#but i don't think meng yao felt good about doing it

[thatswhatsushesaid]

🫠

[robininthelabyrinth]

3. In The Untamed, for some reason the Jiang trio don't speak up or look for Wen Qing & Wen Ning when all the fighting is over. I'm hoping there was some kind of good reason for that, but it bothers me. Particularly since they wrote in all that romance subplot for Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing. But anyway, none of them spoke up before WWX literally ran into Wen Qing. But you know who else was on Dafan Mountan with the scary statue and the local Wens turned it puppets?  Who also saw Wen Qing try to protect them and spent time inside WWX's string talisman cage thing with her?

Nie Huaisang. He also knows that there were some Wen being held hostage by Wen Chao to force Wen Qing's obedience. Heck, Wen Qing and/or Wen Ning could plausibly have been the ones to care for him when NHS fainted at the indoctrination camp. What if he had told all this to his brother? Either during the war or as soon as he showed up in the Nightless City for the Very Awkward Victory Dinner.

Emotional Support - ao3

“It’s done,” Nie Mingjue said, and promptly collapsed face-first on Nie Huaisang’s bed.

Nie Huaisang patted him on the back of the head.

“There, there,” he said. “The mean politicians won’t hurt you anymore.”

His brother mumbled something into the sheets that sounded suspiciously like Wanna bet?

“Today,” Nie Huaisang revised. “They won’t hurt you any more today. Tomorrow is a new day.”

His brother groaned.

Clearly it had been an especially awful day, and someone was in need of some attention.

“So what did you end up deciding?” Nie Huaisang asked. He even put aside the book he’d been reading, which was a huge sacrifice on his part. But in fairness, his brother hadn’t acted immature in his presence for years and years by now, not since they were little kids, and he had just won a war and avenged their father; a little sacrifice on Nie Huaisang’s part seemed to be reasonable.

“Jin Guangshan’s going to be throwing a party,” Nie Mingjue said at once, and Nie Huaisang had to hide a smile – of course that would be the most traumatic part of it for his brother, who hated parties and hated politics and (in all honesty) hated most people. He didn’t have any ear for music or an eye for dance, so he couldn’t even enjoy the entertainment, and the Jin sect tended to, as his brother put it, “cook their food beyond recognition.”

“I could get horribly sick right before?” Nie Huaisang offered.

“No, it’s to celebrate the end of the war. We have to attend. Inauspicious not to.”

“Ah, I see, I see. My sympathies.”

“You have to attend, too.”

“Yes, but I’ll actually enjoy it, I like parties and socializing,” Nie Huaisang pointed out, mercilessly, and his brother groaned again. “Anyway, tell me something good instead. What did you end up doing with – ”

He cast around for a subject. It was hard, given that he didn’t care much about politics, and there were so many ‘things that could not be spoken of’! He couldn’t ask about Lan Xichen, because he’d been proposing a sworn brotherhood with Meng Yao and his brother didn’t want to think about that (though he’d probably give in eventually given how much he’d always liked Meng Yao before it had all gone wrong up somehow), he definitely couldn’t ask about Meng Yao for obvious reasons, his brother wouldn’t care or even know about the forever ongoing Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli drama, the Jiang sect was also a no-go subject (his brother had literally done everything in his power to warn them of a possible attack short of moving personally to the Lotus Pier to try to defend them, and yet he still felt bad about what had happened), Wei Wuxian had turned into a possibly insane demonic cultivator and everything about him had become incredibly awkward…

Wow, he was running out of Great Sects to pick from.

“ – the leftover people from the Wen sect?” Nie Huaisang finally settled on.

Mostly out of lack of anything better.

It was pretty weak. His brother even turned around and cracked open an eye to give him a judgmental look, which was pretty well deserved.

Still, there wasn’t anything else to talk about, so Nie Huaisang gave his brother an expectant look until he gave in, as he usually did.

“They’ll be resettled somewhere,” Nie Mingjue begrudgingly said. “Xichen’s idea, giving them mercy, and everyone agreed – even Jin Guangshan. They’ll be given good farmland, a place to live peacefully, albeit with a guard, at least at first. The Jin sect promised to take care of it. Suppose they figured they might as well contribute something to the war effort…”

More likely they thought that throwing around their money now would be enticing to all those sects that needed money for rebuilding, Nie Huaisang thought cynically, which was all of them. His own included!

They were short on everything now, thanks to the war. His own spending budget was practically inviolable – the one time he’d tried to cut back voluntarily, half the sect had emptied out their own pockets to slip spending money into his room and he was still finding random strings of coins in weird places – but for just about everything else, they needed to scrimp and save up the money to pay. There were building repairs, which meant both supplies and workers; more disciples, which meant more weapons, more clothing, more food; more staff and civilian support, which meant even more food, and of course as non-cultivators they also got sick more easily, which also meant more doctors…

Hmm, actually, that reminded Nie Huaisang.

“Farmland, you say?” he asked, propping up his chin on his hand. “What about the ones that aren’t farmers?”

“The ones – you mean the Wen sect?” His brother rolled onto his side. “Who cares if they weren’t originally farmers? What do you expect them to do, continue being soldiers?”

“Not soldiers,” Nie Huaisang said, rolling his eyes. “But the ones who had other professions! There was that girl who came to the Cloud Recesses at the same time as Jiang-xiong and Wei-xiong, what’s her name, Wen Qing. She’s one of the ones from Dafan.”

“I’m familiar with Wen Ruohan’s niece,” Nie Mingjue said dryly. “Her medical skills were reputedly the only thing that kept that madman going after he poisoned himself with Yin Metal.”

“Oh, that.He was probably threatening her family.” Nie Huaisang shrugged when his brother stared at him. “She had a cute little brother, a stutterer, nearly as much of a good-for-nothing as me, plus a bunch of people back in Dafan…don’t you remember, I told you, the thing with the statute?”

“That time you went into Wen territory on your way home from the Cloud Recesses? Yes, it rings a bell.”

“Not the point,” Nie Huaisang protested. “The point is, we know she’s a good doctor, right? A doctor and a young lady, which means she’ll probably be shit at farming…and we could use more doctors that won’t turn their nose up at treating non-cultivators.”

“Are you suggesting that we bring people surnamed Wen here?”

“Why not? Wen Ruohan’s dead, and he’s the one we really hated. Anyway, it’s not as if the Jin are going to complain if we poach a few of the Wen for our own purposes, right? That’s just less farmland they have to pay for.”

“…we don’t even know if Wen Qing is even with the Jin sect,” his brother argued, but it was weak and they both knew it. “They didn’t catch everyone, you know, it’s only the prisoners of war. Some of them might still be loose. Or she could have died, or something…”

“The point is still a good one,” Nie Huaisang said virtuously, enjoying being the one in the right for once. “To the extent that any of the ones that were captured by the Jin sect aren’t suited for farming or have other professional skills, we can pick a few of the best and bring them back here. As long as we only bring back a few, they’ll be vastly outnumbered and won’t dare to make trouble…you know, maybe that’s the reason the Jin sect decided to volunteer? Getting first call on picking out the more talented Wen to recruit seems like something they’d do, more than actually contributing to the war.”

Nie Mingjue groaned a third time, which was probably a concession.

Nie Huaisang decided to play his trump card.

“Anyway, if the Jin are angry about us doing a bit of poaching, they might get so huffy that they’d cancel their horrible victory feast…”

“We should be so lucky,” Nie Mingjue grumbled. “No, don’t promise me fantasies, there’s no way they’re cancelling that. But we can go look for Wen Qing anyway.”

“And Wen Ning! That’s the brother I mentioned, the cute one.”

“…that’s the second time you’ve said he was cute, Huaisang.”

“Well, he is,” Nie Huaisang said. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”

“I’m getting at the fact that your argument hinges on us only taking those that have useful skills, and it doesn’t sound like he has any useful skills.”

Nie Huaisang thought about it, but the only skill he’d ever seen or heard of Wen Ning displaying was that one time Wei Wuxian had claimed without any backup he was good at archery, but obviously that wouldn’t help his argument at all. Not that he was going to let that get in the way of an argument with his brother, of course.

“His skill is the fact that he’s cute,” he proclaimed. “His presence is very comforting!”

“…are you suggesting that you want him around for emotional support?”

“He’s my emotional support Wen,” Nie Huaisang said, and managed to hold out for exactly two heartbeats before descending into cackling. “Oh, that’s terrible, even for me.”

“It really is,” Nie Mingjue agreed. He’d hidden his face back in the bed but he sounded like he was smiling. “All right, you win, have it your way the way you always do. We’ll go check out the Qiongqi Path in another half-month or so.”

“Another half-month? Why not now?”

“I’m busy. Lan Xichen…anyway, I’m busy. Maybe we can time it to be just before that awful party.”

“So that Jin Guangshan will be too busy complaining about that to do anything else? I see the logic.” Nie Huaisang carefully didn’t mention what was probably going to be a sworn brotherhood ceremony his brother didn’t especially want to engage in. He still didn’t know what had happened that had made his brother so angry at Meng Yao, but it’d only gotten worse as of late, as had his brother’s paranoia about not letting Nie Huaisang anywhere near Meng Yao. “Of course, that might mean he’d try to talk to you throughout the party…if you want, I can go by myself to check out the last few Wen sect. While you’re busy.”

As expected, his brother looked relieved at the suggestion. There really wasn’t any justifiable reason for him to keep Nie Huaisang, as a blood relation, from attending a fancy sworn brotherhood ceremony, but if Nie Huaisang did what he usually did and ‘wandered away’ on his own business right beforehand, unable to be found, well, that was all on empty-headed Nie Huaisang’s own head, wasn’t it?

And after, once the oaths were sworn, his brother would feel more comfortable about allowing Meng Yao to interact with Nie Huaisang again.

“Yes, I like that idea,” Nie Huaisang said amiably. It was the least he could do. “I’ll head out tomorrow or the day after – I’ll take a few others with me, don’t give me that look! I wasn’t planning on going by myself!”

“Uh-huh,” his brother said skeptically. “Remind me again about when you spent time with Wen Qing? Something about encountering a goddess statute when it was just you, Lan Wangji, and Wei Wuxian..?”

“And Jiang Cheng!”

“Huaisang…”

“In fact, maybe I’ll ask one of them if they want to come with me,” Nie Huaisang said haughtily. “It’ll be just like old times!”

“Huaisang, leave them alone. Don’t they have to rebuild their own sects?”

“All the more reason for them to come with me,” Nie Huaisang argued. “They need spare manpower as much as we do, don’t they? More, in Jiang Cheng’s case!”

“Jiang Wanyin will be preparing for Jin Guangshan’s party, same as me.”

“Sure, but Wei Wuxian won’t be. He’s worse at parties than you are, da-ge, and that’s saying something.”

“You are not allowed to go by yourself with Wei Wuxian,” Nie Mingjue said, and his voice had a tone of finality. “It’s not the way it used to be, with him being a talented young master. We don’t yet know what effects that demonic cultivation of his will have on him – and the Yin Tiger Seal, too…”

“Fine. Then I’ll get Lan Wangji to come with us,” Nie Huaisang said. “He’s not the heir either, and it’d be more convenient if none of us younger brothers were at that thing you are going to be busy with, right? You can’t seriously be worried that Wei Wuxian will try something if Lan Wangji’s on his back all the time.”

“They’re friends, aren’t they? Would you really say that it’s being ‘on his back’?”

“Uh, yes. You’ve met Lan Wangji! The more he likes you, the more he quotes rules at you! If he dislikes you, he’ll just ignore you!”

Nie Mingjue was forced into a chuckle. “Yes, well, I suppose you have a point…take some Nie disciples with you as well, all right? Just in case.”

“Fine, fine, ruin my fun! We’ll take a complete caravan, it’ll be a complete circus, but at least we’ll be safe and secure and ready to fight in the event we should be menaced by, I don’t know, a small army or something.”

His brother was actually laughing now.

Much better.

Nie Huaisang smiled and picked up his book again. He’d go find Wei Wuxian tomorrow, he thought to himself, contented, and Lan Wangji as well – the latter would agree as soon as he knew the former was coming, he was sure. Jiang Cheng would probably be happy to see them get out of his way while he was trying to negotiate tricky political waters, and it wasn’t as if they were actually going to end up causing any serious trouble, after all.  

They were going to be visiting a farm. How much political trouble could they find there?

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

Ambitious

Out of all the things Mo Xuanyu could have been ambitious about, he just had to choose his crushes. Not his studies, not his hobbies, not a career - he was fine being mediocre in those (average, his friend Nie Huaisang often corrected him - "negative self talk ruins your self esteem, A-Yu, and you already have your aunt to do that for you!") but he just had to go out there and harbor a major double crush on the two most attractive and most intelligent and most wanted and most definitely taken (by each other, no less) Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.

("It's a sign of good taste, Xuanyu!" MianMian had told him once when he bared his soul to her 3 beers in on a Tuesday night after a long string of hard classes. "Everyone's had a crush at least on one of them at some point in their lives. Even I did. It's like a rite of passage or something.")

Except Mo Xuanyu didn't know how to move on from these crushes.

First, because they were perfect. God's gift to Earth, in fact - or at least that was what Xuanyu thought. They were the opposite ends of the hotness spectrum: one charismatic and sociable and mischevious, the other cold, calculated and mysterious. Both of them unbearably attractive.

And second - because Mo Xuanyu had somehow become close friends with both of them. He didn't know how, genuinely! They simply clicked with each other when a professor grouped them up for a project and things progressed from there. And it was great!

Except for the fact that Mo Xuanyu felt like the entire butterfly collection he used to have at home (that his bitch of a cousin had thrown out in a fit of idiocy) had come alive inside his stomach every time he was around either of his two friends (or both, actually, which was most often).

And it wasn't fair at all! They were good, kind people and they opened up Mo Xuanyu's social circle a lot, they helped him come out of his shell and introduced him to so many fun opportunities - and there he was, ungrateful, imagining all sorts of things with the both of them, ranging from sweet afternoons baking to... less wholesome situations, all while knowing the two were happy and in love with one another (and definitely not with anyone else, much less someone the likes of Mo Xuanyu, negative self talk be damned).

Regardless, what Mo Xuanyu hadn't considered was the possibility of Wei Ying and Lan Zhan having been so nice to him also because they liked him - romantically. That wasn't in the realm of possibility for him, not even as Xue Yang, his self-proclaimed best friend, had insinuated it (well, maybe insinuation was a bit too elegant of a word, Xue Yang had straight up told Mo Xuanyu the two probably wanted a threeway with him).

Regardless, it was much to Mo Xuanyu's surprise to be taken out to dinner at a fancy local restaurant he could only dream of, at most, bartending at - and asked if he would be willing to try polyamory.

"I know this must seem out of the blue," Wei Ying said and it took all Mo Xuanyu had not to respond with 'no, shit!', "and you don't have to give an answer right now, just think about this and if you'd be willing to try it."

"Have you? Before, I mean..."

"Ah no, Lan Zhan's way too possessive." And the man hummed in acknowledgement as he daintily ate some kind of dish Mo Xuanyu couldn't even be bothered to pronounce correctly.

"But," Wei Ying continued, "we both like you and we have a really good dynamic so far, so we thought it wouldn't hurt to ask, you know?"

"Do not feel pressured." Lan Zhan finally spoke. "If this is not something you would enjoy, it is fine. We can continue our friendship regardless."

"Exactly! So whatever you decide, we are perfectly fine with it, we just want you to be comfortable with it and with us."

"What about..." their families? Their friends? Their reputations? It wasn't just the lifestyle that was still controversial for some, but Mo Xuanyu himself. There had been some scandals ("the devil works hard but Meng Yao works harder" in the wise words of a drunk Nie Huaisang) and people sometimes still looked weirdly towards Mo Xuanyu and whoever associated with him. Last thing he wanted was Wei Ying and Lan Zhan to go through that kind of thing.

"Do not worry about such things." Lan Zhan said, as if reading Xuanyu's mind.

"It's not like we're the kind of people that care what others think. And we know the truth anyway, so it doesn't matter."

That was true, Xuanyu conceded.

"But anyway, it's up to you, and what you want."

And that had been probably the first time Mo Xuanyu had been allowed to choose for himself.

He would make it count.

[hulijingemperor2]

This morning, Qin Su woke up to nausea and dizziness, so her maid Bicao called A-Yao to check on her. A-Su was in her separate Pavillion, as it's the norm for empresses and concubines.

Yao: *rusbing in with Rusong and the rest*

Qin Su: *clings to A-Yao* Yao Huangdi. My Yao huangdi.

Yao: A-Su. *embraces her* goodness you're pale. Are you unwell?

Qin Su: yes I am. I think I caught a flew or something.

Yao: *gives her water*

Rusong: A-niang, do you need anything else?

Qin Su: no Songsong. I just want Yao.

A-qing: *rubbing her back*

Yao: *to his attendants* get the physicians.

Why aren't the physicians here?!!

Do you want me to fire you?!

Forgive us, Huangdi.

Right away, Huangdi.

Xue yang: Jiggy is so hot when he raises his voice.

Su she: just divine.

Mo xuanyu: but what happened to Su jiejie.

Su she: she saw Lan lips.

Xue yang: omg, Shanshan. You're so savage.

Qin Su: team dimple, can you stop talking about him!

He tried to steal my husband!

Xue yang: I know right. Lan lips is so shameless. Heehee.

Su she: as you wish, Huanghou.

Yangyang, behave.

afterwards, Jing Manor's physicians came and checked up on Qin Su.

Then Meng Shi entered.

Meng Shi: A-Su! Baby, what happened?

Qin Su: yuemu hou! I'm feeling nauseous.

Meng Shi: nauseous?

*smiling to herself*

Sisi.

Sisi: I'm thinking the same, jiejie.

Qin su: why are you smiling? You want me to die?

Meng Shi: no no dear. You'll be fine, A-Su.

Qin Su: wait.....I think I felt nauseous like this already.

But I don't think....

Sisi: don't think too much! *laughing*

Huanghou jiejie, what did your son do?

Meng Shi: you don't need to worry. But my son is excellent at being attractive and charming.

Sisi: he got it from you.

Meng Shi: gosh. He did.

Qin Su: *pouts* Yuemu hou. Focus on me.

Meng Shi: ok ok dear. *caresses face* I'll focus on you.

~ that line, "focus on me" has been a cute little Meng pregnancy trend actually.

Meng Shi said that to Sisi, Qin Su said it to A-Yao when she was pregnant with Rusong, and now she's saying it again.~

Sisi: she's so cute.

Meng Shi: yes she is.

Yao: *holding Qin Su's hand*

One of the physicians: congratulations Huanghou and Huangdi.

And thank you for blessing the empire again.

You're pregnant.

Qin Su: *smiling* what?!!!!

Yao: *smile* A-su????? You are?!

Qin su: *places A-Yao's hand on her tummy* yes.

Yao: I'm so happy!

*takes off this outer robes and gifted it to his staff. Tell everyone in the city that everything is free today and they're entitled to a golden tael.

Let them party.

Xiying: yes yes Huangdi. I'll deliver the news.

Meng Shi: A-Su!!!! *kisses her* my sweetest daughter-in-law. You're such a gift.

Yao'er, congratulations. *kisses* Yao'er, you're so smart and charming. And always successful in making others fall in love with you.

Yao: thank you, A-niang.

Meng Shi: you two have the most beautiful children.

Rusong: *hugs* congrats A-niang! I can't wait to meet my new sibling.

Jingyi: same. I'm very excited.

Qin Su: aw thank you babies.

We'll be one big happy family.

A-qing: congrats Meng Furen!

Qin Su: thanks A-qing.

Meng Shi: team dimple. Do you have anything to say?

Su she: I'm really happy for my Huangdi. Congrats huangdi amd Qin Huanghou.

Mo xuanyu: we were belly dancing for them! Why aren't we pregnant too?! This is unfair.

Xue yang: come on Jiggy. Make us pregnant too.

Anyways, congrats.

Meng shi: oh A-Yu. Don't be sad.

Mo xuanyu: ok taihou.

Congrats you two. I'm genuinely happy for you. *hugs Ayao*

Meng Shi: so team dimple were belly dancing? *laughing*

Yao: yea. All for entertainment.

Meng Shi: ah Yes. You deserve the best. I believe everyone in the harem should belly dance for my son.

Yao: oh my. But I do agree.

Meng Shi: well we must call the harem and spread the news to the rest of the empire.

Yao: mn.

Sisi: I'll tell your parents in Laoling.

Qin Su: yes. Please do!

Meng Shi: tell Xuan'er and A-li too.

Sisi: sure. Maybe I'll tell them tomorrow. A-Su is maybe sleepy.

Meng Shi: you're right. She needs her rest.

~~

Later on, in the harem palace. A-Yao supported Qin Su by wrapping his arm around her and holding her hand.

Yao: *gently helps her sit* have a seat, dear.

Qin Su: ok.

Yao: here's some vegetable soup.

Jiang cheng: is Meng Furen sick?

Mingjue: I don't know. Team dimple is always vague about everything. They just told me to come to the harem.

And i know that taihou or A-Yao maybe asked them to.

Huaisang: admit it dage, you're afraid of taihou.

Mingjue: I just want to respect her.

Anyways, why can't team dimple just normally give a message. They're always so secretive.

Jiang cheng: because they're team dimple.

Zewu Jun, do you know anything?

Xichen: not at all. I wasn't in Jing Manor at the time. But based on A-Yao's body language, I can tell what it is.

Team dimple: *enters* stop trying to ruin the surprise!

Mo xuanyu: Lan lips. Shhhhh.

Xue yang: guys, can't you just relax a bit. Omg.

Su she:  we'll tell you soon.

Mingjue: whatever. Just don't make it about yourselves.

Su she: I believe Lan lips was going to make it about himself.

Xichen: what? No!

Mo xuanyu: are you jealous of us, dage?!

Mingjue: never.

Xue yang: Qin Su is a member of team dimple by the way.

Mingjue: making it about themselves again.

Jiang cheng: they always do.

Mo xuanyu: nooo, it's about Su jiejie.

And she happens to be a part of team d and your boss too.

Su she: yup.

Jiang cheng: *rolls eyes*

Mingjue: team dimple, it's not about you!

Meng Shi: guys, stop fighting on such an auspicious day.

Yao: harem members. My A-Su is pregnant.

Huaisang: what?!!

Mingjue: How?!!!

Xue yang: dage. Obviously they did papapa!

Jiang cheng: are you serious?!

Mo xuanyu: that's what a husband and wife do, Jc.

I know, it should have been team d. But we're still happy.

Mingjue: who's jealous now. *scoffs*

Su she: shut up.

Jiang cheng: Congratulations you two.

Yao: thank you.

Qin Su: thanks, Jiang cheng.

Su she: you guys could have done better.

Xichen: *hugs Ayao* congrats on being a dad again, A-Yao. I know you always wanted a lot of children.

Yao: yes!

Xichen: Meng Furen, I'm very happy for you. You deserve all the happiness.

Qin Su: thank you. (Joking) And don't hug my husband in front of me.

Xichen: that's impossible, haha.

Qin Su: ah.... I agree.

Huaisang: what do you two want? A boy or a girl?

Yao: a girl. But it doesn't matter the gender.

I would love the child anyway.

Qin Su: I want a girl too!

Xichen: aw. A little princess.

Yao: exactly.

Mingjue: *pulls Huaisang aside* I don't want you to enter your villain Arc, ok?

Huaisang: what villain Arc? I don't have any time to be evil. I'm busy babysitting Zixuan's children.

Mingjue: what did you really want?

Huaisang: *dramatic* the spotlight.

But I can't tell you because~~

Meng Shi: Nie gui fei number 1 and 2.

Nies: *startled*

Mingjue: taihou.

Huaisang: taihou, I swear. I didn't do anything!

Mingjue: (why is he so shady?)

Meng Shi: you both should chill. A chaotic and secretive environment isn't ideal for the baby.

Right?

Nies: right. Forgive us, taihou.

Meng Shi: lovely.

*walks off* Yao'er.

Mingjue: why do I have to take the blame along with you?!

Huaisang: because that's how it is. The elder sibling must be scolded too!

Jiang cheng: team dimple, you watched them do papapa then? Since you guys were belly dancing.

Xue yang: unfortunately no.

But we got to kiss them of course.

Huaisang: (is this my chance to say that A-Su got pregnant by someone from team dimple? So I can become the empress and make a child for San ge? ...... nah I'm too lazy)

Mo xuanyu: we all gave them kisses, while we danced like courtesans.

Su she:  Huangdi gave us gifts and then said, give us our privacy~ you guys danced well.

Meng Shi: well my son do have skills.

Xichen: A-Yao is so darn hot.

Qin Su: *blushing*

Jiang cheng: oh, I thought you three watched them.

Su she: we respect them, unlike you.

Jiang cheng: ugh.

Yao: when A-Su is two months pregnant, we'll have a baby shower.

Qin Su: everyone is invited.

Mo xuanyu: yay!

Rusong's baby shower was the best.

The empire had a flower show and lantern festival.

Everyone got sweets catered from Jing Manor.

Su she: yea, the empire was part of the celebration too.

Xue yang: remember his one month?

Xichen: that was a huge party.

A-Yao, what do you have in mind for the baby shower?

Yao: well for the empire, there will be another flower show. And I'll have 108 Sakura trees, magnolias and roses planted in Jinjing.

For Rusong, I had pine trees, peonies and orchids planted for him.

Xichen: lovely idea.

Yao: they're all free to have a party. And we'll cater all the food.

If we don't cater food, we'll sponsor the ingredients.

Does these sound good, Asu?

Qin Su: of course Huangdi. We should celebrate with pomp.

Yao: Anyways. That's all. I have to take care of A-Su, and make sure she's comfortable.

I'll be back shortly.

Xiying, Fuying I'll send my list of details.

We must plan in advance.

Xiying: of course, Huangdi.

~~

Next day, Zixuan and family as well as Madam Qin and Qin Cangye came to check on A-Su.

Zixuan: Foxy. *hugs* I'm so happy for you! You're going to he a dad again!!

Yao: thanks Zish. *hugs*

Zixuan: I'm going to be an uncle again!

Yao: the best uncle.

Zixuan: as I must.

It's my duty to spend money on your babies.

Yanli: *hugs* A-Su. *gives her a kiss*

You look so so pretty. Congrats baby.

Qin Su: thank you!!

Yanli: I'll make some soup for you.

Qin Su: that would be lovely.

Zixuan: congrats A-Su. I promise I'll be an amazing uncle.

Qin Su: *laughing* I know, Xuan ge. You're always an amazing uncle.

Zixuan: awww.

Jinling: xiao shushu! I'll protect Mt future cousin, like how I did with Rusong.

Yao: you're so ideal. *kisses him on his forehead*

Rusong: I'll give them all my love as a big bro.

Jingyi: everyone is lucky to have you as a big brother. Talking from experience.

Rusong: thank you A-Yi.

Jingyi: yep. He's great with gremlins and kids.

Jingyi: hey!

Jinling: how do you have the patience?

Rusong: I don't really know.

Well I love children. And for the gremlin thing, I just watched how A-Die deals with uncle muffin.

Xue yang: Songsong. I'm not a gremlin.

Yao: *laughing* sure you aren't.

A-qing: king of gremlins.

Xue yang: xuanyu is a gremlin too.

Mo xuanyu: when was I a gremlin.

Su she: Huangdi. Am I a gremlin too?

Yao: no Shanshan. Team d are all gremlins together. But I love it.

Meng Shi: *walking in with Qin Su's parents* her face is completely glowing.

It's so sweet.

Madam Qin: per face glowed when she was pregnant with Song'er.

Qin cangye: Laoling will also be decorated for A-Su.

Meng Shi: delightful. Madam Qin, thank you so much for A-su.

Madam Qin: taihou, you don't need to thank me. I'm happy that she's married into such a powerful and beautiful family. And continues your lineage with the emperor.

Huangdi is so charming.

Meng shi: certainly is.

Yao: yuemu, yuefu. *bow*

Qin cangye: oh Huangdi. Huangdi doesn't need to bow.

Yao: but you're my in-laws. I have to respect you.

Madam Qin: so sweet!

How are you, A-Yao?

Yao: I'm very delighted to be a dad again. It's a great honour.

Madam Qin: awww

Qin Su: *hugs* A-niang!

Madam Qin: A-Su! Congratulations!

Qin Su: thank you

Qin cangye: my dear, may you always be prosperous. I hope to see your next dimple baby.

Qin su: haha, thanks a lot A-Die.

A-Yao gives all his children dimples.

Qin cangye: yes, I see that. Song'er is so beautiful.

Speaking of him, here he comes!

Rusong: waipo! Waizufu!

Madam Qin: *pinches his cheeks* Song'er. My little baby!

Qin Cangye: how are you, baby? Here I brought some cash for you.

I know you are a Wangzi, but you're still my grandson.

Rusong: aw thank you so much. You guys are the best! I missed you.

Qin Cangye: aww.

Madam Qin: out baby missed us!

Jingyi: hey, waipo and waizufu.

Madam Qin: A-Yi. *caresses his face* you're our other baby. How are you?

Jingyi: I'm fine

Madam Qin: we brought cash for you too, A-Yi.

Jingyi: wow! Thanks!

Qin Cangye: what an adorable pair. And a baby is on the way.

Meng Shi: my dynasty is immortal.

And forever will be.

Qin cangye: of course!

~~

[shen-daozhang]

Getting to Know Your BL Mutuals

rules: answer the questions and tag some people. include the tag ‘g2ky BL mutuals 2022’ on your post so we can find everyone’s answer.

thanks to @yanwushi for the tag- I am finally doing this!!! Doing both novels as well as visual media

What have been BLs that took you by surprise this year?

Wushuang/Peerless. I was going to read it eventually, but Thousand Autumns is such a favorite I was putting it off because I thought there was no way Wushuang could be as good as its predecessor. @yanwushi finally got me to read it and omfg... seriously the only person more obsessed with Cui Buqu than Feng Xiao is me. This one rocketed to the top of my favorite novels in record speed. I also want to mention that as someone who is chronically ill, I really appreciated the way Cui Buqu's disability was handled- honestly I think it's the best portrayal of chronic illness/disability I've read in a c-novel.

Nan Chan. I hate calling this book weird because I think that's a loaded term but it's unusual for sure, and I didn't expect to fall in love with a book that's about a sword and a demon carp. As someone who is autistic I got a lot out of both main characters trying to figure out how to act "human" and deal with identifying and processing their emotions. Also I just think that Cang Ji should be able to eat whomever he wants, as a treat.

Little Mushroom. “你只是一只很小的蘑菇” CRYING SCREAMING THROWING UP. I never in a million years expected to be emotionally compromised by a book about a sentient mushroom but here we are. Normally I love angst but I had to stop reading and check if it had a happy ending because I honestly couldn't have handled it if it didn't (it does). Also honestly one of the best pieces of post-apocalyptic fiction that I read and I loved the aspects of cosmic horror in the second volume.

It's not technically a BL, but Under the Skin (c-drama). I usually don't watch modern crime dramas for personal reasons, but I decided to give it a chance for language practice and because I like Tan Jianci. I expected to have it on in the background and instead the show grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let go. (tho it made me impatient for the Mo Du/Silent Reading donghua and live action, and for Winner is King. when???)

What have been BLs that you felt a bit disappointed with this year?

Copper Coins. I enjoyed it and I thought that Xue Xian is a delightfully full-of-himself protagonist but to me it felt like a young author's early work that needed trimming in some parts and expansion in others. I just really felt like it wasn't the masterpiece that I'd heard it talked up to be. (Although to be fair I think I did it a major disservice reading it after Nan Chan)

The Defective's donghua. It just didn't grab me at all which sucks bc I like the novel, and I really hated what they did with some of the female characters (wtf is with Penny's character design and what was with the choice to have Mint never speak??)

Legend of Exorcism donghua. I know there are people who adore this show, and I desperately wanted to like it... but there was something I can't quite put my finger on that turned me off. I think I would like it more if I'd read the novel, I felt like there were undercurrents of a good story that weren't being properly delved or something. That said, it did pique my interest enough to put the novel on my to-read list, and I'm looking forward to getting to it.

What has been your favorite BL this year?

WushuangWushuangWushuangWushuangWushuang. Did I mention Wushuang already?

Favorite BL/GL couples (not just of 2022)

Feng Xiao & Cui Buqu (Wushuang), Gu Yun & Chang Geng (Sha Po Lang), Yan Wushi & Shen Qiao (Thousand Autumns), Ranwan (Erha)

If you had to suggest a BL for someone what would it be?

If you like xianxia and a quirky found family (and also knives), hands down Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fu Yao Sect by Priest

If you're more into wuxia elements and rivals-to-lovers-but-still-rivals, Wushuang/Peerless by Meng Xishi.

Please, more people need to read these books. Also if you're looking for more things to read, I have a libguide reading list here! I need to update it, but it's an ongoing project. Let me know if there are any BL you think I should add!

What’s your non-BL favorite this year?

WIND BLOWS FROM LONGXI *banging pots and pans together* screaming, crying, throwing up. IT'S SO GOOD. I desperately want more "gritty" historical shows like this one. The Three Kingdoms Period is one of my special interests and Chen Kun is one of my favorite actors, seriously this show was almost tailor-made for me. Also for you Guardian fans out there Bai Yu is one of the two main characters.

Honorable mention to Love Between Fairy and Devil, which made me take back everything I had previously said about Dylan Wang Hedi's acting.

Tagging: I think everyone I'm mutuals with has already done this, but if you see it and you want to please pretend I tagged you :)

[shanastoryteller]

happy Halloween 🎃 if you're feeling it I'd love to see more of one of the cql time travel stories (wangxian or nhs) tysm!

a continuation of 1 2 3

Nie Huaisang is not a warrior and never has been. He knows he can't be there, knows that he doesn't have either Wen Qing's knowledge or Wei Wuxian's skill and this isn't something he can help with.

Still.

He worries.

The night is long and he doesn't know if they've been successful until sun rises and he hears shouts from the cultivators and hurries outside to see everyone panicked and horrified by the river's edge.

It's not the first time the river of the Unclean Realms has run red with blood, but it's not usually this much, for this long. The river runs from Wen lands, after all.

Meng Yao's face is carefully blank as he stands pressed against Mingjue's side and they should be taking their own counsel at this new development, as they had so many times before, but instead Meng Yao murmurs something he can't hear and then both their eyes are on him.

Oh no.

"Huaisang," Mingjue thunders, "what's the meaning of this?"

"Why would I know?" he squawks, fluttering his fan around his face.

"Master Nie," Nie Zonghui says reproachfully.

Oh, bother. He'd forgotten that his family knew him, once. Then they'd died or gone mad and there'd been no one left to call him on his bullshit.

it's heartwarming and irritating at the same time.

"We should go investigate, maybe?" he suggests, peaking out from behind his fan.

Mingjue's frown deepens but Meng Yao starts giving out orders to do just that. No one ever disobeys Meng Yao in front of the main family, after all.

That's a problem for later.

Nie Huaisang tags along because he wants to know, he needs to know.

He finds exactly what he was hoping for.

Wen Ruohan and his sons and his council and a significent amount of their cultivators are dead, almost unrecognizable with their flesh pulled from their bones.

Wen Qing sits on the Phoenix Throne.

"Hi Nie Huaisang!" Wei Wuxian says cheerfully, not a speck of blood on him. Somehow that makes it worse, that he's perfectly clean in the center of carnage that he's obviously if inexplicably caused.

The power that Nie Huaisang had felt last night is spread everywhere, touching everything. He thinks Wei Wuxian is doing it on purpose, in case any of the Wens who had surrendered get any bright ideas.

Mingjue is glaring at him, as if this is his fault! Which, it is, but there's no way for him to know that.

But something shifts in Meng Yao's face and he bows, everyone else mirroring him a moment later. "Congratulations on your ascension, Sect Leader Wen."

"Thank you," Wen Qing says, her eyes pinched at the corners.

"Should I also be congratulation you on your nuptials?" Mingjue asks dryly once he's standing upright.

Wei Wuxian and Wen Qing make identical faces of distaste, then Wei Wuxian frowns. "Wait, do we have to get married or something? Things are still too unstable for me to leave, but I'm going to need a really good excuse for Uncle Jiang."

Nie Huaisang stares and only feels a little mollified to see his expression mirrored on Mingjue's face. "Is arranging for the coup of a major clan not a good enough excuse?"

"Well," he says, "maybe for leaving in the first place, but I don't think he'll be pleased that I didn't write. Shijie is going to pissed too, which is the worst. She cries when she's angry and if Shijie cries because of me, I'll have to kill myself."

Grief stabs through him. Wei Wuxian doesn't know true that statement is.

"I think we can arrange something," Meng Yao says, a considering look on his face. "You have done us a favor after all. We were getting quite concerned about the Wen influence."

Wen Qing looks at him and says, "Let's discuss."

Several hours later, Wei Wuxian is heading back to Cloud Recesses to escort Wen Ning home and Nie Huaisang is engaged to Wen Qing.

It's possible he's lost control of the situation.

He blames Meng Yao.

[drwcn]

《WITHOUT ENVY》 STORYBOARD 16

AU: concubine/sleeper agent!wwx & prince!lwj Plotlines are explained in chronological storyboards and snippets are detailed scenes which I felt more inclined to explore. All can be found in the masterlist here.

Nie Huaisang appeared unexpectedly at Nevernight. No sooner than Meng Yao's secret message arrived inquiring the identity of the spy did Wei Wuxian himself receive an unlikely visitor, Emperor Zewu's brother-in-law, Nie Huaisang. Wei Wuxian had met the young man several times during his time in Gusu, accompanying Lan Wangji to various functions. The Young Master Nie was famous for lacking in ambition and motivation to take up any gainful employment, the very antithesis of the accomplished general and consort his late brother had been. But the man that appeared at the tavern late one evening was not the lazy rich-boy Wei Wuxian remembered. Though he carried an air of ease and cavalier, his eyes were shrewd and sharp and knowing.

WWX: Meng Yao really keeps his cards close to his chest does'nt he? Wen Ruohan has no idea what he's up against.

NHS: Ah, Wei-xiong, don't be so surprised. A spy network is not a spy network without its secrets. Now, we don't have a lot of time. What I am about tell you is of the highest order.

WWX: I know about the spy. I don't know who it is. Wen Ruohan has me kept away from working fronts that would interact with Lan Zhan's forces. He trusts me but…I suppose he fears I may still have lingering sentiments. Truly I do not know the spy's identity, which is why I have decided to go -

NHS: That is all well and good, but the developments of frontline cannot be explained via missives, which is why I'm here, to ensure this information is passed only between you and I and no one else. About a month ago, Marshal Yin and the Iron Calvary had drawn Hanguang-wang's forces into the northern valleys and then simply vanished from pursuit. When Hanguang-wang realized the situation was suspicious and doubled back it was already too late. Not only were they not able to pursue the Iron Calvary, but Wen Xu's batalions have cut him off at the mouth of the valley.

WWX: A month ago, you say. He's been stranded this entire time...

NHS: Hanguang-wang's forces are strong but with that spy in their midst every battle has been a struggle. The winter dredges on, but their supplies run low. We do believe Wen Xu means to starve them in the valley. Lan Wangji's last communication was that he believed there to be a traitor in his camp. A rider managed to take it out of the valley in time, but since then all communications have ceased.

Nie Huaisang seemed to hesitate, but then continued: There are no missive stations in the valley. My ravens and doves do not know the lay of the land in that region and therefore have yielded nothing. The men we have planted inside Hanguang-wang's army to help and protect him cannot communicate with us. If we cannot rescue them, all of them will die there.

WWX: What do you need me to do?

NHS: Right now the biggest problem is we have no idea where they are, but Wen Ruohan must know the location of his armies. Do you think you can obtain Wen Xu's location in the north as well as the defence plan of his camp?

WWX: I can and I will.

Wei Wuxian obtained the information smoothly and safely. With this intel, NHS's small team of agents already close to the region was able to break into Wen Xu's camp and set fire to his storage supplies and tents, injurying some of his men. Thus Wen Xu required urgent reinforcement, giving Wei Wuxian the opportunity he needed to go to the front.

WWX: WRH will give this assignment to me, I am sure of it. Though he would prefer if I were not involved in any direct confrontation with Lan Zhan, he has no other choice now. I may not be a general, but of the remaining men left in the capital, I am the one with the most experience and familiarity with the northern terrain. And besides, I will provide him with absolute reassurance that I will return.

NHS: And how would you do that?

WWX: There is a poison, a drug, that will kill me within 21 days if I am not given the antidote. It is what us spies take when we're sent on important short term missions. There are no other poison of its kind. It is developed by the Wens - they were a clan of alchemists and healers before they were lords and kings.

Wei Wuxian took the reinforcement and supplies to the front. Along the way, he discovered via his own communication with Wen Xu that the means through which Wen Xu and his spy passed intel was trained snow owls that were indigenous to that region. As agreed upon, Nie Huaisang's small team of recon agents trailed behind Wei Wuxian's squadron until they reached Wen Xu's camp. Though they knew there was a spy amongst the Wen squandron escorting the supplies, they did not know who, since NHS was the only one with direct contact with WWX. From there on WWX managed to send out a missive to NHS, telling them of Wen Xu's plans to launch a full scale attack on Lan Wangji's army now that their reinforcements/supplies have arrived. Wen Xu relied on the information he received from his spy in Lan Wangji's army to formulate his plan of attack, but Wei Wuxian was able to intercept the snow owl before one of its timely deliveries and switched out Lan Wangji's true plan with a forged one. The forged plan of course would mislead Wen Xu to make ruinous tactical decisions that would see his army fall on the battle field.

The night before the battle, Wei Wuxian implored Wen Xu, "Your Highness, I have but one request."

"Request?"

"Tomorrow when you win your victory against Lan Wangji, perhaps you will see your way to…spare his life."

"You mean to plead on his behalf?" Wen Xu raised a quizzical brow.

"Not on his behalf." Wei Wuxian chuckled. "Lan Wangji, as a man, is somewhat of a… rare specimen, one might say. I was his plaything once. Once we conquer Gusu, I don't think yifu would object to me keeping a souvenir - a trophy, if you will - as a personal reward for my contribution."

Wen Xu rolled his eyes. "Oh, that's what your getting at. And here I thought only my little brother was the hedonistic one. Very well then."

"I thank Your Highness for your generosity. Now, I really must take my leave of you. Bixia is still expecting me in the capital."

"Why the rush? Join me tomorrow and secure your prize for yourself, unless…ah, I see. Father really is careful. How many days do you have left?"

"Still a fortnight."

"Plenty of time then. Stay until the battle's won, Wei Wuxian, and perhaps you'll get to personally escort the illustrious Hanguang-wang back to Nevernight collared and chained."

Dawn came, but the crimson sun upon Qishan Wen's banners fell in the morning light. Wen Xu, though smarter than Wen Chao, was not a natural tactician. Without the spy's information, he was no match for Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian's interference ensured Wen Xu's capture by Gusu's forces.

Wei Wuxian's original plan was rejected by Nie Huaisang.

NHS: "Do not be a fool. Wen Ruohan will never have enough reason to order a rescue mission for you. Besides, you've ingested the poison. He only needs to do nothing and you will be dead anyways. It is far more to our advantage to capture someone Wen Ruohan cannot allow to die - his eldest son perhaps. In such case, the mole in Hanguang-wang's camp will definitely be mobilized to save his prince."

WWX: "Then I will remain on the battlefield to ensure Wen Xu's capture. With Wen Xu gone, the mole will surely reach out using the snow owls to ask for further direction. Depending on which of the Wen colonels and generals are remaining...I only need to volunteer myself for the rescue mission in order to sniff out the mole."

NHS: "Preciously. And we need Wen Xu alive. If he's dead, it will be deemed your failure and you will be unable to return to Nevernight. Without the antidote, you will be dead in 14 days."

WWX: "I understand."

NHS: "After the battle, I must depart. I've been away too long and there are matters which require my attention. You will be on your own, Wei Wuxian. Hanguang-wang is no fool. He will see this opportunity for what it is and will be prepared to unearth the mole. I have confidence that the spy will reveal himself, but whether any of you will emerge from this alive...that is up to you. None of my men within Lan Wangji's camp knows of your identity. To them you are and have always been the enemy."

WWX: "I am prepared. Best case scenario is the mole reveals himself to Lan Zhan during the rescue, but still allowing time for Wen Xu and I to escape. If Lan Zhan does not discover the mole, after I make contact, I will report his identity via the usual channels. Worst case scenario, the mole is discovered but the rescue fails and we are all captured..."

NHS: Lets hope it does not come to that. If it does -

WWX: You need not worry yourself. Let me handle it.

The plan worked. The spy's cover was made, and Wei Wuxian learned that his name was Xue Chonghai, a mole planted in Gusu for the last ten years by Marshal Yin himself. Together, they were able to orchestrate Wen Xu's rescue, but during their escape, they were quickly surrounded by Lan Wangji's soldiers. Swords were drawn, blood was spilled. Wei Wuxian was forced to kill many of Lan Wangji's best men, knowing that there was a bigger game at play. He must return to Nevernight to continue being Gusu's source of intel. For that, he must act the part of a Wen loyalist in front of Lan Wangji and Wen Xu.

Lan Wangji watched him slay Gusu's men, and Wei Wuxian knew that any lingering love that may have dwelled inside Lan Wangji's heart, in that moment, was completely reduced to ash. Of those who fell under Suibian, two were Lan Wangji's personal lieutenants, young men who once served the prince in his manor, and whom Wei Wuxian once thought of as friends. Still...it was not until he heard Lan Wangji cry out - "xiao-Yu!" - that Wei Wuxian realized the young man whose belly he had just pierced through with his sword was the prince's mianshou, the once frail and timid Mo Xuanyu. Wei Wuxian did not know that at the onset of war, Mo Xuanyu had requested to enlist in Lan Wangji's army, to do his duty to his country instead of hiding behind the walls of the harem. The shock of it all gave Wei Wuxian, Wen Xu and Xue Chonghai the opportunity to finally break free and make their escape, but the memory of Lan Wangij dropping to his knees in the blood-stained snow and cradling a dying Mo Xuanyu in his arms would be forever burned into Wei Wuxian's memory. There was no doubt in his mind that should their paths cross again, Lan Wangji would not hesitate to kill him with his own hands.

Upon his return to Nevernight, Wei Wuxian was hailed as a hero who saved Qishan's prince and heir. Even Wen Xu had grown warmer over the course of their life-and-death adventure. Wen Ruohan praised Wei Wuxian for his undying loyalty and from then on allowed him to participate in all aspects of the war, privy to any and all of Wen Ruohan's plans. During the day, Wei Wuxian accompanied him in the war room, and at night, he yielded before him beneath the canopy. Soon everyone knew that there was no one the mad Wen Ruohan trusted more than his ward Wei Wuxian.

Wen Ruohan didn't know it, but the more he trusted Wei Wuxian, the closer the war was drawing to its end.

[br-disaster]

nie mingjue’s outfits appreciation post

This is way longer than I expected oh gods, please forgive me for it. 

 It’s a well known fact that Jiang Cheng has the best wardrobe of all CQL characters, I’m not here to argue with that, but I think it’s time for us to stop sleeping on Nie Mingjue’s absolutely fantastic fashion sense.

I mean have you seen him?? The man is out there serving looks even with the Nie sect limited color palette. Please let’s ignore the context here and just look at his robes

I wasn't sure if I should rank them, so I’ll just ramble about them in order of appearance:

1. The gray “I’m the boss” one

That’s the first time we ever see him and what can I say? He does leave an impression. We see him using these robes two times, in episodes 10-11 and on the beggining of Fatal Journey, as the first picture shows, which makes me wonder: Is this his stay-at-home set of robes? ‘Cause damn

I don’t know how I should comment on the particular details of his robes but I really appreciate how wide this extra fabric layer makes his shoulders look.

Really imposing and powerful look.

2. The Sunshot incredibly beautiful "this is how you win a war" one

Look, this one might be my favorite, it has EVERYTHING

Shoulder game is strong here, and this bronze-like color goes really well with his belt. Now let's talk about his outer robe for a moment, just THE COLOR I mean it's the prettiest shade of gray I've ever seen.

Also Long Sleeves

And a CAPE. A f**king CAPE. I'll never get over this look and I'm really glad the costume department let this king wear a cape again in Fatal Journey, he was made for it.

Next comes the inner layer that's not really a robe, as you can see when he's standing, but the silver pattern is what really does it for me, guys. It's probably the first thing you see once you look down from his face, 'cause I know we all get lost on that beautiful mustache, and it's perfect.

You can’t lead a war campaign if you don’t look good, I see.

3. The "I didn't really want to be here but I’m looking good anyway" one

It's so dark, it probably reflects how he was feeling during pretty much all the scenes he's in while wearing it.

Once again he accentuates his shoulders with an extra fabric except this time his sleeves are not long at all. I personally think he looks even more handsome like this, it makes his arms look bigger. What is it called? I don't know, but it matches his belt as well.

( Is it really a belt, guys? I don't wanna disrespect but I don't even know where to start looking for names nor I know other english names for belts)

The subtle golden/bronze details on the outer robe and on the inner robe's collar contrasts really well with the black and dark gray

Sad thing he looked really miserable wearing it :c

4. The "big event he seemed ok with attending" one

Dark again. But he didn't look as depressed as in the previous one, he actually had fun that day, which is good. Enough of tears and betrayal for now.

May be the wider sleeves he ever wore, perfect for clapping his hands like a happy toddler. There's also a lovely flowery pattern on the darker robe that you can easily miss if you don't pay enough attention.

For the first time his shoulders are not accentuated by fabric or shoulder pads and it's really nice to see him like this. We all love a buff Mingjue, but CQL Mingjue is not that buff and I love him just as much.

Really elegant, not as imposing and he has every right to want to look civil for once. It may be the series' way of telling us that he's not dressed for real combat or war, who knows.

5. The "all this just for a flashback?" one

Listen, this one right here is just AMAZING

I don't understand why they dressed him so beautifully for what? 10 minutes of a flashback. I wanted to see it for more than a couple os scenes!!

Everything here is different, so this will take time.

First: His inner robe, the first one, is not the usual black, it's light gray, it's lighter than his robes actually, and we don't see him wearing it like ever again since chronologically in the series this is the first robe he wears. Does it secretly mean that all went wrong from the moment he met MY? who knows

Second: The outer robe is fancy. There’s so many details to it and it may be the lighting of the scene, but it seems to be a warmer shade of gray, doesn’t it? The golden\bronze thin strip around the silver larger strip is perfect. It kinda has the opposite effect of his shoulder pads, since it makes his shoulders look a bit smaller but it’s so very elegant.

Third: The upper part of the inner robe. I mean who gave him the right to look that good ??? It’s dark but it has golden little shapes in it!! And it kinda looks like there’s a zipper in there because of that mid section. And oh to be a single jewel resting over Sect Leader Nie’s chest...

Fourth: The bottom part of the robe is also something new. We see pleats on Huaisang’s main robes, but never on Mingjue’s until now, that’s why I took the last screenshot, nothing to do with the bloody Baxia at all. I wish we could have seen them in pretty pleated robes together.

It probably contradicts what I said about his shoulder things being a code for battle, since the first thing we see him doing with this outfit is killing some guy/puppet; but for the rest of the time he wears it is peaceful

Honestly, imagine how Meng Yao felt. It was some fairy tale thing, wasn’t it? You’re a nobody eating bread and drinking water and then this king pops up out of nowhere and defends you from bullying and offers you a job and takes you home with him?? 

6.The “kick your local murderer down the stairs” one

I don’t really know what to say about this one. The context kind of ruined it for me, but let’s try.

 It resembles the fourth outfit since it’s a really dark inner robe and a lighter and patterned outer robe. Except this one has this nice and shiny thin strips around the sleeves and the waist.

It’s pretty but not especially pretty in my opinion. If I were to rank the outfits, this one would rank last.

7. The “fighting qi deviation and needing emotional support” one

Fatal Journey, baby.

I know what I said about the second one, but this might be my favorite.  It’s practical, no long sleeves or heavy outer robes. It’s also appropriate for horse riding, wich is great. The simple, sleeveless light gray outer robe is really nice.

There’s a cape again!! And I have to say the cape looks even better now that his sleeves are tighter, the way it falls gracefully on his back is perfect. I love the way it seems to be attached to the shoulder pad too. 

The robes are simple but the thing is: The accessories are not. 

His belt is now silver and if we ignore that the production team just painted it, we can assume he has two sets of identical waist belts, one is bronze and the other is silver. Now the final touch: The shoulder pads. This is what makes this outfit the most extra of them all. It’s silver and just so, so pretty I wanna cry everytime I look at them. I mean, the layers, the dragon\beast entire head makes him look so fierce and ready for the fight.

 I wonder how comfortable they are tho.

10/10 would rank first place.

bonus: Baby Mingjue

We love a consistent king after all! Has he been wearing dark robes since he was a baby? We will never know. I love this dark yet translucent outer robe tho.

1000/10 the cutest and best dressed child out there.

Conclusion: Nie Mingjue is a fashion icon! 

* Do not take this too seriously, I did zero research and english is not my first language. If there’s any terrible grammar mistakes, point them to me and i’ll edit it. If I’m somehow disrespecting Chinese culture, please also point it to me and I’ll apologize, edit or even delete the post.

[jaimebluesq]

WIP Wednesday

The start of something I'm working on for polyshipping week - Jin Guangshan blackmails Nie Huaisang into helping to get Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli back together - and technically gets what he asked for.

~~~~~

The festivities were in full swing in Nightless City, with revelers from every victorious sect raising toasts to the defeat of Qishan Wen. Even though he hadn't been among the combatants, Nie Huaisang celebrated as loudly as any other, sharing drinks and listening to battlefield tales from those who had survived the war. By the time the night was half-way through, he was pleasantly light-headed and had chosen an isolated seat where he could rest for a few minutes before wading back into the sea of revelers.

His eyes had been focused on an exchange between Meng Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen when he felt movement at his side, and turned his head to see none other than Jin Guangshan seating himself next to him. The older man only ever interacted with him in a brief, diplomatic capacity, always with an insincere compliment to him in order to endear himself to Nie Mingjue. Both brothers saw through the deception, but at least it gave them something to laugh about in private.

“Jin-zongzhu,” he greeted – he may have been lightheaded with alcohol, but he had enough of his wits to adhere to protocol. “I hope you're enjoying the festivities.”

The sect leader nodded, but Nie Huaisang could tell by the look in his eyes that this wasn't a social call. The man wanted something, and he wished he would just spit it out, but when had Jin Guangshan ever gotten directly to the point of anything?

“It's a joy to see so many enjoying the fruits of our labour, Nie-er-gongzi, the peace that has come with the end of Wen Ruohan's regime.”

Nie Huaisang held back a snort. Fruits of our labour indeed – even as a non-combatant, he had spent more time on the battlefield than Jin Guangshan, yet the man had the gall to act as if he'd had any real part in the victory. “May the coming time be unprecedented in its wealth and peace,” he offered – he too could give the occasional word to butter up his 'betters'.

“I wish my son had remained to share some of the grander toasts.” Jin Zixuan had turned in early, stating he was tired after the months of fighting, but Nie Huaisang knew the man hated large gatherings and the inherent awkwardness of having to socialize. “You've come to know my son a little, haven't you? I believe he's mentioned attending the opera with Nie-er-gongzi on occasion, before the war of course.”

I've come to know both of your sons quite a bit, not that you'll ever think of Meng Yao as anything but a political advantage. “Jin Zixuan and I share quite a few interests, yes, and I find him excellent company.”

“Good, good.” Jin Guangshan attempted to sound casual, but again Nie Huaisang waited for him to get to his point. “I hear you were also close to Jiang-zongzhu and his shidi while you were in school. Quite formidable young men. Did they ever introduce you to Jiang-guniang?”

And there it was. “I've had the honour of meeting Jiang Yanli once or twice while at Cloud Recesses, but that is all.”

“And what do you think of this silly matter of putting off the engagement? We all know they will be united in the end, so why delay it?”

“Yunmeng Jiang has lost so much,” he offered, “and it will take much time and effort to rebuild it. I can't blame her for wishing to focus on her sect's future before considering the possibility of moving away to another sect.”

“Perhaps, but the future should also be about family and bringing in a new generation. What better sign of progress than a marriage union between sects and the birth of a child tied to both?”

“Ah, I don't know, Jin-zongzhu. Such matters don't tend to concern Qinghe Nie, after all.” Why should I bother to help you with your alliances when they don't even benefit my own sect?

“They could.” That gave Nie Huaisang pause. He tried not to look too curious as he awaited Jin Guangshan's explanation. “The assistance of a member of Qinghe Nie in such an alliance would have me feeling extremely grateful, and might even be a greater tie between our sects than even this sworn brotherhood the others have planned.”

Not on your life. “I'm afraid, Jin-zongzhu, I'm no matchmaker. I truly don't know what help I would be, nor what benefit it would be to my sect.”

“Perhaps the benefit is to have everything remain as it is,” Jin Guangshan finally said, all pretense at charming conversation gone in one fell swoop. The older man's eyes turned hard, practically boring into Nie Huaisang's head. “After all, I can only imagine the changes there would be in the Unclean Realm should Chifeng-Zun and the Nie Elders find out how much Qinghe coin goes to pay the courtesans at the Golden Pheasant.” Nie Huaisang's heart lurched and his mouth went dry. “And that it goes to pay for women and men alike.”

His eyes immediately sought out his brother, his mostly-gruff face softened in the midst of the joy from all those around him.

“In the greater scheme of things, a little romantic encouragement is a small price to pay, is it not?” Jin Guangshan's words sounded sweet as poison.

Nie Huaisang hadn't realized his fingers had so tightly wrapped around his wine glass until he peeled them away, only to see the indentations in his flesh from the glass' engravings. “When you put it like that, Jin-zongzhu, how could I refuse to provide such encouragement to a pair of wayward lovers?”

“I knew you'd see things my way.” The man's meaty hand clapped on his shoulder and gave him a small shake before Jin Guangshan rose up onto his feet. “I look forward to your friendly meddling – I'll most definitely keep an eye out for it.”

He looked at the small amount of wine left in his glass and suddenly felt sick to his stomach. He no longer felt like rejoining the festivities, only felt a terrible dread at what wold happen if he didn't do as Jin Guangshan demanded – though he also feared that, even if he did succeed in renewing the betrothal between Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli, that this piece of information would still be held over his head.

He rose and quickly excused himself for the night, ignoring his brother's concerned looks as he exited the great hall.

[abraxos-the-phantom]

Scum Disciple Deleted

-scenes. Here you go @vodkassassin. Unformatted and mostly unedited save for some awkward phrasing I fixed as I skimmed through it. I have a habit of merely taking out scenes rather than straight deleting them when I don't think they work out so if you see it on the fic shhh I probably just found a better place for it, but for the most part I think these are unused

TLJ + MF; Flashback/Illusion

[Log: File:Save_??-???.?.????.log]

“You know, for a man so keen on maintaining the preference of a dignified cultivator, you are fairly quick to disband such things as you see fit,” Tianlang-jun mused.

Ming Fan threw a dirty look to the former Overlord of the Demonic Realm over his bowl of beef stir fry lily bulbs. It was a specialty in this region, boasting a sweet lily bulb due to the length of time the farmers around the area spent cultivating the plant. In other words, it was delicious and a welcome change to the guilt trip galore that was eating Lou Binghe’s cooking.

Oh to eat that delicious snow congee without feeling the compulsion to throw it all back up-

Well, no use dwelling on such things.

“Most of anything could be considered vulgar when in close proximity to you,” Ming Fan quipped, taking a generous helping of the stir-fry between his chopsticks. “If you had as much sensibility as you had sensuality, I guarantee that people would be more fond of you. Unfortunately, it is too late for me.”

“Hoh? Is that so?” Tianlang-jun’s lips curled in a smirk in spite of the fact that Ming Fan had no interest looking his way, regardless of the other demon happened to do. Some odd five or so years have taught Ming Fan that there were times when the best move for dealing with the other was simply ignoring him.

Ming Fan maintained his bland tone as he briefly paused to speak, “Yes.”

Tianlang-jun shook his head, “Honestly. Are all disciples of Cang Qiong like you, or are you just the special one.”

Said disciple only gave Tianlang-jun a significant dirty look, “You’d have to actually behave yourself to get to know another disciple of Cang Qiong.”

“Eh,” the Heavenly Demon leaned back against his chair with his hands crossed behind his head. “Too boring.”

Ming Fan made a noncommitting sound as he finally ate the last of his order, letting out a satisfied sigh as he leaned back in his seat.

“Ming Fan, a question if you are so gracious enough to grant me such a thing.”

Ming Fan only raised a brow, “You may ask, whether I answer is not on the table.”

“Why?” Tianlang-jun paused as he attempted to think about his question. “Why do you maintain this relationship of ours? It’s not as if you’re on any obligation to maintain basic relations for a political reason, and you hardly ask me anything so you aren’t after my wisdom. With Lou Binghe going in and out Cang Qiong Sect, it’s not as if I can threaten your Sect any more than I could try and fight with my son.”

Ming Fan crossed his arms, humming for a moment tilting his head just enough to convey thoughtfulness he turned to look the demon lord in the eye, “If you were to be confronted with a former enemy of a war without meaning, what would you do?”

Tianlang-jun hummed, “I wouldn’t care.”

“Exactly,” Ming Fan pointed out. “Now what would you do if you discovered you were on the wrong side of that war?”

“…I still wouldn’t care.”

“Would you?” Ming Fan hummed, “Well, that’s your choice.”

“So is that all? You pity me?”

“Not quite,” Ming Fan shrugged, idly arranging the finish plate on the table. “More like my recompense of sorts.”

Tianlang-jun’s expression was unreadable as he stared, quietly adding, “You realize that I’ve killed hundreds of cultivators like you. Your age, younger- older. It didn’t matter, they were obstacles in my path and I removed them.”

“Of that I do not doubt, but these days- the line between righteous and mad is thin,” Ming Fan snorted. “I stand at the meager in-between myself. But what else can I do? I am but a mere mortal, attempting to right his wrongs.”

Ming Fan took a final sip at his tea, “Sometimes, that is all one can do without going well and truly mad.”

Tianlang-jun chuckled, “I suppose that’s true.”

The hours seemed endless after that, a moment in time felt like hundreds upon billions as the two simply- existed.

“So,” Tianlang-jun said after an eternity’s moment. “What are you doing here Little Cultivator?”

Ming Fan blinked, “Is this not one amongst our many meetings?”

The world seem to blur around him like ink amongst a pool of water. Fading into implied images as the sky and trees distorted. The sounds of the earth quieted to a hushed whisper. Ming Fan’s eyes casted around in confusion as the lively village dulled into a dead silence.

“It isn’t,” Tianlang-jun leaned back, smirking. “You’ve spent so long with me that I am now here with you- in limbo. I’m flattered Fan-er.”

Ming Fan narrowed his eyes, scowling, before looking away, “Definitely. Tianlang-jun never called me that to my face.”

Ming Fan twisted away from the…demon for some time to think.

TLJ + MF - Actual Flashback

“You look like you went a round and three more with a golem,” Tianlang-jun tsked at him.

“Are you going to lecture me about coming out while I look like I lost against said golem or are you going to sit your ass down and have some tea like we agreed?” Ming Fan snapped, wincing as he sat.

Tianlang-jun whistled wolfishly. “Why, I never took that War God to be the kinky type.”

“Don’t be so obscene,” Ming Fan rolled his eyes. “He landed me flat on my ass almost a dozen times. Of course sitting down would be a pain.”

“You know there’s this flower that-“

“No.”

“But I hurt just looking at you,” Tianlang-jun whined like a particularly annoying brat. “One tiny little adventure to look for a flower that heals bruises instantly, it’s a Lotus of a blue hue, I hear those people from the far West have been using it for some time.”

“And then Liu Qingge will have me spar against him, again, and this hellish circle will repeat itself. I am only saved by the fact that my cultivation is not as advanced as one of a Peak Lords, otherwise I would be healed by the end of the week and my pain begins anew,” Ming Fan shook his head. “I appreciate your concern, I really do, but no.”

“Aww, well since you’re being so polite about it…” Tianlang-jun sighed and sipped from the tea. “Mn- this is good. Where did you get it?”

“Shang-shishu taught me how to prepare lemon tea before the fruits go out of season, apparently there is a sweetened-cold version of this as well, but he has yet to refine the technicalities of the ingredients. I worry for him, he always seems so busy.”

“He looks like a rodent who accidentally ate a pepper, though I suppose in this case it would be a block of ice what with Mobei-jun being his lover and all.”

“I did wonder how that happened, and worried a brief time. An Ding Peak’s disciples had said that their master would occasionally come home bruised and barely able to walk, they were rearing to go to war with the Northern Demons far before everything else happened.” Ming Fan sighed, “Well, it isn’t any of my business. I’m sure they’re dealing with the situation in their own way.”

“True that, those An Ding Peak children…physically they are weak, but it is always the weaker ones that surprise you the most. Especially when angry,” Tianlang-jun smiled as he mused. “Afterall, hornets don’t seem like much at first glance. That Mobei-jun has his work cut out for him, ah, speaking of. What of those two? Surely the boy is tip-toeing these days.”

“He tends to keep to the bamboo house, and we tend to stay far away from the bamboo house, especially at night.” Ming Fan raised his hand to drink. “That is all I will say of the matter.”

Ming Fan sighed, rubbing a hand against his eyes, “I am getting far too old for this.”

“Oh please, you’re not even a century old.”

“Hm, and yet somehow I am still significantly more mature than you. Have you reached the regression stage of life Tianlang-jun? I must say, I’m rather peeved that it’s a mental deterioration rather than a physical one for you demons.”

“Hoh?” Tianlang-jun leaned forward, smirking. “Wish to test how youthful I can be Little Cultivator?”

Ming Fan raised a hand idly pointing at the silks of Tianlang-jun’s clothes, startling the heavenly demon as he wondered just what the other had found on his clothes.

Then Ming Fan flicked up, hitting the former Demon Lord up the lip and under the nose, causing Tianlang-jun to recoil, sputtering from the unjust attack. The audacity.

“I’m sure you’d at least warm the bed,” He deadpanned, sipping at his tea without a care as Tianlang-jun sputtered indignantly.

NMJ/MF - Original Re-meeting for ch 52; added here for my convenience (cus i don't wanna make another post)

“Gather everyone who can fight!” One voice called. “Sect Leader Nie is being surrounded by a pack of hell hounds! They need help.”

Ming Fan was out and running before anyone could even blink- with only Liu Qingge and Tianlang-jun holding enough time to react by following him.

-

“Shit-“ Mingjue cursed, swinging around Bàxià to hurl one attacking hound over to the side. “Meng Yao- you alright?!”

“Could use-” Meng Yao grimaced as he had to back off to avoid the snapping jaws of another hound. “Some help.”

“Reinforcements should be on the way!” Mei Lin cursed venomously under her breath. “Just where the hell did all these damned dogs come from?!”

“We’re being overrun!” Lang Fengyi yelped as he narrowly avoided claws.

“Fuck-“ Mingjue gathered his energy, willing it to fill him once more. “Get ready to run! I should be able to distract them long enough to-“

“Don’t worry about that.”

The disciples of Nie turned to find a man arrogantly walking through the field, the hounds yipping in fear and running from him, as well as another man clad in white and silver who eyed the hounds back.

Tianlang-jun stood before the disciples of Qinghe Nie with a bright smile, “Relax now, everything will be fine.”

Liu Qingge huffed, drawing his sword, “Says you. We have to make sure he’s not overworking himself remember?”

There was a distant rumbling- an ominous presence that washed over them to the point where all the hounds began to shudder and shake in fear as they too yipped around fearfully.

Descend with great speed. Swift and merciless. Run my enemies. Leave none left alive. May death greet you well.

Formation formed.

Ming Fan dropped his sword with militaristic precision, tilting all the swords generated by his power towards the ground in varying angles.

Heavenly Wrath Formation.

Tianlang-jun looked up in the surprise, “Don’t tell me that’s-“

“It is,” Liu Qingge scowled.

“Who-“ Nie Mingjue began- before all hell broke loose.

Liu Qingge’s expression was thunderous as he swept past rows of demonic hounds, tilting on hand and waiting-

Another man dropped from the sky not a second later, catching Liu Qingge’s robes and righting him before swinging his legs on the man’s waist to get around and jab another hound in the back- Tianlang-jun was swift to join the fray, allowing the shorter cultivator to move around him to get at all the lucky hounds who managed to move away from Ming Fan’s deadly aim fast enough.

While Tianlang-jun added to the deadly partnership with his own flare, it was the pair of Ming Fan and Liu Qingge that showed the obvious years of partnership between them- for the two had years of spars and night hunts to guide their blades where they need be.

Heads flew, limbs joining them as the immortals of Cang Qiong Sect and Tianlang-jun of the Heavenly Demon Line slaughtered the feared and the rowdy- leaving those of Qinghe Nie in awe.

“..Wei…” Meng Yao said, knees beginning to grow weak. “Wei Fan?!”

The man abruptly froze, glancing towards their direction before seeming to move on instinct- the War God sensing the sudden change and using his arm to propel him outward, allowing the man to fly across the air and land his sword true through the skull of the hell hound that was just about to take a chunk from Nie Mingjue’s side.

Ming Fan, not upset as he was, barked at them venomously, “Just what do you think you’re doing?! Fucking move! You’re in a battle field! Fight damn you! Are you not of Qinghe Nie?!”

“Teacher Wei!” Mei Lin cried- openly actually, crying.

“Oh for the love of-“ Ming Fan cursed. “I’ll take your crying and yelling and cursing later, lift your sabres and fight!”

“Xiao-Fan!”

Ming Fan turned, grunting as he launched his sword in the Heavenly Demon’s direction and skewering the hound. “What?!”

“Lower your blood pressure!”

Ming Fan felt his blood pressure rise out of sheer spite. “Fuck you!”

“A-Fan,” Liu Qingge growled. “You just performed one of the most powerful formations while silent. Calm down.”

“I can’t!” Ming Fan caught himself with a scowl. “But I’m not upset!”

“For the love of-“ Liu Qingge turned to Tianlang-jun. “Can you handle the rest?”

“Yeah I got it,” Tianlang-jun batted away a hound with his bare fist. “Just take care of our pissed off little horse first.”

Liu Qingge wasted no time, grabbing the now fuming Ming Fan, his nose beginning to trickle with a line of blood and generally causing the already shocked disciples of Qinghe Nie to panic.

“Hey,” Liu Qingge’s voice was soft as it was firm. “Calm down. Calm. That’s not a request.”

“I’m trying,” Ming Fan hissed. “You try doing this in the middle of battle.”

“Alright back up plan,” Liu Qingge turned to the still shocked Nie Mingjue. “You. Make yourself useful. He needs a distraction.”

“Wha-“

Liu Qingge shoved Ming Fan into Nie Mingjue, the taller man abruptly catching the man by the waist to steady him before something else caused him to loose balance.

Forgot one: Deleted Extra feat. Yang Yixuan + MF; written with it's og formatting since notes preserved my italics somehow

Cold wind swept past the ravine.

Shaking trees and rustling branches provided the background noise for the twittering creatures who lived in the back mountains. Within this quiet land was a surrounding of high elevation mountains spanning all around the mountain side.

There, Ming Fan sat quietly. Watching the creatures bellow- there were no humans for miles save for those few people within the Ancient Sect, and they were hardly just human anymore.

“So, you’ve finally decided to get off your ass.”

Ming Fan stiffened.

Yang Yixuan’s arms were cross across his breast, idly looking down from the view of Qing JIng Peak.

The landscape had changed much since Ming Fan had last come here, it was greener. With the trees far taller than when Ming Fan had last seen them, the older trees cut down by the ravages of war and time- but new ones taking their place. The silence too, was new. With no disciples Cang Qiong Mountain was a far quieter place than it had been during the height of its Sect Years. Some ascended, some peacefully settling into their next life, and some sticking around. Going to and fro the place carrying out errands and enacting a firm hand where the average Cultivator could not handle. The war had put a damper on such things, what with their stance of neutrality, bu it was no less somewhat of a sobering surprise that those of Cang Qiong Mountain had seen what was happening and judged it would be better to remain quiet.

He knew why of course, it was more practical in the long run for a mythical Sect, they were not here to force the future into their own hands- merely to counter the monsters of the yester years. Still. He wondered.

“You’re thinking so loud I could practically here it,” the former head disciple of Bai Zhan peak, the former Peak Lord himself, continued with a raised brow. “You’re normally quick to empty your mind and dump it onto others.”

Ming Fan scoffed softly, “Normal is a poor basis to use to pass judgement at the moment, even a Bai Zhan Peak buffoon like you should realize such.”

“…”

Ming Fan pursed his lip, anger simmering.

Settle.

Settle.

Settle.

“I’m sorry, that was uncalled for.” He said softly, allowing his fist to slack from their death-like grip.

“You just lost your brohter,” Yang Yixuan said bluntly. “You were a raving asshole when Liu-shifu dragged you here. Pretty much spat at Luo Binghe’s feet and insulted just about everyone.”

Ming Fan restrained the urge to flinch at every word.

“I’d be more than a little troubled if you didn’t act like that after losing your brother.” Yang Yixuan continued with a shake of his head. “It’s good to know that our illustrous Ming Fan is still a human.”

“Have I not proven that time and time again?”

“Dunno,” Ming Fan turned his head, the Bai Zhan Peak’s former sole disciple’s voice turning uncharacteristically soft. “You were doing a pretty good impression of acting like an immortal before.”

[thatswhatsushesaid]

strangely enough I'm partway through the novel and so far I've felt way more like jgy is supposed to be Bad And Evil than I ever did watching the show? like in cql you get to know him before all that bad stuff happens and you see him as a tragic character who didn't really have another choice, but in the book it just seems like he's set up as a villain from the beginning. maybe I'll change my mind when I finish the book?

oh no, see, i do think that was rather intentional in the novel! i can't remember who wrote the particular piece of meta i'm thinking about (was it you @labyrynth?) but if i recall the post correctly, it explores how key information about jgy is revealed to the viewer and the reader in both versions of the canon. because you're absolutely right that in cql, we meet jgy as meng yao much earlier in the story, and he is presented to us in such a way as to engender a lot of sympathy and compassion. and then bam!! we find out all of the terrible awful no good very bad details about him via the empathy flashback episode.

in contrast, in the novel, once wwx and lwj begin to suspect that jgy is the one behind nmj's murder, we don't actually know much of anything about jgy beyond his role within the lanling jin, his close friendship with lxc, and his status as a war hero. there are lots of hints scattered throughout the text that indicate just what type of person jgy is once he comes into his own power (e.g., the watchtowers, the decade and a half of peace and safety that his tenure as xiandu ushers in), but these textual observations are blink-and-you'll-miss-them subtle, and i caught most of them on my second re-read. we aren't really hit with the motherlode of painful heartbreak about jgy's life and backstory until the guanyin temple confrontation is nearing its end, and it isn't until jgy is actually dead and sealed in the coffin with nmj's fierce corpse that we find out he was the one who gave jin ling fairy. and it isn't until the extras that we also find out that jgy rooted out political corruption within the jin sect to such an extent that no jin sect officials would ever have considered accepting bribes while he was sect leader.

the tl;dr version is that cql is intentionally set up to (on first viewing, anyway) say to the viewer, "you thought you knew who jgy was, but you were wrong to trust him." in contrast, the question that mdzs asks the reader at the very end of the novel is, imo, "you thought you knew who jgy was--but did you?" and, rather like lan xichen, who is left to wonder about the truth for the rest of his life, this question will never be answered.

[vrishchikawrites]

JC's condemnation of WWX and the recent discussion about Lan Xichen made me wonder about how both characters failed their brothers (JC obv more than LXC) and the entire discussion about how things could've changed if JC had stood by WWX.

And that made me wonder of a scenario where Xichen for the sake of his brother, actually tightens his belt and visits WWX in the Burial Mounds- would that have made an effect? After all LXC doesn't know WWX at all and only through second hand accounts at this point so why not actually DO something about it.

Honestly i wonder about a comparison between LXC and Jiang Fengmian where both characters are the wait-and-see type and do the bare minimum of courtesy but never proactive enough to bring about a change or raise their voice. I don't dislike these sort of characters because they still feel better then the ones who accuse and vilify and have no control over their emotions, but they also feel like a cautionary tale of being too mild and trying to make everyone happy but failing completely.

I know everyone says LWJ is suppressed but sometimes I think LXC is worse. LWJ is eventually honest with himself but I feel like LXC lies to himself a LOT. So much that he actually believes it. Always smiling. Always unruffled. The First Jade of Lan.

The cast is so big it's a bit hard to think about all characters so i've liked/been neutral about LXC for a while. I have to admit though that in many many fanfics he basically exists only to give shovel talks to WWX (which is beyond annoying) and very rarely makes friends with WWX and often when he does WWX is overly tearfully grateful and it's affected my view of the character somewhat. I've become less fond of LXC but I still sympathize with him for Meng Yao. It's what he warned to his little brother about WWX but instead it was actually happening to him.

On a different note- how strong a cultivator is Lan Xichen? I feel like he should be right up there among the best but his cultivation skills are mentioned. What is he good at? Is he super good at anything?

I sometimes think LXC is, in a way, a foil for LWJ. He's this gentle, placid guy, willing to cruise along with the world, serene as the surface of the lake until someone throws a stone. LWJ, on the other hand, feels powerful like a storm sometimes. Even his silence has an edge to it, he comes across as fierce in ways LXC just isn't.

His fierceness makes him proactive instead of reactive, that's especially true when he's an adult. He's always ready to shoot and he doesn't hesitate. That's why he goes where chaos exists. LWJ isn't the kind to sit idly by when people face problems, even if the people don't concern him.

With LXC, things are different. Yes, he earns his title during the war and is known for helping hundreds of cultivators. We get the picture that he's this incredibly kind, gentle, and honorable guy. And he is.

But honestly, there's a limit to how much a kind guy will care about other people not connected to him. He knows LWJ cares for WWX in some capacity but LXC himself isn't attached to WWX in anyway. In his view, this is the guy who teased his brother relentlessly as a teenager and then showed up rebeling against everything they had been taught.

WWX's no innocent peasant or helpless cultivator that needs defending. In his eyes, WWX is powerful, dangerous, and a proven soldier. He knows WWX is smart and cunning. LXC knows he's capable of being very ruthless.

All of the heroism and kindness that LWJ has seen first hand, LXC has seen none of it. I'm also uncertain about how much he understands LWJ's feelings for WWX. He was forced to go mediate between the two a few times during the war because they were fighting so much.

So why would he go out of his way to get the true facts regarding WWX and the Wens? Especially if JC, WWX's own sect leader is set against him? He has no reason to distrust JC, who has always seemed like a steady guy, trying to reign in WWX's chaos.

From his perspective, whatever happens to WWX and the Wens is just a part of the post-war politicking.

Now, if LWJ had asked him to check, LXC would've definitely gone to the BM settlement. But he didn't afaik. LXC simply went on handling his own sect business and life.

All of that makes perfect sense for his character and his station in life. He becomes a little more invested post-ressurection when LWJ and WWX request his aid. He gets involved because both of our heroes ask this time. And due to his connection with JGY. If he wasn't tied so closely to the situation, with JGY and LWJ at risk, he wouldn't have paid much attention to the situation.

Imo, he's just a kind guy who is inclined to help but also needs to have some sort of personal stake to truly involve himself. Everytime he's shown stepping forward (outside of war) in any meaningful way, it happens when someone close to him is at risk like JGY, NMJ, LWJ, or even NHS.

There's a big difference between how JC and LXC failed their brothers.

JC activily turned the entire Cultivation world against WWX. He refused to defend him or offer help when needed.

LXC only saw his brother's somewhat 'friend' was turning bad and his brother maybe felt a little put out about it. Can't even consider that a failure, tbh.

When he knew how seriously invested LWJ was, having seen his brother suffer for love, he became seriously invested in WWX's wellbeing too. He showed that by sheltering WWX even if it meant going against his sworn brother in spirit.

But that doesn't mean WWX owes LXC anything.

So to conclude, I think he's a kind but casual character. MXTX basically wanted him to be a humbo, so there's that.

As for his power, I believe he's a skilled cultivator, particularly good with musical cultivation. He's so good that JGY thought he was nothing in comparison. He's also a good swordman and very good at archery.

Is he has powerful as LWJ - I somehow don't believe he is simply because LWJ seems to go on many more nighthunts. I assume that hightens his cultivation somewhat. But LXC is very competent from what the text suggests.

[sailuncharted]

JGY is not a sociopath

and you're kinda an ass for using it as an insult

from healthline.com:

The new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) says that someone with ASPD consistently shows a lack of regard for others’ feelings or violations of people’s rights. People with ASPD may not realize that they have these behaviors. They may live their entire lives without a diagnosis.

1. Doesn’t respect social norms or laws. They consistently break laws or overstep social boundaries.

Jgy is known for his polite behavior and always paying attention to social boundaries. This is what he's basically known for. He is very good at settling disputes and remembering people's likes and dislikes.

We don't really have any laws that we know of in MDZS (except the Lan tenets maybe?) One example of something close would be XY's punishment, but in that case, JGY is following JGS's orders, so he is following the rules of his sect leader

2. Lies, deceives others, uses false identities or nicknames, and uses others for personal gain. Doesn’t make any long-term plans. They also often behave without thinking of consequences.

JGY does lie and deceive that part is true, but that alone wouldn't qualify him, everyone in the world has lied or deceived in their life.

He never uses false names or other identities, all his names are his own. I think even under WRH he used Meng Yao.

He does use others for personal gain, so that would meet two points of this criteria.

But the rest of this does not apply, JGY is very calculating and makes very long plans. He has a plan for everything far into the future. The consequences of his actions are calculated and pre-planned. he doesn't do anything without thinking about it first.

3. Shows aggressive or aggravated behavior. They consistently get into fights or physically harm others.

This is so completely opposite to his personality that it's almost funny. JGY is not aggressive or aggravated, he's calm and polite. Even at his most aggravated at the temple, he never yells or abuses his workers. So much so that it impresses wwx enough to comment about it. He's never looking for a fight but instead trying to solve them between other cultivators.

JGY is a runner, he's ready to yeet himself away from danger at any point because, oh right, he has self-preservation. The only time we see JGY physically fighting others is during the war or when wwx snuck into his treasure room as a paperman. This is not "consistently"

He does harm others but again it's pretty spaced out and fairly low compared to other cultivators. We even are given a list of people he's harmed and for ones like his wife and his son, are actually just consequences of his actions. They aren't him physically doing harm.

4. Doesn’t consider their own safety or the safety of others.

Jgy is known for his self-preservation. At the temple he made it very clear that he was just there to leave and he wasn't going to harm anyone. And the horrible awful thing he was digging up and hiding in the temple? was his mother's grave. so he was planning on keeping everyone alive, as he escaped with his mother.

yeah pretty sure he cares about his and other's safety.

Also when he supposedly tries to kill lxc by pulling him to nmj, i actually wrote a breakdown of that scene and no he's not

5. Doesn’t follow up on personal or professional responsibilities. This can include repeatedly being late to work or not paying bills on time.

Okay i'm laughing so hard on this one. Who works harder than JGY?!?! He is a workaholic. 1200 watchtowers weren't built by him sitting on his ass. He helped rebuild the cloud recesses. He is always running events and organizing parties.

6. Doesn’t feel guilt or remorse for having harmed or mistreated others.

This one is hard because we never get his POV. We only have other people's POV and tales of paid slander against him. Does JGY feel guilt or remorse? we may never know. We do know that he says he felt like he had to to save his life. But did he feel bad about his wife and child, we don't know. We do know that he told LXC that he never wished him harm and he was quite offended that LXC would ever think otherwise.

We also know when LXC follows him to the coffin that JGY saves him and pushes him away.

so for the most part, since this is unwritten, we don't know, so I cannot use this.

In conclusion:

JGY lies and deceives and uses people for personal gain and that's about the only thing he does on this list. And like, that's pretty common human behavior. It's definitely not enough to get him to qualify.

I'm not fooling myself that anyone except JGY apologists read this, so I really want you guys to think about the people who so easily call JGY a sociopath. The abilst language and hate for mental illnesses that they so easily throw around.

JGY isn't a sociopath but they're not just trying to insult JGY they're trying to belittle and vilify mental illnesses.

[mikkeneko]

F H S for the fic ask :)

F: Share a snippet from one of your favorite dialogue scenes you’ve written and explain why you’re proud of it.

This is one of those questions that changes over time, but at the moment:

"I have come from beyond the grave to warn you away from a course of action that will be your doom!" the ghostly voice boomed. "In life I was heedless, but in death you may learn from my regrets!"

"Certainly!" Jin Guangshan was sweating, despite the sword in his hand; he had never been any great swordsman, and the Wen Sect Leader was no less formidable in death than he had been in life. "What do you regret, then? Was it your bloody and brutal attempts to grind the rest of the cultivation world under your heel?"

"Honestly, no," Wen Ruohan admitted. "I felt pretty good about that."

"Oh." Jin Guangshan pondered that for a moment. "Well, was it dabbling in the darkest of magics that corrupted your mind and soul?"

"I still feel like that whole deal was overstated," Wen Ruohan said in a tone of complaint. "The risks were pretty minimal compared to the very tangible immediate payoff."

"Then... What is the regret you feel the need to warn me about?" Jin Guangshan said cautiously.

Wen Ruohan leaned in, lowering his voice confidingly. "I will just say, you have got to prioritize getting some competent underlings. I surrounded myself with puppets and minions too terrorized to cough in the wrong direction and as a result, I had absolutely no lieutenants I could trust or rely on! My best fighter was stuck babysitting my incompetent younger son, my personal physician had to hold down a key position in a supervisory office, and I ended up hiring a complete outsider and giving him a huge amount of trust and access and power just because he was the only one who could run a conference call, let alone a war! Listen to me on this one, kid: get people you can trust."

Jin Guangshan dropped to his knees, bowing hastily before his senior. "Of course, I am grateful for your wisdom!" he exclaimed. "Only..."

Wen Ruohan tilted his head. "Yes?"

Jin Guangshan's brow wrinkled. "Wasn't that... actually Meng Yao? That you hired and put in a position of trust."

"Might have been," Wen Ruohan said. "Rings a bell."

"And didn't he... ultimately betray and murder you?" Jin Guangshan ventured.

"I'm sure that wouldn't happen twice," Wen Ruohan assured him.

Yeah.

H: How would you describe your style?

Honestly, I have no idea. Back in MCU fandom people used to call my style 'concise' a lot, probably because I tended to start stories in media res. Nowadays, I drop 50k on a crack concept and 80k on a big bang and think to myself that I was on the short side compared to some of my fellow Big Bang writers, so I don't think concise applies any more. What other style words are there? I don't think I know what this question is asking.

S: Any fandom tropes you can’t resist?

A few I already mentioned: hurt/comfort, Golden Core Reveal, Yunmeng Bros Reconciliation, Time Travel... oh I can also throw in Yiling Laozu Hot, that one's a classic :)

FanFic Ask Game

[songofclarity]

Omg I absolutely agree with your meta about WRH. When I 1st got into the Fandom I used to hate his guts but after I read the novel and watched the donghua I couldn't help but think he was really cool. Something I don't see spoken about often is his competence, not only was his sect the most powerful and richest in his reign but also in the sunshot campaign he was up against the whole cultivation world and they had WWX's demonic cultivation and army of the dead on their side as well as Meng Yao as a spy sneaking them information right from WRH's side and still they couldn't beat him and the war was at stalemate for 3-5 years until WRH was betrayed by Meng Yao whom he trusted and treated like a son and only after they lost WRH's leadership did the Wen sect fall. Also he respects and rewards competence regardless of background and gender etc which makes him look more progressive than most of the cultivation world. I also love how he exudes pure power and self confidence he has that sort of "feline" charisma like how a cat knows 100% and without any doubt that they are the epitome of cathood and that everyone else is beneath them and can never reach their level and also how before you know a cat you think cats are mean tyrannical assholes but then after you get to know them you still believe they are mean tyrannical assholes but also there is far more to them than meets the eye and you can't help but adore them and agree that they are indeed superior and have every right to expect to be worshipped and rule the world. Idk why I went into this cat tangent lol but the point is I believe WRH is very cat-like and maybe that's why I adore him so much because cats are my favorite creatures in the world

Much like a cat, Wen RuoHan sleeps 16 hours a day because an apex predator fears nothing. He wakes up to ask if the Sunshot Campaign is over yet. It's not. He gives a few orders, eats his dinner, throws around a newly gifted catnip toy (he’s quite pleased), and then goes back to sleep near a nice warm fireplace. It's been a long day and he deserves it.

OK, on a serious note, "only after they lost WRH's leadership did the Wen sect fall." 👏👏👏 THANK YOU! The war lasted three years. Wen Chao, Wen ZhuLiu, and Wen Xu all died within days of each other in the first three months. The Qishan Wen Sect is never described as stepping up their game when they realized the Sunshot Campaign was serious. The other sects had Wei WuXian’s demonic cultivation and Meng Yao’s spying.

And STILL the other sects could. not. win.

Jumping back to the top of your ask, it's pretty easy to hate Wen RuoHan at first. The fandom blames him for literally everything even though we see in real time how Wang LingJiao, Wen Chao, and Meng Yao all make their own, terrible choices. The donghua makes Wen RuoHan into a murderous aggressor trying to take over the cultivation world. CQL went with the a more traditional cdrama evil man who doesn't seem to know which way is up.

On a side note, I'm constantly confused when I see people say Wen RuoHan declared the Sunshot Campaign on the other Sects because, like, no? It's literally in the name: the other sects are trying to shoot down the sun! If this was Wen RuoHan's war, it would be more akin to the Scorched Earth Campaign.

So Wen RuoHan being at the head of the Wen Sect with four other great sects trying to take him down and holding steady is such a testament to his competency, you're absolutely right! And at the helm of his competency is his delegation.

Does he delegate to good, responsible people? No, and that’s what gets him into trouble, but I think his delegation is also what makes him popular with his sect and with guest cultivators. He’s powerful and he’s willing to share that power.

What's funny about the Qishan Wen Sect was that it was indeed the most powerful and richest, but Wei WuXian also notes how bad their general cultivators are. That Lan XiChen, Lan WangJi, Wei WuXian, and Jin ZiXuan all ranked in the top four at the archery competition isn't just due to their outstanding skill. It's also because the Wen juniors were just... frankly bad. Wen Ning has stage fright and Wen Chao lacks talent. The Waterborne Abyss was pushed into Gusu territory not as an attack on Gusu, but very likely because the Wen cultivators were not able to destroy it so they just pushed it outside their borders.

So the Wen Sect is really quantity over quality. Yu ZiYuan is a badass lady with a lightning whip and should not have died at Lotus Pier, but Lotus Pier was completely overrun so of course she stood no chance.

And the lack of quality also lies with the guest cultivators. The guest cultivator who threw Nie Dad under the bus, Wang LingJiao, and Meng Yao are all horrible people. Wang LingJiao and Meng Yao are noted for their poor cultivation. Both of them would have been killed before the crucial point if our actual Wen fam, Wen ZhuLiu and Wen RuoHan respectively, did not step in to save them.

Which makes it all the more impressive that Wen RuoHan's leadership held back not just the four sects (perhaps closer to three as the Yunmeng Jiang were recruiting probably rogue cultivators and training a lot from scratch) but also Wei WuXian with his demonic cultivation! Didn't the rumors talk about how Wei WuXian could kill thousands on his own? I don't recall Wei WuXian ever denying it, although at that rate I'd be surprised if there was anyone left to fight after three years, so it’s probably exaggerated lol He’d still be terrifying, however!

Meng Yao's spy work perhaps saved the other four sects from being decimated but his spy work was never enough to give them the upper hand. (Although I have a LOT of thoughts about what that spy work was meant to achieve in general.) Did Wen RuoHan ever know there was a spy? Would it have mattered when it had such little effect??

Wen RuoHan absolutely son-zoned Meng Yao and it's infuriating to me how often Wen RuoHan is treated by fandom as abusing Meng Yao in some capacity. There is no sign that Meng Yao ever suffered in Nightless City. That was always kind of the point of us seeing empathy: Meng Yao was in his stride, he murdered, and he was given a choice and he voted torture.

When we hear about the Fire Palace and how Meng Yao invented all those torture devices, that's Meng Yao being honored for his talent in torture. Wen ZhuLiu changed his name to Wen in order to follow Wen RuoHan and Wen Chao even comments that he can't do anything to punish Wen ZhuLiu because his father thinks Wen ZhuLiu is a rare talent. Talent is protected. Talent is promoted.

Wen RuoHan absolutely rewards talent -- which is, I like to point out, something we only ever see Nie MingJue do when he explains why he promoted Meng Yao. By comparison, Jiang FengMian only praises Wei WuXian, the Gusu Lan bullied Su She out rather than acknowledge he was talented in his own right, and the Jin only ever use their guest cultivators, such as Xue Yang, like tools to be used and thrown away. While Nie MingJue gets closest by raising up Meng Yao, however, he doesn't seek to cultivate Meng Yao's skills and instead sends him on his way when Meng Yao has other goals.

Wen RuoHan not only rewards talent but he also nurtures it. Wen Chao is given opportunities to practice being a leader and organizer. It's said by cultivators later in the novel that Wen RuoHan taught Meng Yao his sword technique--the same technique that Meng Yao likely used to kill him. Note how Nie MingJue observed from the start that Meng Yao's sword skills needed work, but we never see or hear about Meng Yao doing any training with the Nie. So Meng Yao goes from being a terrible swordsman to being good enough to kill Wen RuoHan fast enough that he suffers no backlash.

Although is Wen RuoHan the type of person who would harm someone he had son-zoned? The manhua gave us a gift by showing us the shocked and betrayed look on Wen RuoHan's face and the completely unapologetic look on Meng Yao's.

That isn’t to say that Wen RuoHan, as the enemy, didn’t somehow deserve to be taken down, but it does say a lot that the only way to defeat him was through a personal betrayal. And it says a lot that, with Wen RuoHan ruling over a city-sized cultivation sect that welcomed plenty of outsiders, he never felt like he had to watch his back.

[danhoemei]

Thank you so much, for answering my asks. If you don't mind me asking, who are your favorite MXTX characters (top 5 from each novel)? And why? I'm sorry if you've answered this question before.

Gosh 5 each novel. You really like fives huh

[SPOILERS ahead]

MDZS

1. wei wuxian

A ray of sunshine with a noble heart; smart and witty, wild and bold, not afraid to reach for what he wants and not afraid to fight for what he believes in.

2. a qing

I was immensely impressed by her wit and creativity. Her sharp mind and sharp eyes and an even sharper tongue could utterly destroy others lmao. I am WEAK for smart characters and she rocks it. If only she had more luck...

3. jiang cheng

He has a lot to work on and can be unbearable but no matter how much he tries he can’t hide the softness in him. I know many people don’t like him and I understand, but I have a soft spot for characters who try too hard and constantly feel inadequate, who don’t believe in themselves, who are hard to approach and bottling their feelings and thoughts up, but given love and understanding they can bloom and be fiercely loyal to those who are precious to them.

4. wen qing

Tough, brave, ready to fight, smart and unyielding. Inspiring. I am also often fond of medics, I almost always play rpgs as the team’s badass medic xd

5. meng yao

He suffered a lot and never gave up, constantly cornered and made to fight for survival in a world which repeatedly rejected him. He committed awful crimes, but many other people in mdzs did, and I kind of can’t blame only him without blaming society and others as well. There is a good post that puts to words my saltiness for this character.

TGCF

1-2. xie lian & hua cheng 💕

xl impressed me for his wit and calmness. Cheerful and accepting of whatever was to come, but at the same time ready to give his all in literally anything, no matter if it was an important matter or a small task he was given. I liked to see him grow and mature, then find his happy place surrounded by his friends he cared about and fought for 😭

hc similarly to xl, impressed me in his own ways. He was pretty much a mary sue, to a kinda ridiculous degree at some points, and I regret that we couldn’t see more of his background and know him solely as xl’s sidekick, when there could be so much more content. But anyway, his sheer devotion still sends be flying. He suffered so much and should have disappeared so many times, but every time his love and need for xl’s protection held him in this world. Ghost king created of love. I am on my knees.

3. pei ming

Lmfao enjoyed his every appearance. He has his flaws but his core is kind and honest, and I respect him for that.

4. yin yu

I do have a thing for sad loyal and hardworking characters xd Thinking about his story twists my insides because of the amount of powerlessness and slow descending to despair that I felt. I respect how hard he tries, even while being aware of his shortcomings or lack of “talent”. He’s sad and I wish for him to be happy ;___;

5. he xuan

Another person who suffered a lot yet wasn’t destroyed by their misfortune and injustice, rather rose as a different person filled with determination, persistent in their goals.

Svsss

1. shang qinghua

Best hamster character lmfao. Chaotic, full of memes, just trying to survive and live by. Forgetful but smart and creative. Made me laugh many times and he has a comfy nest in my heart.

2. liu qingge

Hah, another grumpy and awkward character who has problems expressing themselves. I’m soft for him and I want happiness for him ;___; Qingge my boi ;____; Svsss should have been a harem story change my mind you won’t.

3. shen jiu

Another unhappy character with a shitty life huh. I am once again impressed by wit and strong survival instincts. Can’t get too deep into him because, I must confess, I haven’t been able to read his extras... If something is too painful I feel it physically and I’m afraid that I wouldn’t be able to handle the amount of powerlessness, anger at the world, and regret for what could have been. I know enough from the fandom tho :’) Anyway, I like this poor bastard despite his shortcomings and I dwell on the idea of AUs where he and qi-ge can open up to each other and be happy ;___;

4. shen yuan

Awkward millennials constantly screaming inside, what’s there not to relate to lmao

5. mu qingfang

Again, soft spot for medics xd Also pretty related to his #done attitude towards his friends going around doing stupid shit and getting hurt. Had so many situations like that in rpgs I played with my friends xddd *flashbacks to ridiculous stunts my friends pulled*