most on the novel is his pov of course, but there were a loot of his thoughts in this arc. and he was rather understanding towards jgy. not in a way “i agree with every reasoning behind every decision you made” but in a way “i understand that you had your reasons, but all of them will become irrelevant really soon, they already are, because the crowd will only remember you as a son of a whore who did every terrible deed imaginable, and all the good deeds will be forgotten” 

now his thoughts on nhs, or who he suspected nhs to be, were way less nice. especially compared to live action, nhs didn’t make such an impression on me as he made through wwx’s thought process in the end of guanyin temple arc. of course, wwx is no sect leader yao, he is not the one to jump to conclusions, he just noticed that if you put some facts together, they actually start making a lot of sense, and formed a full picture. but he didn’t have any proof, so he kept it mostly to himself. yet he still thought for a moment about nhs as someone who didn’t care about collateral damage that much, who was ready to sacrifice lives of juniors, sect leaders, anyone, if it would add to jgy’s kill count and make his fall and destruction even more disastrous. not that those are not the things that happened in live action, but you know, when wwx put it all together like that in one paragraph, i really felt it. like, oof, dude it’s ROUGH. and not even jgy’s death was enough, as nhs basically admitted to stealing meng shi’s body and planning to repay jgy for what he did to nmj’s body. yikes

i mean i still support nhs in everything he does, but yikes

also side note, glad that the dead cats situation finally became clear for me. this whole year i was so confused about who left all these dead cats for juniors to find. i thought maybe xue yang did?? to lure wwx?? so apparently it was also nhs. good to know.

another detail, probably the last one my brain can generate for now, that pained me a great deal was my poor child jin ling. i already cried about some things related to him and this arc, but there was another little one in the very end here, after jgy died. jin ling realised, that there were now three people, wwx, wn and jgy, his little uncle, that were responsible for his parents’ death. people he had every right and reason to hate. all three of them. and yet he couldn’t hate any of them. he couldn’t avenge his parents, that died so long ago he couldn’t remember them, because all three people responsible for what happened, had something, some reasons, some circumstances, that made them really not the bad guys in jin ling’s life. and they all cared about him, protected him. how could he hate them? how could he not? and in this way this poor child repeats, unfortunately, his uncle’s curse. to have someone he wants to hate so much but just simply can’t. it warms my heart at least that jin ling has a much better support system than jc had when he had to live through that experience. so there is hope.

[gay-snom]

contextualizing lwj’s coming to terms with his feelings subplot!

i wanna talk about the role of confucianism in this subplot because i think it’s something some western fans might not pick up on. basically, the sociopolitical climate of confucianism in his character arc, and a little bit about his interaction with the public image theme.

disclaimer: i’m not chinese but i do have a double minor in chinese and asian studies and have written a few papers on confucianism.

we’re gonna be talking about the novel bc i feel its a little more in-depth and nuanced than lwj’s “what is black, what is white” monologue in cql. namely the tension and misunderstanding in wwx’s first life and how lwj got his scars. i feel like it’s pretty well accepted that wwx made lwj reconsider his world view, so i’m just gonna expand on it. also i want to point out it's pretty unspoken in most of the text, but lwj is also affected by/used to explore the public image themes, as his image the is ideal confucian scholar.

confucianism is centered around the ideas of how to behave “good” in sociopolitical contexts. basically it boils down to a belief system on how society should be run. if everyone follows confucian beliefs, you will have an ideal society. the main text is the Analects, which you can read here. it’s been around for a few thousand years (like around 200 BCE ish), had a huge revival in the tang dynasty (618-907 CE). it was put on imperial exams, the emperor’s cabinet had confucian scholars, etc. this is just to say confucian values are important to historic society, especially upper-class scholars, which seems to be a role cultivators commonly fill in xianxia. here are some basic tenants:

being a gentleman/scholar/superior man (君子 jūn zǐ) : partly being learned in the arts, literature, music, poetry, etc., mostly behaving righteously and dutifully.

filial piety: usually described as obedience. it's not simply obeying everything elders tell you, it includes doing it with reverence and thankfulness for their sacrifices for you.

leading by example: if leaders/the government is righteous, the people will follow. lwj has his flock of juniors that are all strong cultivators and the lan sect is just generally known for being moral and good.

rites/rituals: a focus on politeness and holding proper ceremonies, sacrifices, and funerals

speech: there’s some great meta about the register he speaks in here, i just want to touch on think carefully before you speak, only speak sincerely, etc.

tldr; lwj is THE perfect gentleman (even his title contains the character suffix 君 -jūn, like lxc. which, while this character is not uncommon for cultivator titles, it wasn’t chosen carelessly either. also not to be confused with 尊 -zūn). seriously, look at almost all of book 10 and you'll see don't do/consume in excess, don't talk during meals, sit only when your mat is straight, etc.

okay, so Why is understanding his feelings for wwx so troublesome?

1.2 "They are few who, being filial and fraternal, are fond of offending against their superiors. There have been none, who, not liking to offend against their superiors, have been fond of stirring up confusion... Filial piety and fraternal submission! - are they not the root of all benevolent actions?"

in other words, people who are filial will never create political tension. so like, morally, wwx should be considered horrible person! he’s not only snubbed the jiang sect. he was a head disciple who undoubtedly had younger students looking up to him. and then he goes and stirs up some huge political issues! he is now a bad role model for the people below him and disrespected the people above him. lwj has an entire image to uphold, he has poured his entire life into following these rules and beliefs, and then wwx comes along. would continuing to be in wwx's life taint lwj? there are some contradicting teachings in regards to interacting with wwx:

15.4: "Do not take counsel with those who follow a different Way"

15.28: "When the multitude hates a person, you must examine them and judge for yourself. The same holds true for someone whom the multitude love."

15.36 "When it comes to being Good, defer to no one, not even your teacher."

this is part of the reason lwj had so much trouble accepting his feelings. he didn’t know how to handle this situation, making him appear distant during/directly after sunshot. if he judges wwx's intentions to be pure, it's then not wrong to be friendly with him. but wwx still is morally wrong by society's standards. now, lwj has to not only figure out his feelings, but also reconcile this with how he still thinks wwx is Not a bad person, despite everything. what if he does get "tainted" by wwx? will it hurt the reputation of his sect? that would be un-filial, right? he spent his whole life memorizing rules that are probably extremely similar to sections in the Analects, and now these mixed messages (coupled with the relatable gay panic) are overwhelming.

onto the next! there’s something unspoken in the scene where wwx discovers why lwj has the whip scars. as other posts have mentioned, lwj taking wwx back to the burial mounds and nursing him is high treason. however, this action is also extremely un-filial. also his entire image is built around being a perfect gentleman, if this were to get out to the public he would lose absolutely everything. he would be just as irreparable as wwx.

“I was worried if those from another sect found you first, WangJi would be considered your accomplice. The best scenario was his name being forever tainted, and the worst was his life being taken away right then. Thus, along with Uncle, we chose thirty three seniors who had always thought highly of WangJi... ”

there’s no way lwj didn’t know what would happen if he did this. obviously as lxc says, if this got out, he would lose basically his entire face. and even though lxc didn’t mention this, it would definitely lose a lot of face for the lan sect as well since lwj is so prominent. the decision about what elders to bring is also notable.

“...As if he knew all along he would be discovered by us, he said that there was nothing to explain, that this was it. Growing up, he had never talked back to Uncle, not even once. But for you, not only did WangJi talk back to him, he even met with his sword the cultivators from the Gusu Lan sect...”

so yeah, he obviously knew they would come for him and what the consequences would be. and he still talked back! that’s already not a good look for the lan sect. but attacking them? totally unforgivable! lwj gives up how he was raised and the importance of filial piety, what he has held on to until this major plot event. since it's basically the biggest "fuck you" to his uncle and his clan, this was not a decision he made lightly. lwj shows them he cares more about wwx and His Own ideas of right and wrong than the sect’s or society’s.

Wei WuXian dug his hands into his hair, “...I-I didn’t know... I really...”

when was the last time wwx was at a loss for words? wwx spends a few paragraphs after this lamenting how he hurt lwj, but he's not unaware of the gravity of what lwj did. it's an underlying assumption from being raised in the culture. i would argue his first instinct is "oh god he gave up what for me?" since those lamenting paragraphs are after lxc finishes speaking.

"But he said... that he could not say with certainty whether what you did was right or wrong..."

this is something thrown around a lot in the Analects, that not even confucius can say for sure what is right or wrong. what better way to show lwj is still a perfect confucian than have him paraphrase confucius himself?

“...WangJi was a model for the disciples when he was young, and a prominent cultivator when he grew up. In his whole life he had been honest and righteous and immaculate--you were the only mistake he made!”

here’s the confirmation that the world and even his family thinks of him as a perfect gentleman, the top tier of society, and it was all thrown away for wwx. this is just so heavy. the mistake thing? thats not only because lwj is fraternizing with an enemy. lxc and the rest of the sect who knew are terrified this will forever corrupt lwj personally, not just publicly. lwj was so devoted to believing this was the right thing to do he offered up everything he had. the gravity of this decision is insane. it’s very obvious that he loves wwx, it’s just that he struggles a lot internally to accept everything that is happening.

as for helping wwx leave after the massacre, is this gentleman-ly of lwj? was it actually in-line with his image? is it more honorable to save someone who is dying, at the cost of your own health, than to look away? isn't looking away a form of resentment? i wasn't able to find a specific passage about bystander-ness, but personally i think it qualifies as "bad intentions." there is also this passage for what it's worth, originally it was about government suppression:

12.19: "...What do you say to killing the unprincipled for the good of the principled?" Confucius replied, "...why should you use killing at all?..."

lwj is always more actions than words, and he was not fucking around. his core beliefs really haven't changed, and remain very strong throughout his life. he is still righteous enough to accept his punishment, graceful enough to search for wwx's body since there was no one else to do the funeral rites (10.22/10.15), caring enough to take in a-yuan, upright enough to still spend his years going where the chaos is.

just with this one action, the audience knows he has come to terms with realizing that authority isn't always just, and neither is the public opinion/opinion of other gentlemen. he has reconciled. this is him standing for what he believes is right. this is his devotion. this is his own choice. just. poetic cinema...

anyway that's it for my first meta post! i would love to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, discussions, other meta ideas, whatever! thank u for reading! <3

[hunxi-guilai]

Okay so I know you didn't read the book, idk if you've watched the donghua, but in both of these Lan Wangji has golden eyes. (WWX has grey eyes in the donghua, idk about the book tho) And this is.... not really a meta question? But more like I wanted to ask if you maybe know why giving them these eye colors isn't considered racist? Like obviously chinese people don't all have brown eyes, but the majority does? Is it because they're chinese characters by a chinese author? Or do you know if this is just a trope chinese authors do? I wanted to look this up but all I found is, well, that it's racist to do this with characters of color. I was planning to write a fic and wanted to go with the donghua design, aka golden & grey eyes, but I got unsure because of all the posts saying it would be racist. Like yeah a lot of people in fics go with LWJ having golden eyes etc. but this made me a bit insecure? No matter if you can help, thank you for reading this and for your time ❤

hoooooooo buddy okay anon, there’s a lot, a lot you’re asking here, so let’s take this apart layer by layer:

before we even get into talking about MDZS/CQL, I do want to point out the inherent problem in asking a person whose defining trait on the internet has become, well, being a member of the Chinese diaspora in fandom the question of “is xxx racist (or not) and why?” because I am not and should not be taken as a spokesperson for an entire ethnicity, race, or subculture. Just because I say something is fine (or not-fine) doesn’t mean that it is, across the board, fine (or not-fine!). What reads as okay to me might be mega-not-okay for someone else; what sets me off might be shrug-it’s-fine-I-guess for someone else. Deconstruct the idea of the Chinese diaspora as a monolithic entity! Yeet the idea that you can get a “get-out-of-racism-free” card from one member of a large and diverse group out the window!

next, I think we have to also acknowledge the difference between attitudes towards race between mainland China (where these works are being produced) and the diaspora/Western world (where these works are now being consumed and often taken out of context). If you take a moment to think about it, growing up as part of a minority in majority-minority countries (especially the U.S.) gives you a very different perspective on race and racism in media than growing up as a majority in a majority-Han environment (i.e. mainland China). 

(and it’s also worth pointing out that race relations in East Asia are complicated!!! oh my god!!! it’s so messy!!! it’s ongoing!!!) 

Overwhelmingly, Chinese diaspora folks are going to be much more sensitive to representational accuracy and authenticity because there is a very real sense of danger when we see misrepresentation in media. We don’t get a lot of representation in Western media, so when Western media gets it wrong, it hits much closer to home.

and on top of all that, MDZS/CQL are particularly complicated by virtue of 1) their genre (xianxia, and thereby unmoored from a strict anchoring in a time or place), 2) the sheer number of different adaptations with different character designs, 3) again, Western reception of non-Western texts/Western fandom interaction with non-Western texts. I’m not going to get into examples of whitewashing or moralization with Western values in this fandom, but I’m sure if you’ve been around long enough, you’ve seen those discussions go by.

Okay!!! let’s talk about the MDZS donghua. Firstly, animated works play by different rules than live-action works in terms of character design. Especially for donghua like MDZS or TGCF, the stylization of characters can be much more fanciful and fantastic (@Ling Wen’s blue hair), and we accept that, because it’s animation, because generally speaking, we don’t watch animated works looking for photorealistic depictions of these imagined worlds. Ethnicity reads differently on heavily-stylized animated characters; physical characteristics that might otherwise give us clues tend to get flattened into the animation style. And beyond that, ethnicity isn’t really... an element of characterization that matters in the MDZS/CQL world because it appears to be more or less homogenous.

MDZS/CQL isn’t concerned with race, ethnicity, or representation, because it’s a story made by and for a Chinese audience; bringing the question of race into the text which otherwise does not even address race reflects Western thoughts and perspectives. The question of whether “it’s racist or not because a Chinese author did this” feels like it’s missing the context in which these texts were written, designed, made, produced--i.e. a context where race is not a question and representation not a concern. Whether or not a character has an unusual eye color isn’t a matter of accurate racial representation to the author/designer/animator since that question is literally not even on their minds. 

I’m going to hop over real fast to your question of ‘why giving these characters unusual eye colors is/isn’t racist’ (keeping in mind the caveats from earlier in the post, and not taking my opinions as definitive statement) and try and poke at why changing physical attributes of an ethnicity willy-nilly might alienate people. In a world where, whether we like it or not, beauty standards are often measured by ‘proximity-to-whiteness,’ going in and saying “this character is Han Chinese, but I do not vibe with brown eyes because brown eyes are boring, so I am going to give this character eyes of this exotic color” is playing into that exact neoimperialist mindset of “a person of this race would be more beautiful/attractive/cool if I changed this physical attribute about them.” I... don’t have to explain how alienating that is, right? Because it’s really, really fucking uncool. 

“But the donghua does it--” yes, the donghua gives MDZS characters more unusual eye colors, but the donghua is also fundamentally unconcerned with representation or realism. And if we wanted, we could have a longer conversation about the worldbuilding of MDZS/CQL as a whole and where the story takes place (I’ve talk a lot about the temporal unmooring of CQL but I haven’t really written about the spatial unmooring either--the tl;dr of it is that the world does not map onto historical China, nor does it not-map onto historical China, and I think we’d all enjoy things a bit more if we stopped obsessing about historical accuracy!!!), but the point is, the donghua cares more about aesthetics than accuracy. And that’s just fine! It’s an animated show!

I think this post is starting to go in circles, so I’m going to marshal up some bullet points in an attempt to get to a conclusion:

yes, the donghua designs stray from what we might consider ‘conventional Han Chinese traits’

I don’t consider that inherently racist because of the production context

(please take a moment to recall that I am not a representative spokesperson in this matter, and that this perspective is purely a matter of opinion)

changing physical attributes of a character of color is a pretty shitty thing to do

especially if that “unrealistic” attribute becomes the defining aspect of their appearance/beauty/specialness/overall worth

like if a character of color is sexy specifically because of this one (1) imagined trait that makes them ~different~ from other characters of the same ethnicity, that’s kinda yikes

that being said, specifically in the context of MDZS, you’re not doing it out of nowhere; you’re basing this design on an existing adaptation

would we even be having this conversation if the live action didn’t exist, grounding these otherwise nebulous characters on the bodies of Han Chinese actors?

would we be having this conversation if we weren’t taking an Americentric perspective on race and representation?

look, I don’t think you can be faulted if you base your image of the characters on an existing adaptation. if you’re really concerned about it, you can add a note explaining where you got the unusual eye color from. If you’re really, really concerned about it, you can relegate it to the specific fandom tag on AO3 (i.e. the MDZS donghua tag as opposed to the CQL tag).

but the general rule of thumb: if you’re worried that something might come off as racist, then don’t do it! don’t even bother taking that risk (unless the thematic focus of your work is precisely this, at which point, have lots of conversations with many people about this!)! If your heart is uncomfortable with the idea of something, odds are, your heart has something to say about it.