Beautiful Prisoner [Completed]

Wen Retaliation

Wanji sat on a bamboo mat, fingers playing with guiqin string. The second, Lan was immersed in deep thought that he didn't hear someone sliding his door open. Step into his room.

Lan Xichen studying Wanji for a good minute. He can felt Wanji' agitation, something is bothering his little brother. Approaching his little brother with a silent step.

"Wanji" Xichen call for his brother, pulling Wanji out of his reverie. Noticing Xichen presence, wanji face startled a bit before giving Xichen a short smile, making space for Xichen to sit next to him. Both brothers enjoying the view of the modest garden in front of them.

"Is something bothering you?" Xichen asking with a soft voice, his face soften with concern. Wanji flashed a startled look, then quickly composed his features into aloof, shaking his head as saying no. He would not tell his brother that his mind keeps replaying his first kiss with Wuxian like a loop, never. It's too embarrassing, he should focus on Gusu's situation, not being giddy over the handsome man, full of charms, strong, reliable, genius, hot…wait! What? Wanji is stunned by his thought, just what he is thinking about Wuxian just now? There is no way he thought that arrogant commander-general is charming!

“I'm glad. How do you feel about the courting session tomorrow?” Xichen saying worriedly, unaware of Wanji's shock state. Wanji is struggling to control his inner terror. He took a deep breath before responding with murmur "I'm not sure. As long Gusu is saved, I will be fine". Wanji's tone is wistful and sincere. He loves Gusu with all his heart and ready to sacrifices anything to protect it, including dying. Xichen' lips tugging upward upon Wanji's simple patriotic pledge. He shares the same sentiment about Gusu with Wanji, but as an older brother, he also wants Wanji' happiness.

"General commander Jiang Wuxian is an interesting man, isn't he?" Xichen continued, trying to dig his little brother's inner thoughts.

Wanji looked at Xichen, startled.

"He is nothing aside, arrogant man" Wanji exclaimed hastily, feeling attacked. Feeling caught naked in front of Xichen.

"Is that so?" Xichen murmured politely, a knowing smile plaster on his handsome face. He chuckled upon Wanji's tense posture. Tip ears turn crimson. Xichen eyes trail to Wanji's wrist, gaze rest on a light blue jade bracelet with a red lotus flower pattern. From the design, he can guess where it comes from. After all, Jiang Wuxian fond of red and lotus flowers isn't a secret. Xichen stroke Wanji's hair with an adoring gaze, makes Wanji's posture ease. Wanji gives in and leans into Xichen'ss warm hand. Wanji finds comfort in his only brother's presence.

"Nice bracelet, there" Xichen stated purposely, enjoying Wanji's like-child face. Giving Wanji his small blessed smile, Xichen stands on his feet, walking away with a light heart. Wanji isn't 100% being forced into something he didn't want.

Wanji watched Xichen retreat with perplexed eyes before his doer's eyes soften into relief gaze. His brother must be guessed of Wanji's inner turmoil and giving him a blessing. Wanji smile to himself, but his smile faded quickly. Tomorrow will be a courting session between Wuxian and all potential suitors. Wanji heart stomps unease because first, he didn't know how to react seeing Wuxian after their encounter on Jiang waterfall. Second, the thought of Wuxian smile, teasing, flirting, and giggling with others, as he did with him, makes Wanji upset. He still remembers the scene of interaction between Wuxian with Yangzi and Lusi. Suddenly, his heart heavy and eyes shift into sadness. What is he to Wuxian? And what is wuxian to him?

.................................................................

Meanwhile, in one spacious room, Wuxian laid on his back, eyes stare longing at the ceiling. Right-hand pillow his head and left hand tracing his lower lips, reminiscing the addicted flavor of Wanji' alluring lips. Chuckling to himself, Wuxian never thought that one day someone manages to make him feel like this, pining and wanting. The urgency to conquer someone and mark as him. Putting his hand under his head, Wuxian sigh deeply, wondering why is it so hard for Wanji to give in? He clearly saw the affection in Wanji' feline eyes hold for him, but the shorter man keeps pushing him away. Did he move too fast? Or did wanji hate his gut? Such a stubborn man, Wanji is. As expected from Lan Qiren's nephew. Remembering the event for tomorrow, Wuxian releases his infamous devil smirk. He's purposely putting Wanji turn at the last. Wuxian plan to spend not more than half an hour for other suitor, so he can spend rest the day getting to know Wanji. As tomorrow is an official occasion, wanji can't run from him. Wuxian lidded getting heavy and slowly closed with lips still smile excitedly for his date tomorrow.

.,....................................................................

Courting day

At morning, Wuxian wearing a black robe with crimson highlight, hair tied into ponytail with red ribbon. First suitor he would be meet is Jiang Guangyao. The meeting went fine although it quite formal. Guangyao is an intelligent man with a wide variety of knowledge. Polite and mannerful man, the dimple smile adds to his charm. Wuxian had a fruitful discussion with Guangyao, and he acknowledges Guangyao will be a good advisor but not partner in life. The talk is too academic and work-based, no warmth cozy feeling. Wuxian excuse himself after half an hour, although GuangYao seems disappoint, but he did manages to maintain a diplomatic smile.

Next he had Nie Huisang, what an opposite character. Quite empty head if Wuxian would be honest, but their atmosphere is more ease, chill and full of teasing. Nie Huisang will be great friends, partner in crime but not his spouse. Huisang lacks an aura, charismatic to be Furen of this house, what else Jiang sect. Wuxian wants someone who not only giving him the feeling of home but also capable to assist him with ruling sect. After 20 minutes of talking, Huisang reluctantly letting Wuxian go after making the Jiang General Commander promise to hang out with him again.

Wuxian was scared for himself when Lusi kept clinging to him. Seeking an opportunity to touch him and eyeing him with desire. Fearing for his virginity taken by force, Wuxian struggling to convince Lusi with excuses to shorten the session. Definitely not the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with. He didn't like easy; he loves challenges.

Wanji feels boring to sit in his temporary room, waiting for them to call for him to attend the courting ritual with Wuxian. He already plays countless sheets of music. It didn't tamper with his anxiety and bitterness. Suddenly, his mind wanders to his fur companions, a small smile crept into his beautiful face. The cute, adorable bunnies never fail to distract him from chaotic inner minds. Wasting no time, Wanji strut excitedly, searching for his fur friends.

"Have a drink, Jiang gongzi" Yangzi said gently, pouring the tea for Wuxian. Wuxian welcoming the gesture with a sweet smile. He sniffed the aroma before sipping the tea a bit.

"Hmmm, it is delicious. Did you brew by yourself?" Wuxian exclaimed amusedly.

"Yes, Jiang gongzi. That was Nie specialize tea. It helps to calm our nerve. Yangzi chooses this tea with Jiang gongzi in mind. After dealing with all stressful matters, Yangzi hopes this tea helps Jiang gongzi to relax a bit," Yangzi explains fondly, blessing Wuxian with her charming smile.

"I grateful for Yangzi xiaojie thought on my well-being, I will enjoy this tea at my heart content" Wuxian thanking the lady, finish the tea before stand on his feet, gesturing his hand with courtesy as an invitation to stroll around the pond.

They were discussing various issues and opinions while walking side by side. Wuxian slows his walk paces to match Yangzi. It's undeniable. Yangzi is a pleasant companion. She is beautiful, considerate, knowledgeable, and quick-witted. Maybe lacking in a strong core of cultivator,, but there is no reason for Wuxian to deny Yangzi capability as Jiang' Furen and his wife. After all, Nie's military strength can come in handy for Jiang yet his heart refuses to acknowledge the possibility of Yangzi as his soulmate and he knew perfectly why.

"jiang gongzi. I might be lacking a lot, but I hope you can grant me as your soulmate” Yangzi turns his body to face Wuxian, confessing to Jiang' future leader with crimson cheeks. Wuxian was surprised by the unexpected event.

"Yangzi xiaojie, I appreciate your feeling, but..." Wuxian gently trying to reject the advance.

"did you already have someone?" Yangzi sudden question caught Wuxian off guard. The vivid image of ethereal wanji practice sword with waterfall as background appears in his mind. “It's ok. I can change to be like him. Can you considerate me as your lover? I promise not to ask anything else. Having you beside me already made me happy? I have loved you for years" Yangzi hold both of Wuxian big palm into her tiny hand. Eyes plead with desperate.

"Nie Xiaojie. I---"

Wuxian halted in mid-sentence, stunned in his spot, when a faint flash of white robe caught his peripheral views. Wanji in his glory, white robe and hair tied into a low ponytail, skipping on the pond to save a black bunny that fall into pond. Wanji took the chubby bunny, fly jump and land on the nearest bridge with silent step. Warming the shivering wet bunny in his warm embrace, hand busy petting to comfort his fur friend while other four bunny runs to surround him, rubbing their body to his leg like asking whether their blackie friend is ok. Wanji crouch to their level, and the four bunny pushing each other to check the black bunny which resting on Wanji arm. Wanji stares at shivering bunny in concern, lips pout a bit and eyes drop into sadness.

Wuxian smirk in adoration, eyes lit in determination before facing Yangzi pleading eyes once again

"my apologize Yangzi xiaojie. You're beautiful and kind woman,, but there is no one can be like him. Everyone will be glad to have you except for me” Wuxian holding back Yangzi hand, caress the skin as comfort. Yangzi heartbreaking and decide to push her luck. Yangzi lurch forward, putting her lips on Wuxian thin lips, making the Jiang stagger backward and clash with wooden rail, creating a small sound that attracts Wanji attention.

Witnessing Wuxian and Yangzi kissing scene makes Wanji felt heartache. His heart stops beating and his feet freeze.

“So, I'm not the only one you kiss,, huh?! Such a player!” Wanji whispering hurtful, he can felt his eyes are hot. He's feeling like an i***t for being hopeful over a kiss when, for Wuxian, it might be a normal thing. Collecting all his fur friends in his embrace, Wanji silently withdrawn from the scene.

"Xiaojie! Watch your manner!" Wuxian exclaim sternly, pushing Yangzi by the shoulder. The lady stare at Wuxian with a dejected expression before limp in devastation, accepting the defeat. Wuxian glance at Wanji place only to find Wanji is nowhere. His gut telling him to chase over Wanji. However, even before he took one step, a an attendant hastily approach him, bowing as respect to gain his attention.

“Young master, Jiang leader, ask your presence in major hall immediately. Urgent. A scroll have arrived”

Wuxian can felt danger incoming and something worst had happened. Leaving Yangzi behind, Wuxian take a rush long-stride to major hall after asking his attendant to escort Yangzi back to her room.

Wanji playing with his quigin string, eyes staring into the distance. Sulking. It's already two hours since he was witnessing Wuxian kissing Yangzi. Feeling something poke his feet, Wanji glance down to see blackie, the rabbit he saved earlier, bumping its head with Wanji, gesturing for Wanji to pick him up. Yeah! Wanji had kidnapped all the five rabbits and hide them in his room. With a slight soft smile, Wanji pick up blackie and put on his desk, next to quigin

"blackie, I have been waiting for two hours for them to call me to courting ritual. Did he have so much fun with Nie xiaojie that he forgot me?" Wanji carry out a small conversation with blackie who busy sniffing Wanji' fingers. Receiving no response from blackie makes Wanji letting out unintended deep sigh. Suddenly, he heard a knock on his door.

“lan-er gongzi, your presence is required in major hall"

Instead of courting ritual, Wanji got invited to major hall, and he can feel something bad had happened. The attendance lead Wanji to major hall. Almost reaching to major hall, them met rage Wuxian who stomp out from the hall. Wuxian looks enraged with predator aura, make everyone pass him strut away, giving his way and didn't dare to meet his eyes. Wuxian stop in front them, Wanji shrinks at the heated gaze with passionate eyes staring deeply with into him.

"Young master" the attendants greeting Wuxian.

"hmm" Wuxian sharply glance at the attendants, acknowledge him with stern mumble. Staring at Wanji for a good minute with eagle eyes, before storming away. After Wanji felt Wuxian powerful presence is far enough from him, he gasped, letting out breath that he didn't be aware holding before. Suffocated. What made the Jiang general commander so furious?”

Wanji step into hall and he immediately feel the intense atmosphere. Something bad had happened, his intuition scream with confident. Wanji silently observed Xichen stiff posture. His brother seemed worried and angry. Lan Qiren facial expression is hardened, showing the seriousness of this issue.

"Lan Wanji is here" Wanji greeting them with zuxia. Despite the spacious hall, there is only Lan Qiren, Lan Xichen, Jiang Feng Mian, Nie Mingjue and Jin Zixuan in the hall, and they share same expression, solemn and despair.

"lan-er gongzi, you must be shocked upon sudden call" Jiang Feng Mian break the ice with casual talk. Wanji just nod his head, the tense in air make him didn't trust his voice to communicate.

"we're just received a scroll and having a long discussion. At the end, we decide to let you call for decision" Jiang Feng Mian uttering calmy but Wanji can catch a bit quivering of his voice. The scroll must shake them all to the core. Wanji confuse, why he the one who needs to call out for decision? Aren't they're more high in position to do it?

"The scroll is from Wen" Jiang Feng Mian continued slowly. Let Wanji digest the fact. Wanji heart bump loudly. Why wen send a message to them? Another attack? Another warning? What is it? There is always something bad when wen involved. Wanji glance to his brother and uncle. Both stare at him in concern. Why?

"it is a red scroll" Jiang Feng Mian exclaimed make Wanji furrow in confusion. Red scroll? Isn't red scroll is only used as a proposal, requesting a hand for marriage? Why wen send them a red scroll?

Jiang Feng Mian clear his throat before resuming his word "Wen Xu send to Lan Qiren gongzi, a red scroll, asking for your hand. It s marriage or they will burn cloud recess into dust and hunting for Gusu people until their last breath. Surprisingly, this supposed to be their treat of peace”

Lan Wanji face pale upon the news. Lan Xichen quickly reassure his little brother

"Wanji, you don't have to do this. Gusu can start at new place and we also sign an alliance with others sect. They can do nothing to us”

Lan Qiren and others nod as agreeing with Lan Xichen word

"but...cloud recess is our home" Wanji whisper in dejected. The view of calm mountain, river, and forest in cloud recess flashing on his mind. The place he grew up and learns so many things. A place he calls home. Cloud Recess defines Gusu so well, a place that embodiment with nature, keeping a thousand secrets of Gusu.

"Wanji..." Lan Xichen voice weakens in despair, Lan Qiren solemnly gazing at the floor and others share their concern. They all knew how importance of cloud recess for Gusu, but they also didn't want to sacrifice the pure Wanji into Satan den. Although, it shocking for them, since WenXu never interest on in marriage or mistress. Usually, it Wen Chao.

"Then, we will take it back" a stern, crisp voice echoes through the hall, gaining everyone's attention to the entrance door. Wuxian stood firmly with his war attire, taking a long stride toward them.

“It takes us five days to reach Gusu, but my man had found a route to reach there after two days. I also leave half of man there to observe Wen movement. They can hold wen until we arrive" Wuxian stand facing Wanji within arm gap "I'm not lying when I said, I will take back cloud recess for you”, Wuxian face soften and his voice gentler like a whisper.

Jiang Feng Mian smiles proudly of his son. Wuxian lift a fist at Wanji mouth level, making Wanji glance at it in curious. Slowly Wuxian loosens up his finger and piece of veil hangs on his palm, dangling in front Wanji. The face veil is white like Wanji own, but this one had red lotus pattern on the right side. Wanji lips fell apart upon the veil before meeting Wuxian eyes once again.

“Gusu didn't show their face to foes" Wuxian remind Wanji with a lopsided grin. His voice is amused

"Fight next to me?” Wuxian plead hopefully, hand move closer for Wanji to reach the veil. After a moment of stunning, Wanji grabs the veil and nod firmly to Wuxian, make the latter grin widely. Wanji will take back their home. Everyone smiles in relief and ready to follow whatever Wuxian plan.

Observing Wuxian and Wanji sat next to each other and how their eyes found each other during strategical meeting, Jiang Feng Mian chuckle in proud. His son already found his Furen and he praise his son choice because Wanji is the one they looking for.

Tbc