"A-Yao," Lan Xichen greeted automatically. "Is everything alright?" There was a tiny seed of hope in Lan Xichen's chest. Hope that Jin Guangyao was here with information about where Wei Wuxian was being held. They did suspect Wei Wuxian was held by the Jin, and Jin Guangyao arriving without any prior warning would be consistent with bringing urgent and sensitive information.

"Xichen-ge," Jin Guangyao greeted.

Lan Xichen remembered insisting on the informal address when Jin Guangyao had been hiding him during the war. Jin Gaungyao had been so painfully polite, deferential as he cited his own unworthiness to address Sect Leader Lan so familiarly. At the end of the war it had been almost a reflex for Lan Xichen to insist Jin Guangyao call him Xichen-ge.

Sometimes Lan Xichen regretted that. Jin Guangyao had saved his life, but Lan Xichen was not comfortable with the way Jin Guangyao had begun speaking about Wei Qing and Wei Wuxian after the war. It bothered Lan Xichen, and it bothered him that Jin Guangyao continued to do it, even after Lan Xichen had addressed Jin Guangyao's concerns.

By then, Jin Guangyao was already used to calling Lan Xichen by the more intimate name. Lan Xichen had tried calling Jin Guangyao by his full name during the end of one particularly frustrating conversation. Lan Xichen had been frustrated, and thought the more formal address would make it clear how Lan Xichen felt about Jin Guangyao continuing to bring up the same concerns about Wei Wuxian and Wei Qing over and over.

Jin Guangyao's eyes had gone wide, shining with hurt as though Lan Xichen had slapped him across the face. Seeing that look on Jin Guangyao's face made Lan Xichen feel like a monster. Lan Xichen hadn't been able to bring himself to call Jin Guangyao anything but 'A-Yao' ever since.

"A-Yao, is something wrong?" Lan Xichen asked with growing concern. Jin Guangyao had not answered his first question, and Jin Guangyao must know what today was. To visit today, it had to be something urgent.

"I don't want to burden you Xichen-ge. There have been disturbing reports from a few of the minor sects that have been causing some trouble, but that's not why I'm here." Jin Guangyao gave him a tired smile. He did look exhausted, but that only reinforced the question of what could have been so urgent to prompt the visit.

Lan Xichen was also exhausted. No one was willing to let the search for Wei Wuxian and Nuan-er slow down. The strain of their absence was wearing on everyone, as was the strain of the search. Today was an especially difficult day, particularly for Lan Wangji. There was a reason that Lan Xichen had turned down even Nie Mingjue's offer to visit.

Lan Xichen knew there was a polite way to ask why Jin Guangyao was here. Lan Xichen was certain he had asked people why they had visited without flat out saying, 'Why are you here?' Lan Xichen could not seem to think of a single alternative way to phrase that question. He knew that asking the question that way would be rude, and could even be considered hostile. He knew that there were polite ways to ask. All of them were apparently beyond him today and Lan Xichen was not certain he was going to make it through a polite conversation of any length when all he wanted to do today was spend time with his didi.

"I hope you don't mind. I brought tea and asked to have some prepared for us." Jin Guangyao said, already pouring tea for Lan Xichen.

Lan Xichen smiled gratefully and hoped it didn't look as forced as it felt. He didn't usually struggle so much with patience. Patience, calm, etiquette, manners... These were things Lan Xichen had been able to do almost in his sleep from a young age. He had been praised for how effortlessly diplomatic and sociable he could be since a young age. Much in the way Lan Wangji had been praised for embodying the rules of their sect.

Yet, today Lan Xichen found an undercurrent or frustration that seemed to permeate his every thought. Lan Xichen had never been short tempered in his life, but Lan Xichen had found himself contemplating being rude enough to demand Jin Guangyao tell him why he came today or leave. Lan Xichen felt like his nerves were frayed at the edges, but it didn't feel appropriate for himself to be struggling so much today. Lan Wangji, A-Yuan, Wei Qionglin, and Wei Qing all had a much greater right to be frustrated and emotional today.

Perhaps it was Wei Qing's frustration that was simmering under Lan Xichen's skin, or perhaps Lan Xichen was allowed to be upset at his brother-in-law's prolonged disappearance. He was not certain how he would tell the difference between the two. The GusuLan sect taught disciples to moderate their emotions. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji in particular, as heirs of the main clan, had been instructed on this rigorously from a young age. Lan Xichen was not certain he believed this approach had done Lan Wangji any favours. Lan Xichen usually thought that he had adapted well to it himself, but recent events had called that belief into question more than once.

Lan Xichen sipped his tea to give himself something to do. Something other than rudely insisting that Jin Guangyao explain why he was present. Yes, perhaps this was Wei Qing's frustration, possibly layered on top of his own. Despite his conflicting emotions, Lan Xichen's eyes lit up when the sweet lychee green tea filled his senses. It was a favourite of Lan Xichen's, but one he was rarely able to indulge in.

Tung Ting was what Lan Xichen would usually drink in the Cloud Recesses. It was kept in stock and considered appropriate for serving to guests. Lapsang Souchong was a favourite of his Uncle's and always in stock, but Lan Xichen was not especially fond of the smokiness. Similarly Lan Xichen did not have much opportunity to indulge in his favourite green tea when visiting other sects.

The teas served to a visiting sect leader were generally chosen to impress. Long aged puerh, Longjing green tea, Silver Needle, and highly praised yellow teas were typical offerings for a visiting sect leader. Wonderful teas, varying in how much they were to Lan Xichen's taste. But Lan Xichen maintained a deep fondness for the lychee green tea that he had been served at an inn following his first nighthunt.

It wasn't as though Lan Xichen could not have ordered the tea in for himself, but it seemed wasteful when there was ample supply of Tung Ting in the Cloud Recesses. Lan Xichen wasn't certain if anyone else had ever even noticed his fondness for the fruit infused tea that Jin Guangyao must have gone out of his way to purchase on his way to the Cloud Recesses. Lychee green tea was not a poor quality tea by any means, but Lan Xichen had never seen it served to guests in the LanlingJin sect.

The LanlingJin sect were more likely to serve Da Hong Pao. Sect Leader Jin was notably fond of serving a wide variety of expensive and rare teas. Lan Xichen recalled that Sect Leader Jin had brought an absurd variety of tea to Nightless City for the flower banquet. In the entire week there was not a single variety of tea that was served twice. Many of the teas served were rare and expensive before the war. How Sect Leader Jin was able to source them during a war was a mystery to Lan Xichen.

Lan Xichen calmed as he sipped his tea. However Lan Xichen felt about Jin Guangyao's visit, he was touched by the considerate gesture. Jin Guangyao had always struck him as a kind and considerate person. They were traits that Lan Xichen admired in Jin Guangyao.

It was also a bit of why Lan Xichen found himself so hurt and frustrated when Jin Guangyao had continued to speak fearfully of Wei Wuxian and mistrustfully of Wei Qing. Lan Xichen wasn't certain if clinging to his disappointment regarding those conversations counted as holding a grudge. It was against the rules to hold grudges, but wouldn't it be wise to remember who had spoken negatively of Wei Wuxian when Wei Wuxian was now missing?

"The tea is wonderful, A-Yao. Thank you." Lan Xichen said, feeling much calmer than before.

"I'm happy you appreciate it. I understand today is a difficult day. I wanted to offer what comfort and support I could, meagre though it may be." Jin Guangyao demurred.

Now Lan Xichen felt like it had been horrible of him to be so impatient and frustrated with Jin Guangyao's visit. Jin Guangyao was again being considerate and offering Lan Xichen support. Meanwhile Lan Xichen had been itching for Jin Guangyao to share some sort of news and leave as quickly as possible. Lan Xichen's instinct was to immediately assure Jin Guangyao that his efforts were valued. The reflexive gratitude formed immediately on Lan Xichen's tongue, but Lan Xichen held it back for a moment.

Lan Xichen wasn't certain why he hesitated to express his gratitude. Reassuring Jin Guangyao that he was appreciated and welcome was second nature to Lan Xichen. However, there was a small unhappy voice in the back of Lan Xichen's head that asked whether this was what Lan Xichen really needed today. It took hardly a thought to answer that question. No.

Lan Xichen appreciated that Jin Guangyao was thinking of him. It touched Lan Xichen to have someone show him so much consideration. So much so that Lan Xichen felt tremendous gratitude over any attempt. Yet, this wasn't what Lan Xichen needed today.

As much as he cherished Jin Guangyao's efforts and intention, what Lan Xichen really needed today was to be with his didi. Whatever else Lan Xichen was feeling, the prevailing emotion was a deep concern for Lan Wangji. Lan Xichen wanted to be with him today. It was why he had asked Nie Mingjue to visit another time. Entertaining guests was truly the last thing Lan Xichen wanted to do today. Even if those guests were dear friends.

So, while Lan Xichen wanted to offer gratitude for the consideration, this small obstinate part of him was holding back. Lan Xichen had never considered himself obstinate before, but he supposed Lan Wangji was his brother. His brother could be extremely obstinate, so perhaps it should not surprise Lan Xichen that there is a little of that quality within himself.

"I appreciate your concern A-Yao. Today is very difficult, and I hope to spend as much of it as I can with Wangji." Lan Xichen offered. It was a compromise between Lan Xichen's urge to express gratitude and the small obstinate voice in his head that wanted his desires to be respected. It was still uncomfortable to try and give that desire a voice.

"I can only imagine how difficult it must be. Especially with all the rumours." Jin Guangyao said with a painfully understanding expression. Lan Xichen internally cringed. Nothing good had ever come from engaging Jin Guangyao in a discussion about rumours. It could be said that most of their disagreements happened because of discussions about rumours.

"Unless these rumours involve information of Wei Wuxian and Nuan-er's whereabouts, I'd prefer to remain ignorant to them." Lan Xichen said as he took another sip of tea. Jin Guangyao's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"I... I had assumed you would have already heard them. With so many disciples searching... I assumed that at least a few of the sightings would have been reported to you." Jin Guagyao said, perplexed. Lan Xichen's eyes widened.

"Sightings?" Lan Xichen felt a mixture of hope and dread. Jin Guangyao hesitated.

"I... I'm not sure this is the time to be discussing this. If you aren't already aware..." Jin Guangyao said hesitantly.

"If you have news of my didi, I would hear it." Wei Qing's voice cut through the room with the precision of a needle. She closed the door behind her and bowed a polite greeting to Lan Xichen before taking a seat at his side without invitation.

Jin Guangyao appeared unsettled by the rude interruption. Lan Xichen supposed it was both abrupt and unusually impolite for Wei Qing. Lan Xichen made no comment as he served her tea. He poured only a small amount into the cup, as had become Wei Qing's habit. It would cool more quickly and make it easier on her temperature sensitive fingers.

Lan Xichen was tempted to present her with the gift that was still tucked into his sleeve, but held back. It would be useful in the moment, but Lan Xichen didn't want to present it to her like an afterthought. Certainly not while they were around someone who made her uncomfortable. Which Lan Xichen knew Jin Guangyao did. What Lan Xichen wasn't certain of was what exactly the reason for it was.

Wei Qing was uncomfortable around Jin Guangyao. Lan Xichen could feel her discomfort thrumming under his skin, but she had said very little about it. Lan Xichen didn't know if it was because of the same conversations that had upset Lan Xichen, or if it was something that occurred in the future. It might have been for something else entirely, but Wei Qing hadn't shared it yet.

Jin Guangyao glanced at Lan Xichen as though seeking his permission, or possibly gauging his reaction. Lan Xichen waited expectantly for Jin Guangyao to continue. If there was information about Wei Wuxian's whereabouts, they needed it. As Wei Wuxian's older sister, Wei Qing certainly had a right to it.

"There have been sightings of a cultivator dressed in black and red, carrying a flute. The cultivator matches Wei Wuxian's description, but none of the reports have included the presence of a child with him."

"Where?!" Lan Xichen, nearly jumping to his feet. Why was he not informed of this? Why did Jin Guangyao not tell him immediately?!

"Yingchuan, Hedong, Xiaoguan... The reports are worrying," Jin Guangyao said with a forlorn gaze.

"Every sect is aware that we are searching for Nuan-er and A-Ying. Why were we not informed immediately?" Wei Qing's voice rang with the authority of someone who had learned to wield their confidence like a blade.

"I honestly hadn't realized you weren't informed. In retrospect I suppose I should not be surprised that the sects in question did not inform you. The sightings correspond with surges of resentful energy that appear rather... deliberate. No doubt the smaller sects feared their reports would be taken as an accusation." Jin Guangyao bowed his head apologetically.

Lan Xichen felt a flare of emotion that he was certain was not his own. Rage, fiery and sharp, was focused on Jin Guangyao. There was no quiet suspicion. Only a blazing certainty that Jin Guangyao was not here for their benefit and he was not sorry about whatever vile acts he was about to report.

"Several ancestral burial sights were desecrated. The corpses had been dug up. Many of them were missing. Sect Leader Fu reported that his clan's ancestral tomb had been so tainted with resentful energy that many of the deceased rose as fierce corpses even after the sect had reburied them properly. The same day that Wei Wuxian was sighted in Xiaoguan, villagers began to disappear. Three bodies have been recovered so far. They showed signs of corpse poisoning and the city well has been contaminated with resentful energy." Jin Guangyao reported with a slightly pained expression.

"So you expect us to believe that A-Ying ran away with his daughter, while leaving his son and husband behind with no explanation. To then begin terrorizing minor sects and harming civilians with resentful energy." Wei Qing summarized, her tone sharp. "We want me to believe this of my didi. Who fought in this war for the benefits of all the sects. Who never once chose to harm innocents, including those who were on the opposing side." Her voice was thick with something between disbelief and mockery. Jin Guangyao's lips pressed together briefly before he bowed his head toward the table.

"I believe this is precisely why the minor sects did not report the sightings to the GusuLan sect. The sects know how much you have tried to keep Wei Wuxian anchored despite the effects of the resentful energy. No one wants to be the one to tell you that he has been lost to it." Jin Guangyao said in a sorrowful tone. Lan Xichen felt like he had been stabbed. This... this couldn't be true. Wei Qing huffed a short bitter laugh.

"Of course. Woe is you who must suffer the burden of informing us that my didi, who has always strived to do good, has been corrupted by the power that every sect either covets or fears. As though there could be no other possible explanation for how such terrible things could be done. As though no one else might have the capacity to experiment on people with cruel methods." Wei Qing stood and glowered down at Jin Guangyao with all the authority and disapproval of Lan Qiren when he caught a student cheating, but with a cold threatening aura that Lan Xichen would almost call murderous.

Almost... If Lan Xichen couldn't feel the absolute tidal wave of emotion hitting him that almost certainly belonged to her. There was rage of course. The blazing fire of Wei Qing's anger had entered with her and nothing that was said had diminished the flames. With the anger and disgust there was also a bone deep terror that Lan Xichen would never have suspected was there if he couldn't feel it so keenly. Some of it felt like fear for Wei Wuxian, but most of it seemed to be an instinctual response to Jin Guangyao.

Lan Xichen's long ingrained instinct to try to calm everyone down and avoid causing any insult to another sect was being held back by the very real knowledge that this was much more than Wei Qing lashing out at Jin Guangyao for accusing Wei Wuxian of harming innocent people. Wei Qing desperately wanted to be away from Jin Guangyao, but was also terrified to have him out of her sight.

The fear felt old. Less like Wei Qing was afraid of what Jin Guangyao was doing now. More like she was afraid of something he had done before. Something terrible, that gave her reason to believe he was horrifyingly dangerous. Wei Qing grew up in the halls of Wen Rouhan's court. She was not unaccustomed to the presence of terrifyingly dangerous and cruel men. This fear had an edge to it. A panic to it that Lan Xichen couldn't bear to let stand.

"I think it is time for you to return to Koi Tower." Lan Xichen said firmly. It was rude. The journey to Koi Tower was long, and the appropriate thing to do would be to offer Jin Guangyao to rest in the Cloud Recesses before journeying back tomorrow. Jin Guangyao blinked surprised eyes, widened with hurt like when Lan Xichen had called him Jin Guangyao.

"Of course, Xichen-ge." Jin Guangyao said, bowing his head, his tone soft and understanding. "I travelled to the Cloud Recesses, on my own, to support you. I had wished to spend the day with you. Not discuss unpleasant circumstances with the GusuLan sect's guests. Would you do me the honour of seeing me to the gate?"

"Lianfang-zun," Lan Xichen frowned. "Wei Qing is not a guest. She is a valued member of the GusuLan sect, which you know. To even imply otherwise is deliberately insulting. You also came today without invitation. Any inconvenience on your time was neither requested nor wanted. I appreciate the professed desire to offer support, but you did not inquire whether this visit would be a welcomed form of support. Which it was not, regardless of whether or not the conversation topic was what you had in mind. A disciple will see you out. In the future, please follow the appropriate procedures when you wish to visit the GusuLan sect." Lan Xichen said in a formal tone as he went to the door and invited the disciple outside to escort Jin Guangyao out.

Note: Finally gotten a chapter out again.  I'm not going to promise regular posts just yet, but I am trying to get back to it following everything that's been going on.