A Means to an End (WangXian)

Questions and Answers

Wei Wuxian nodded in the hug, tucking his head on Lan Wangji's shoulder.

Jiang Wanyin was slowly starting to connect dots he didn't even realize needed to be connected. In the process of that happening, he had reflected. What he discovered is that he is terrible with accepting how he feels. Particularly if it something that angers him or upsets him.

However, what he hated more than anything, was being left in the dark.

So, despite the fact that he now began to understand what was going on with Wei Wuxian, it still did not sit well with him.

Baoshan Sanren revealed perhaps too much information, unaware of the limited knowledge that some people had in thew conference room. Her mentioning that time had reversed and Wei Wuxian had already experienced the impending war. Not only did he not survive it, but it left many others devastated or dead. Nie Huaisang was not one spared from this either, Jiang Wanyin noted.

Though it took him a moment to process the idea that Wei Wuxian had already experienced the future, somehow, with someone as notable and distinct as Baoshan Sanren, stating the clear facts of the missing pieces Jiang Wanyin has desperately wanted to piece together, he found himself not doubting for a moment what was being said. Wei Wuxian lived through the war. Wei Wuxian suffered in the Burial Mounds. Wei Wuxian had died.

Jiang Wanyin would not admit how briefly his chest burned with pain.

Now he had more answers, but he felt so confused and conflicted. Why did Wei Wuxian keep this from him? Why did he not share his burden? Is this why Wei Wuxian is barely recognizable in Jiang Wanyin's eyes?

Talking to Nie Huaisang was perhaps, the only solution.

It was strange for Jiang Wanyin. He only recently discovered that he relied on the Nie to help him process things. The death of his father was certainly one of them. Nie Huaisang stayed with him, even when he yelled and shouted and cursed. Nie Huaisang remained calm and comforting, something he is certainly not used to. 

It was only because of Nie Huaisang that he began to realize how much influence his parents had on him, and how negative that influence was.

The two have spent a great amount of time with one another that Jiang Wanyin was beginning to realize that the way him, Wei Wuxian, and his sister were raised was far from normal. Nie Huaisang was a considerate soul, who wanted to look out for others. He reminded him of a gentler, less zealous version of Wei Wuxian, though he hated to admit that.

Jiang Wanyin approached the tent that Nie Huaisang was staying in. He took a deep breath before calling out.

"Jiang-xiong?" Nie Huaisang came out, a questioning gaze reaching his eyes.

"I want to talk."

Nie Huaisang had this knowing look in his eyes. "About Wei-xiong?"

Jiang Wanyin nodded.

Nie Huaisang had a light smile. "Alright. Let's go take a walk."

The two left the area surrounded by bustling activity of active training, guard duty, and the sorting of Wen civilians that are in the process of being prepared to be moved to Gusu.

When the two reached a more secluded area in the woods, surrounded by trees and the quiet sound of the wind blowing through, Nie Huaisang turned to Jiang Wanyin.

"This is about what Baoshan Sanren said, right?"

"How could neither of you have told me?"

Nie Huaisang pursed his lips, searching for an appropriate answer for the Jiang. It was hard to tell him much of anything, without revealing too much of what happened, especially where Wei Wuxian's and Jiang Wanyin's relationship was concerned.