Nie Huaisang had come up with a few other theories he thought would be possibilities regarding the strange absence of Wei Wuxian. Some made more sense than others, but his first theory was still his favourite. Not because he thought it was the most likely, but because it was the one he enjoyed the most. Other than being a bit scandalous, given how short of a time it had been since Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji met. Also just the idea that Lan-er-gongzi would get their partner pregnant before they were even engaged, was really the makings for what could be one of the most shocking scandals Nie Huaisang would have ever had the privilege to uncover himself. It really was all around the most enjoyable of his theories.

His other theories were much less pleasant and wouldn't end as a funny story Wei Wuxian would brag about later. Nie Huaisang preferred not to think too long on those theories, not without more evidence to convince him which one was correct. Speaking of evidence, today should be an excellent day for trying to get a bit more information to confirm or dismiss some of those theories. Lan Qiren had cancelled classes, and Nie Huaisang had even overheard a disciple mention that Sect Leader Jiang and Madam Yu were in the Cloud Recesses right now. The disciple didn't say where they were in the Cloud Recesses, but it was still exciting.

Sadly their appearance didn't support one theory more than another, so he would have to see if he could learn a bit more about what they were doing here. Nie Huaisang began his casual journey toward the residence Wei Wuxian was staying in. That was technically an assumption, since he never got close enough to actually see Wei Wuxian. Still that one felt firm enough that he considered it a fact. As he was walking he saw Wen Qionglin coming from the direction he was heading in.

"Wen Ning." Nie Huaisang called eagerly. Wen Qionglin appeared startled but he made his way over to him.

"N-Nie-gongzi." Wen Qionglin greeted. Nie Huaisang frowned slightly.

"Wen Ning. I've told you to address me as Nie-xiong, or Nie Huaisang." Wen Qionglin looked a bit embarrassed at Nie Huaisang's reminder.

"N-Nie H-Huaisang." Wen Qionglin stuttered badly, but Nie Huaisang was pleased. Wen Qionglin still hadn't addressed him that way without prodding, but he used to refuse even if prodded. He considered this to be an improvement and was happy enough with that. Before he could comment again he noticed something seemed off with Wen Qionglin. True Wen Qionglin was always rather shy and hesitant, but today he seemed even more fidgety than normal.

"Wen Ning. Is everything alright?" Nie Huaisang asked. Wen Qionglin frowned and looked down at the ground.

"W-Wei-gongzi asked me to leave. H-he said he wanted to talk with Madam Yu in private." Wen Qionglin managed to get the words out through a few stutters. Nie Huaisang liked to consider himself well informed. He certainly tried to be at the very least. So of course he was well aware that Madam Yu did not think kindly of Wei Wuxian. Nie Huaisang had been pretty sure that much was public knowledge. Less well known was that a number of disciples had actually left Lotus Pier and joined other sects. There weren't very many. People didn't usually go from one sect to another, but a few disciples leaving shouldn't be too alarming. However a few of them had come to the QuingheNie Sect. When Nie Huaisang asked them why they left Lotus Pier they vaguely mentioned that Madam Yu was very strict and demanding. These same disciples had no complaints about Nie Mingjue.

'Dage is extremely demanding. He is fierce and quite scary.' If these disciples were not afraid of Nie Mingjue, but were afraid of Madam Yu. What must she have truly been doing? A few more overheard conversations and a couple bottles of wine later Nie Huaisang had come to the conclusion that there was something deeply wrong with Madam Yu. Nie Huaisang only had a little information to go on, but what he had painted a very unpleasant picture. Madam Yu seemed to be demanding to the point of asking for the impossible and then scolding those who did not deliver it. The disciples seemed quite scared of her, and these were disciples that were willingly working under Nie Mingjue. Nie Huaisang had asked why more disciples weren't leaving. If this woman was so scary, why would anyone stay? The disciples without a pause all said the same thing.

'Wei Wuxian.'

The Head disciple of YunmengJiang sect had a few rumours about him. Mostly about his mischief and trouble making, though recently more and more about his incredible skills. This was the first time Nie Huaisang heard a rumour about Wei Wuxian that was not about one of these two topics. The drunk disciples proceeded to tell him about how their former shixiong would always take the blame when Madam Yu became angry. With great fondness in their voices they recounted many adventures, some of which were actually similar to rumours Nie Huaisang had heard before.

There was one key difference though in these stories. While things like stealing lotus seeds and skipping out on training to go swimming on a hot day were things he had certainly heard, the focus of these stories were quite different. These stories were all focused on what happened at the end. It was always something like Wei Wuxian doing something to draw attention to himself, or taking credit for dragging the rest of them into it. However he did it, it seemed as long as Wei Wuxian was there, he was always making sure that Madam Yu's anger fell solely on him. The disciples explained this was why most of the disciples stayed. They didn't usually have to suffer Madam Yu's anger, because Wei Wuxian would protect them from it.

With further prodding it seemed the ones who left either couldn't tolerate witnessing Madam Yu's behaviour, or couldn't help but feel like they were somehow adding to the problem. Nie Huaisang had never met Madam Yu in person, but he was pretty convinced about her character. When he got to know Wei Wuxian he felt the stories were even more validated. Wei Wuxian seemed to be the kind of person who was always willing to put himself at risk for somebody else. Nie Huaisang thought it was quite admirable, but a bit concerning.

In small doses such behaviour was kind. In large doses, such behaviour was arguably suicidal. So when Wen Qionglin said that Wei Wuxian asked him to leave. Specifically, so that Wei Wuxian could talk in private with Madam Yu. Nie Huaisang was almost certain that it was not for the sake of having a pleasant conversation. Nie Huaisang was also now reminded of some of his less pleasant theories of why Wei Wuxian was absent. If it was one of his more negative theories, then this supposed conversation could be something quite dangerous.

"J-Jie and L-Lan-er-gongzi are in an important meeting with Sect Leader Jiang. I-I'm not s-sure what to do." Wen Qionglin's voice was full of concern, made more evident by his worsening stutter. Nie Huaisang frowned slightly. That was a problem.

"What about Jiang Cheng?" Nie Huaisang asked. He wasn't certain if it was a solid suggestion, but Jiang Wanyin did seem protective of Wei Wuxian even if he was sometimes hostile towards him. Wen Qionglin appeared doubtful, but didn't outright refuse. It was at least worth a try. If Jiang Wanyin found it offensive, Nie Huaisang could pretend he didn't know they were having a fight at the moment.

Unfortunately once they found Jiang Wanyin it became quite apparent that he would not be helping him. Apparently the Jiang sect heir had finally snapped and gone from shouting to outright brawling with someone. From the few intelligible words it sounded as though Jin Zixuan had said something insulting about Jiang Yanli. Nie Huaisang couldn't really fault Jiang Wanyin for getting upset about that. It was just. Did they need to fight about this right now? Would a few punches to the face actually teach Jin Zixuan to mind his manners and not insult his betrothed? Nie Huaisang glanced at a clearly desperate Wen Qionglin.

'I really don't like getting actively involved in things. It always gets messy and stressful.' He whined internally. Wen Qionglin was looking increasingly lost and on edge. Nie Huaisang really couldn't take that sad lost look on his face.

"Why don't you go to the meeting hall and at least see if they're almost done? I don't know what this meeting is about, but maybe there will be someone at the door who can let you know if they can be disturbed?" Nie Huaisang offered. Wen Qionglin looked at him with eyes full of worry and hope.

'Is this what puppy dog eyes look like? Is this what I look like when I am trying to beg Dage to let me stop practicing saber?' Nie Huaisang wondered silently.

"I don't know what may come of things here, but I can wait to see if they calm down." Nie Huaisang offered. Wen Qionglin nodded resolutely like this was actually a solid plan. It really wasn't. Nie Huaisang was just working with what he had at the moment. He was trapped between an important meeting, an angry sect heir, and a teenager that looked at him like they were a lost puppy waiting for someone to kick them. All of this relating back to his best friend being left alone with the person Nie Huaisang had privately dubbed the menace of Lotus Pier.