A Means to an End (WangXian)

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Physical touch has always been something that soothed him. It reminded him of the very faint memories of being curled up beside his mother feeling warm and content. It reminded him of the gentle hugs Jiang Yanli would give him, particularly after a nightmare.

When the meal had finished, small talk finally arrived.

"How are you feeling, Wei-gongzi?" Lan Xichen asked.

Wei Wuxian smiled at him. "Much better."

Lan Xichen nodded and took a sip of his tea. "How are the nightmares? Have they gotten better?"

Lan Xichen noticed Lan Wangji's pinched lips.

"Yes, I think they have," Wei Wuxian replied.

Lan Xichen felt hesitant. It was clear that Lan Wangji seemed particularly worried. "Have you been checked out by Wen Qing recently?" he asked.

Wei Wuxian nodded. "Yes, I saw her yesterday. She said the my core is gaining strength."

"That's good to hear." He left it be for the moment. Clearly there was something bothering his brother, but he would address the matter later in private. "We should meet with the others. Chifeng-zun should be arriving at any moment."

The three stood and left the Hanshi and headed for the meeting room where everyone would gather to me to discuss the Cloud Recesses invasion and the indoctrination. There is only a week left of the lectures and soon everyone will be heading home.

That thought alone made Lan Wangji anxious. He was not willing to let Wei Wuxian head back to Yunmeng. He would need to discuss with his uncle and brother about their plans to keep him safe and hopefully here in the Cloud Recesses.

The group was much larger this time than the last time they had met. There was the addition of the Wen siblings and Lan Qiren.

"Glad you could join us," Lan Qiren stated. The three bowed respectfully before joining everyone else at the table.

"Chifeng-zun should arrive at any moment, shufu. I have arranged for someone to escort him here," Lan Xichen explained.

Lan Qiren nodded.

The group stayed silent, waiting for the last arrival. Tea was poured amongst the group. 

Wei Wuxian's mind twirled with ideas on how to approach the upcoming struggles. His mind was a flutter of theories and talismans and other such ideas. How could they infiltrate the Wen Clan? Is there a way to turn some of their allies against them?

"Master Lan," a voice called. A man walked into the room, followed by Nie Mingjue. 

Everyone stood up and greeted the sect leader. 

Nie Mingjue scanned his eyes around the room, narrowing when he took in the presence of two Wen disciples. "What are they doing here?!" he yelled.

Wei Wuxian immediately jumped in front of them, almost like a shield. "They're good. They're on our side," he told the Nie.

"They are the ones who start this war," Nie Mingjue reminded.

"Da-ga! Listen to Wei-xiong. Wen Rouhan starts the war. Even though they share Wen as a surname, they are not on his side!" Nie Huaisang cried out.

"How do you know that for sure?" he asked.

Nie Huaisang couldn't help the exaggerated look. "Because I have already lived the war. I know who is our enemy," he argued.

Nie Mingjue's eye twitched, but he had to hand it to his younger brother. He had him there.

With a frown and crossed arms, Nie Mingjue relented. "Fine. Let's hope for their sakes that is the truth." He took a seat next to his younger brother. Wei Wuxian finally relaxed and took a seat as well, but it was noticeable how close he was sitting to the Wens.