Chapter Text
Wei Ying was found by Jiang Fengmian when he was 8 years old. He was brought into the clan as a servant to the main family. Right away he could tell that Madam Yu hated him and she even said as much, as well as speaking ill of his mother. Jiang Cheng had the same temperament as his mother and said biting words to him, but he was still Wei Ying’s only friend so he pushed the harshness to the back of his mind. Jiang Yanli was the only one who welcomed him warmly and gave love unconditionally.
Life in Lotus Pier was different from life on the streets. He had a warm bed, clean clothes, and his belly was never empty. On the other hand, he was constantly walking on eggshells, trying to avoid the temper of Madam Yu. He practiced and studied late into the night, attempting to catch up as quickly as possible to the other disciples. He started his Golden Core training later than most and he couldn’t read, so he had to work twice as hard as the others to get good results and not be subjected to the Madam’s abuse. But it was never enough. Once Wei Wuxian was able to be on the same level as the other disciples his age and even surpassing them he was still a target for being better than Jiang Cheng. His days revolved around training, studying, and getting punished for minor infractions, that’s not including the punishments he would take on behalf of Jiang Cheng. He learned soon enough that not even Uncle Jiang would help him, as he would have a blank stare on his face whenever he was called to the ancestral hall for his lashes.
Wei Ying was 10 years old when someone stopped Yu Ziyuan from whipping him. He was being punished for distracting Jiang Cheng who was behind in his sword forms compared to him. The biting hits from the whip and the electricity running through his body were so painful, he just wanted everything to stop. Wei Ying soon found out the man was a Jiang Sect Elder. The Yunmeng Jiang Sect Elders are nomadic and come back to the sect every few years unless they’re summoned by the sect leader for emergencies. Yu Ziyuan was incensed that someone would stop her from disciplining her servant, only to get it thrown in her face that Wei Ying was not a servant and was the heir of Yunmeng Jiang’s main branch family, the Wei sect. They were direct descendants of Jiang Chi’s younger brother who helped protect the main family. The Jiang sect differed from other sects like the Nie and Lan clan whose firstborn direct descendants became the heir and sect leader and were more similar to the Wen sect where the main family descendants and leaders of main branch families fight for the seat of the sect leader. In the Jiang sect, the main branch family can claim the title of Yunmeng Jiang sect leader if the Elders choose them because they are better instead, but over the past few generations, the heads of the Wei sect decided to stay in the shadows instead of vying for becoming Sect Leader. Wei Changze was no different, choosing to work as the right-hand man of Jiang Fengmian before giving up his title to become a rogue cultivator with his wife, leaving the position to a cousin of his, but Jiang Fengmian never accepted him.
“As the head of Yunmeng Jiang Sect, I expected you to know this Fengmian! Yu Ziyuan you have been the Madam of the Jiang Sect for many years, you should have learned how our sect is run. Abusing your power is not the only thing you’re here for. Why is he not in training to become the next leader and living next to the servants? And why have we not been informed of you finding him? He’s been here for 2 years and neither we nor the Wei sect knows of his return. Ridiculous!”
After getting a tongue lashing from the Elders for many hours the meeting finally ended. The Elders took Wei Ying with them to the infirmary and to explain his new position in the sect even more. Yu Ziyuan stormed out of the room, angry that anyone dared to speak to her that way and angry that the woman she hated son was on the same level as her own. Jiang Fengmian sat frozen in his seat staring at nothing, fingers clenching tightly in his lap.
The next few days went by in a blur to Wei Ying. First, he was moved into the main family’s house from the servant’s quarters. His room is bigger than before and has a living room so he can greet guests. In his room are the servants who were just his neighbors waiting for him to wash and redress him in new robes fitting his new status as the heir. Wei Ying became flustered at the people who he was just living with undressing him and calling him Young Master. In return, they teased him about his shyness, not used to seeing this side of him but seeing the bright energetic boy. His robes were black and red signifying his status as part of the Wei Sect and had dark purple under robes poking through to show he was part of the Jiang.
After everything was settled he was released to go to his sword training class and was quickly surrounded by his martial siblings staring at him in awe. Some gave compliments on his new robes, while others congratulated him on his new position. Just as quickly as the other children came, they dispersed just as fast when the crackle of Zidian was heard and an angry voice followed.
“Get back to training now!” Yu Ziyuan shouted before she turned her icy gaze onto Wei Ying. “Don’t get ahead of yourself just because you’re part of the main branch family, you’re still nothing. Get to work.”
Later that night Wei Ying snuck out of his room to go for a walk. He was overwhelmed with all the changes that have been happening so he wanted to get some fresh air and clear his mind. Soon he comes close to a pavilion and hears Madam Yu and Uncle Jiang arguing. He turns to walk away before he freezes, hearing them talk about him and his family.
“Why?! Why did you have to bring that boy here?! It wasn’t enough for you that I have to hear that whore’s name wherever I go, but now her son has the right to be Sect leader? Do you hate your son so much you would give his birthright away to some scum?! You love that woman and her son that much?!”
“You think I wanted this to happen?! I would never choose Changze’s son over my own. I hate him just as much as you do. Why do you think I never say anything when you ‘discipline’ him. Seeing the face of Wei Changze scrunched up in pain delighted me. That boy is nothing but everything I hate, but he’s still her precious son..” Jiang Fengmian gives a bitter laugh. “Wei Changze, in the end, you still win huh? You abdicated the title for what reason? Pity? He always was more talented than me and then took the woman I love leaving me in the dust. He got the end he deserved.”
Yu Ziyuan stared at her husband, shocked at his confession. He never was this forward with his emotions and now she just learned how much he hated his sworn brother who is his cousin. Wei Ying who was still hidden behind the wall felt his heart sink, body cold and tears silently running down chubby cheeks. The man he considered his Uncle didn’t even like him outside of his love for his mother and let his wife whip him for fun. His heart shattered and felt hatred towards the two of them grow deep within him, but he had nowhere else to go so he walked back to his room and cried through the night. When morning comes, he will put the smile back on his face and not give them the satisfaction of seeing him upset by it.
The following days he spent avoiding the Jiang family which wasn’t hard considering that they wanted nothing to do with him either, all except for Jiang Yanli. Jiang Cheng yelled at him to stay away from him and called him a traitor for trying to take the sect away from him. Only Jiang Yanli still approached him but he ran whenever she did. He couldn’t help but think that she was also faking her kindness. After all, if she saw him as family, why did she only allow him to call her Shijie? He knew it was probably because of Madam Yu but still, the doubt was already present.
A week later and he was carted off to JiangLing, where the Wei Sect resided to meet his relatives for the first time. Wei Ying was going to spend two weeks there getting to know them. He felt relieved because he would be able to breathe without all the tension surrounding him, but he was also scared. Would these people be as hateful as the Jiang’s are? Would they welcome him with open arms? He would find out soon so he put on a brave face as the carriage came closer and closer to the sect.
When he came out of the carriage he was greeted by the sect leader Wei Bohu and other disciples. The man bowed to the Elder he was traveling with before turning to him. Wei Ying drew in a breath, waiting on his reaction. He exhaled sharply when Wei Bohu knelt and gave him a crushing huge.
“Welcome home A-Ying. I’m so glad to finally meet you. You look so much like your parents”, he said, rubbing the boy’s head. Wei Ying always heard negative things about his parents and for someone to speak fondly of them for once warmed the coldness that was growing inside of him. Tears started welling in his eyes but he quickly wiped them away, giving the sect leader a proper greeting. Wei Bohu laughed and ushered him inside.
The next two weeks went by in a flash. He hasn’t felt this safe and comfortable in so long, he forgot what it was like to breathe easy without offending anyone. He met many cousins who were around his age that would playfully tease him and drag him to town to show him around. The older members of his family doted on him, giving him presents and plenty of hugs to spare. Wei Ying wasn’t used to this kind of attention so he was easily flustered and thanked them profusely. At dinner, his family would tell him stories of his parents, such as how they met and what they were like. He also heard stories of his father’s childhood and how talented he was with the sword and the trouble he would find himself in because of bad luck. Wei Ying soaked all this information in like he hadn’t drunk water in days. He remembered nothing of his parents beside a bright smile and a calming presence and during the past few years, he’s only heard slandering of their name. He was grateful towards his new family and proud of his parents’ accomplishments.
When it was time to leave, Wei Ying did not leave by himself. One of his older cousins Wei Qiang was sent to be his bodyguard and support system in the Jiang sect after one night Wei Ying broke down in tears and told Wei Bohu how he’s being treated. Sect Leader Wei was furious at his treatment, even worse the sullying of Wei Changze’s memory from Jiang Fengmian. Those two were close in their childhood. What could warrant the disrespect of not even adding his tablet to the ancestral hall? Wei Bohu immediately went to commission tablets for both Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze. Wei Ying was finally able to pay his respects properly to his parents as he sat there for hours pouring his heart out to them.
The trip back was short and uneventful even with the addition of Wei Qiang. Wei Qiang was quiet by nature but he had a sharp tongue and spoke out against any injustice he saw. He was a tall teen who resembled Wei Ying with his ponytail. One main difference is the mole underneath his left eye. Even though he was a bit strict he indulged Wei Ying in the past two weeks and had a dry sense of humor.
After arriving back to the Jiang sect he was informed that he had gifts waiting for him in his room from different sects. Right before he left, the Elders sent out letters to the different sects informing them of the arrival of the technical first young master of Yunmeng Jiang and as a sign of good faith they each sent something as a welcome present. Wei Ying sighed at all the attention, but this was his new life now.
---
At age 13 Wei Ying received his sword Suibian and was named head disciple. Life in the Jiang sect has considerably changed after the past 3 years since he was named as a sect heir. With the presence of Wei Qiang and the Elders, no longer was Wei Ying being whipped for no reason. Any infraction he caused would be dealt with by kneeling in the ancestral hall.
“Elders, the Madam of the house is unjustly punishing the young master. I beseech you to rethink the punishment he deserves”, Wei Qiang pleaded.
“With all due respect, I am also the leader of this sect and I should be able to discipline any of the disciples that I want, young master or not.”
“I wasn’t aware that my lady was also the head of Discipline instead of Jiang Chun. How busy you surely must be.”
Zidian sparked on Yu Ziyuan’s finger as her temper flared. Before any more words could be exchanged, one of the elders stopped them asking what the infraction was and not finding it severe enough for 7 lashes, they sent Wei Ying to Jiang Chun for discipline. Afterward, they reminded Yu Ziyuan that any punishment, no matter the standing of the disciple, should be talked to first to the discipline committee to ensure fair treatment of everyone. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli were the exceptions since they were her kids.
The same year he was able to start attending discussion conferences making his official debut in the cultivation world. The conference that year was held in Koi Tower which was his first time going. He was nervous about being in a room with such important people, he steeled himself and greeted everyone properly. The conference was long and boring but he tried to stay focused. Eventually, he started fidgeting in his seat, when Jiang Cheng pinched him and sent a glare his way telling him to keep still. Wei Ying turned away from him and started looking around the room, taking in all of the people until his eyes met with a pair of golden ones. The striking pair of eyes were attached to a beautiful face that looked carved out of white jade. Above the eyes lay a pristine white ribbon with a cloud pattern. ‘He’s from the Gusu Lan Sect.’ The boy in white stared back at him and Wei Ying sent him a small smile in return. The other whose name he does not know gave him a slight head nod in acknowledgment before turning away and back to the conversation. The rest of the conference went by in a blur after that.
The meeting finally concluded for the day and everyone was able to relax while they were setting up for the banquet. Wei Ying excused himself to go for a walk to stretch his legs. He was dismissed by Madam Yu with a wave of her hand and not even a glance. Wei Qiang fell into step behind his young master as they left the hall. The two heard footsteps rushing up to them and turned to see Jiang Cheng running after them. He started walking beside Wei Ying casually and had his usual frown on his face.
“Shidi, you’re coming to join us?”
“I’m only coming to make sure you don’t embarrass the Jiang sect.”
Wei Ying rolls his eyes at his cousin, not paying him any mind as they walk along a path covered in white peonies. Wei Ying had never seen such a sight before. He looked on in awe as the path of flowers seemed to continue forever. As they kept walking he noticed two others taking in the beauty of flowers. He recognized it was the boy in white who he saw earlier. His eyes brightened as he made a beeline straight towards him and his companion to meet him. Jiang Cheng grabbed his arm tightly when he saw where he was going so he yanked his arm back in irritation. He sped up to get some distance in between them. When he got close enough he was noticed by the pair in white. He stopped in front, bowing in greeting.
“Greetings young masters. This one is named Wei Ying from the Yunmeng Jiang sect. This here is my cousin, Wei Qiang.” Wei Qiang bowed low in address after being announced. By then Jiang Cheng had caught up to them and extended his respects.
“Greetings young masters of Jiang. I am Lan Xichen and this is my younger brother, Lan Zhan from Gusu Lan. What brings the two of you out here?”
“To play of course! That discussion conference was soooo long. I have way too much energy to let loose now. Hey, you should join us.”
“What game will you be playing?”
“Hmmm, I haven’t decided yet but it’ll be something heart racing and blood pumping!”
“Ridiculous.”
Wei Ying turns to the voice that just spoke and sees a blank face staring back at him. A mischievous smile graces his lips as he steps into Lan Zhan’s space, “oho~ so he does speak! Well, what game do you want to play? "
“None.”
“But we’re now friends and friends play together.”
“Not friends,” Lan Zhan said through gritted teeth.
“Aiyah, Lan-er-gongzi there’s a lot of benefits to being my friend ya know.” Lan Zhan gave him a side glance in disbelief but let the other boy continue anyway. “Well just so you know I’m the best swimmer in Yunmeng, I’m also the best pheasant hunter around. Oh, I know where to get all the best treats from JieJie’s and Ayi’s! I’m also the fastest so I can protect you in a night hunt” Wei Ying declared proudly giving a wide charming smile. Lan Zhan turned his head away, ears turning red, and muttered, “Foolish.”
In the background, Jiang Cheng was getting ready to pull his cousin away for embarrassing their sect and harassing Lan-er-gongzi but was stopped by Lan Xichen.
“Lan-gongzi I apologize for my cousins’ behavior.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. Wei-gongzi is just having fun and my brother is fine with it.” Jiang Cheng looked at him incredulity and Lan Xichen just chuckled at his expression. The older Lan looked on at the two, happy that his brother was coming out of his shell even if he didn’t know it himself. He’s spoken more to this one boy than he has to him and his uncle in the past week. Lan Xichen thinks that he’ll have to let his Uncle know about this development and see if they can arrange a chance for the two to keep in touch with each other. He just wants his little brother to be happy and make friends.
Noticing the time, Lan Xichen ushers the group back to the hall, watching as Wei Ying tries to get Lan Zhan’s attention the entire time. Once back into the hall the group breaks away from each other and heads back to their respective sects. Lan Zhan turns to look at the bright and boisterous boy interacting with his family.
This becomes a common sight for the rest of the week-long discussion conference for the next few years. During breaks, it was typical to see Lan Zhan walking and Wei Ying trailing behind him like a duckling, steadily talking. For other members of the Lan Sect, it was jarring seeing their stoic second young master tolerating the whirlwind that was Wei Ying and even seeking him out at certain points.
One year Madam Yu got fed up with Wei Ying following him around and she made her displeasure known. The conference was being held at Lotus Pier and Wei Ying was hanging off of Lan Zhan’s shoulder pouting at the Lan family after being lightly scolded by Lan Qiren for jumping on his two nephews as a greeting. Her temper rose from seeing him be so close to the Lan sect while the widely known Twin Jades wouldn’t pay her son any attention outside of polite greetings. Her thunderous footsteps could be heard by everyone around as she approached them and gripped Wei Ying by the forearm, pulling him away from the Lans.
“Wei Ying! Stop bothering Grandmaster Lan and his family. Vermin like you will only sully them.”
Lan Qiren’s frown deepened on his face while Lan Xichen’s smile dropped at hearing the rude language. The temperature feels as though it drops a few degrees as Lan Zhan turns around and faces Madam Yu. His face is the same blank expression but his eyes are fierce.
“Wei Ying is not vermin or a bother,” he says, ice dripping from his voice. Madam Yu looks shocked that he spoke, let alone in defense of this street rat.
“What my brother means Madam is that we enjoy Wei-gongzi’s presence and do not think poorly of him.” Lan Qiren nodded his head in agreement to back up his nephews even if he thought the young child was a nuisance at times.
“Lan Qiren do you think that? After all, this child is that woman’s son,” she said, venom lacing her words.
Lan Qiren turned sharp eyes on her as he spoke. “Cangse Sanran’s son is a friend of my nephews as she was a friend of mine during her life. We had our differences but I will not allow any slander to befall her name.”
All eyes were on her. As she saw no one was on her side and that the Lan’s were against her, her temper flared. Unconsciously her grip tightened on Wei Ying’s arm until a sharp inhale broke the two sides out of their clash. All eyes turned to Wei Ying where he was trying to pull his arm away from the crushing grip. The younger Lans rushed to his side and pulled him out of her grip as Jiang Fengmian and Wei Qiang came over to see what was going on. Lan Qiren turns fiery eyes onto Jiang Fengmian.
“Sect Leader Jiang, what kind of sect are you running here?! Attempting to break a child’s arm for being enthusiastic is a punishment that you give?”
Jiang Fengmian is stunned. He turns to his wife and sees her face red while Zidian flashes violently on her finger. He shifts his vision over to where Wei Ying is and sees him wince when Wei Qiang moves to touch his arm. He hears the whispers coming from the surrounding people as the attendant ushers Wei Ying to the infirmary with the second young master of Gusu trailing behind them. Jiang Fengmian gathers his wits and bows low to Lan Qiren apologizing for his wife’s behavior. He then turns around to his wife, giving her a hard stare.
“My Lady, your actions just now were reprehensible. You are to be confined to your room until further notice. We will discuss your actions later. Leave at once”
Yu Ziyuan is embarrassed and infuriated. How dare all these people judge her! That brat making her lose face in front of not only the Lans but the entire cultivation world. She stormed off to her pavilion and her loyal handmaidens were right behind her. The rest of the discussion conference went on as gossip flowed about the Jiang household embarrassing the main family.