Beautiful Prisoner [Completed]

Yunmeng

Note :

Zuxia : gesture of respect, bowing slightly with hand folded, raise to the front

Gong-Zi : the highest title of great master

Furen : traditionally refer to lady in high rank

Wanji brushing off few strands hair from his beautiful face before milky hand reach for his veil on the wooden table. Everyone are getting ready for long journey to Yunmeng, after staying late, discussing the safest route to avoid confrontation with Wen sect. They’re waking up at a dawn, getting ready to proceed the journey. From Cloud Recess they have to pass three main cities, Caiyi Town, Phoenix Town and Yiling Town before reach to Yunmeng. After two days staying under radar in Phoenix Town, they were ready leaving for Yiling with hope to reach Yunmeng in another three days. Wanji tighten the thin rope around his face, hiding his perfect features with a milk white veil. Although Gusu and Jiang are working hand in hand but the core of allies still fragile, too ambiguous for them to drop the guard completely.

Knock knock.

Eyes darted to the door, Wanji wonder who had come to visit him when he is ready to join others. Strut to the door, he found Wen Ning and Meng Ziyi at the door, holding a traditional small wooden box that intrigued him, giving him a polite smile.

“I’m already done, give me a second to pick up my things” Wanji inform them, assuming the Jiang General and the doctor presence is to escort him to the assemble, probably to ensure he isn’t run away. The ugly feeling crawl up to his throat, irritated with the amount of distrust they had on Gusu. Isn’t Gusu and himself keep proving they’re on the same boat and give a good cooperation. It didn’t help when he always felt General Commander Jiang Wuxian intense gaze on him, watching him like a hawk, observing every step him taken. Turn his self- conscious mode into higher level. Is he looks suspicious that much? Gusu, led by him had shown their honor on this delicate allies and strong concern towards world cultivator, the least they expect as return is credit of trust.

Sensing Wanji’ bitter mood, Meng Ziyi step forward to explain true reason behind their presence with understanding look

“Lan-er gongZi, don’t need to rush up. People still getting ready, we’re here to bring the gift from General Commander Jiang that he pick himself for you” Meng Ziyi extend her arm presenting a wooden box from earlier. Wanji stared at them stupidly, Wen Ning had a huge grin showing his pearl teeth and Meng Ziyi smile happily to him. Somehow it irk Wanji seeing their smile, like they’ knowing something that he’s missing out, hand reaching for the gif from Meng Ziyi.

“Please send my gratitude to General Commander Jiang and send my message that he didn’t have to bother himself giving me gift. I pledge to be on Jiang side on this war to maintain the balance of cultivator world. Thus, there is no need to flatter me with all the gift. Gusu and myself stand by our pledge” Wanji reassure them, maintain with his stoic façade to show his seriousness. Wen Ning and Meng Ziyi glance at each other, taken aback with Wanji misinterpretation on the meaning of the gift.

“I don’t think anyone can stop him at this point, not until he got what he want” Wen Ning remarked with sheepish grin, rubbing nape with his big palm. The Jiang officials show him a helpless wary smile, raising his doubt on General Commander Jiang’ intention. Meng Ziyi give him a knowing look like she try to say “one day you will see it”. What did he miss out? Is there something he should look up for? Meng Ziyi and Wen Ning bow to him in 30 degrees, showing respect before excuse themselves with those lingering stare and small smile, teasing him about something he isn’t sure.

Inspecting the wooden box on his hand in great concern, Wanji hesitate yet curious hand open the lid and blessed with the sight of customary-make dagger, the hilt in white color with blue line and a transparent cloud symbol can be seen on the blade. Such a beauty, the hilt is fit into his palm like it was made especially for him, it was obvious the dagger was design with him in the designer’ mind. Delighted and fascinated with the wonderful gift, Wanji mind wandered on Wuxian. That man confusing him like crazy, Wuxian sent him a gift at every cities they stop by and all the gift is customary-made, at Cloud recess he received a light blue jade bracelet with red lotus flower and a wooden comb with cloud symbol integrate with lotus flower at Caiyi Town. If only they we’re not in war situation, Wanji’ gut saying he is been courting and the thought fluster him. However, this is not a normal circumstance, they’re on dire situation and just losing home to this people, it is necessary to putting up the wall as human can be deceiving and with Wuxian reputation in war, Wanji sure that man mastery the art of manipulation and deception. Being doubtful and alert are must.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

After three days

Jiang and Gusu travel to Yunmeng after staying a night at Yiling and according to General Commander Jiang, they will arrive to Yunmeng in no time, more exactly today. Regardless the message by Wanji for him to stop sending gift, Wuxian stubbornly give him a customary handkerchief with light blue cloud and red lotus flower at Yiling, this times he give to Wanji personally.

*flashback*

Wanji attending to Gusu disciplinary for any inconvenience, trying his best to help them and luckily Gusu is mold to restrain their emotion, not whining over circumstances and calm one heart in any situation. Thus it isn’t hard for Wanji to manage the Gusu crowd. Outer white robe flutter to the air when Wanji walking gracefully to his room, halted in his step when he notice a figure leaning on the wall beside his door. Wuxian in his black robe glory and some hair up to little pony tied with red ribbon, a subtle change occurred in his handsome face upon sensing Wanji arrival, his smirk deepening, eyes flashing and chin held high. Such an arrogant bastard, Wanji can’t help but mentally cursing the man front of his door.

“General Commander Jiang” Wanji paused his step at arm apart from Wuxian, who now standing straight on his feet

“Lan-er gongzi” Wuxian acknowledge the second Gusu jade

“What bring the general commander Jiang into my room? You can just ask someone to call for me” Wanji utter in courtesy. Wuxian began to smile, instead of answering him gesturing for Wanji to invite him into room with eyes. Wanji wanted to strike that look of haughty contempt from that face so much. However, aware of his position, Wanji silently push the door and let it jar open as inviting Wuxian to step in. Wuxian close the door behind him, leaving them trapped in the classic interior room alone. The thought being alone with the handsome general commander make Wanji shudder. Not sure whether it’s the excitement or wariness.

“May I assist you? General Commander Jiang” Wanji addresses the man that join him at tea table.

“Here” A rectangular box is glide toward Wanji, Wuxian exclaim in authorities, sharp eyes scrutinize the veiled man sat facing him. Clearly giving no room for objection.

Stunned by unexpected forcefulness, unintentional deep sigh escaped Wanji. “Why should I? Gusu neither I need not to be bribe to fight for right thing, our conscience is clear if that what General Commander Jiang worried of”. Wanji announced with chin high, gold eyes flashing dangerously, demanding respect with slight hint challenging Wuxian’ pride.

Rather than being offensive, Wuxian chuckle in amused. Not even a second his black orbs stop staring at the mystery man from Gusu sat front him. Wuxian slender fingers circling the tea cup with taunting smirk.

“i’m confident in Gusu’ honorability” Wanji confusion upon the simple statement was almost childlike and struck Wuxian fascinatingly “my wish is revenge”.

Wanji heart drop at the word of revenge, browsing all possibilities wrongdoing he might done to offend the handsome beast in front him. Wuxian almond eyes penetrate into his naked eyes, with a confident smirk the general commander blurt out “you mess up my mind, refuse to leave and this is my revenge” Wuxian glancing towards light blue jade bracelet on Wanji wrist, murmuring in low voice “hoping it will do the same to you”. Wuxian drank his tea in one gulp, lips curve into teasing smirk and walk away from the room with light heart.

Wanji stop functioning until the sound of being closed resonance. He was flushing in red, exhaling the breathe that he didn’t realize he is holding in for a while, feeling the warmth slowly spread within his body and stomach tingling with something he isn’t sure. Wanji bring his right hand to the chest, feeling his heart beating loudly that even his ears can heard it.

“w—what this mean?” he murmured in dazed whisper.

*flashback end*

Jiang Cheng beam in relief when the view of Yunmeng reach their sight. They were finally arrive Yunmeng safe and sound, after hidden like a mouse from Wen. They did face few crisis as they move in big group but the combination of Wuxian’ slyness experience and Wanji keen observation, they manage to escape while protecting 300 Gusu folk into Yunmeng. Wuxian grin like a child, waving at the harbor when a group of people waiting for him, an adorable side that Wanji not know exist. Wanji was startled when Wuxian suddenly turn to him, caught him staring at said man whose now grin mischievously to him. Wanji can hear a faint sound of his neck cracking for moving abruptly, shifting his gaze into a harbor to escape Wuxian annoying face and from the Wuxian’ light chuckle, Wanji knew that man is taunting him.

Reaching the harbor, everyone running to the boat to celebrate their warrior and welcoming Gusu sect to Yunmeng . Jiang Wuxian stepped aside to permit Lan Wanji step out from the boat first, noticing the slight flush at tip of Wanji ears. Wanji is not completely in command of his emotion after all.

Wanji eyes lighten up in relief and happiness seeing his brother stand beside a man with purple robes which he presumably, the leader of Jiang sect, Jiang FengMen. The man had calm and solace expression. Wanji fastened his step towards his brother, although Lan Xichen cover his face with veil, the crescent eyes is enough for Wanji knew his brother giving him, his usual smile.

“ge. You’re safe” Wanji blurt up, hugging Lan Xichen. Since he is shorter, Wanji resting his head on Lan Xichen chest, listening the sound of heartbeat telling his brother is safe and alive.

“I’m here, didi. Uncle will arrive tomorrow. Jiang sect had pick him and other elders up at Gano City” Lan Xichen sharing the good news with his little brother, making Wanji heart lighten upon the news.

“Ge, cloud recess” Wanji murmured in sadden voice, eyes glistening. Lan Xichen mirroring Wanji sadden expression. They felt the same. The hurt of losing their home and the furious towards people who dare to use Gusu as a weapon to distort Cultivator World.

“We will get it back!” loud voice announce with great reassurement. Wuxian eyes lingering a bit on Wanji before meet up Lan Xichen gaze. A gesture that isn’t escape from Lan Xichen observation.

“Jiang Wuxian. Honor to meet first Jade of Gusu. I heard about you a lot” Wuxian making a bow with hands folded in front, forming a perfect Zuxia.

“the honor will be on me, Great General Commander Jiang Wuxian” Lan Xichen return the Zuxia, purposely addressing Jiang Wuxian well-known label, indicating his awareness of infamous Jiang Wuxian, Fearsome Warrior in war ground and a prodigy cultivator.

“Lan gonzi, lan-er gonzi” Jiang FengMian approach the pride of Gusu, Twin of Jades with small smile. Wanji perform a perfect zuxia which Jiang FengMian fondly return. The rumors about Twin of Jades’ beauty is proven as fact. The ethereal that can’t be suppressed by piece of cloth on their face.

“Lan gonzi, we have arranged the accommodation for Gusu disciplinary. Jiang folk ready to sharing their place with Gusu. Each family Gusu arranged to stay with the chosen house accommodate by Jiang. Don’t worry much. It will be not be burden for Jiang since them voluntarily offering their house. We have heard a lot about Gusu’ kind hospitality. For both of our gonzi, it will be our honor if you willing to stay at Lotus Pier. Lotus pier is the mansion of Jiang main family members, so it will be appropriate for Lan main family staying there.

“Thank you for the kind hospitality, Jiang leader” Twin of Jade slightly bow to Jiang FengMian with hand folded to their front.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Wuxian swaggered along the corridor towards Lotus Pier Main Hall. Jiang FengMien had summoned him for an urgent meeting, close on his heels come Wen Ning and Jiang Cheng. They were surprised seeing Jiang FengMian isn't alone. At, the right of Jiang FengMian is a group of people from Nie sect, whereas on the left of Jiang FengMian is a group of people from Jin sect.

After a minute of exchanging zuxia, Wuxian stand in the middle of hall facing Jiang Feng Mian with Jiang Cheng and Wen Ning stand a step back from him. Nie sect on their right, Jin sect on their left.

"Wuxian, Nie mingue gongZi and Jin Zixuan gong-Zi had heard about Gusu and they came to seek our protection" Jiang leader exclaim in sober tone. Wuxian, Cheng and Wen Ning approvingly smile upon the good news. They are not sure when Wen will strike again and it's better to stay in allies than fighting alone. Jiang FengMian clearing his throat to ease the air before dropping a big news, stared after his son, brows contracting with the keen hesitation he felt.

"they also offer a marriage proposal to streghten the allies" Wuxian blood turn cold although his outward seem unaffected upon the revelation.

"Nie mingjue had offer Nie Yang Zi or Nie Huisang as depend to your preference and Jin Zixuan offering his child, Jin Lusi and Jin GuangYao. As a future leader, i hope you will make a wise decision. Leader can't lead alone, it will be a lot to bear alone. It was necessary for Jiang future leader has a partner cultivation alias wife to shoulder the heavy duty hand in hand" Jiang Feng Mian continued in a matter-of-fact way.

Wuxian contemplate his father advise and weighted the pros and cons. His father was right. Nie sect and Jin sect are great allies, strong companion they can rely during hard times. Their union will make wen think twice before acting on impulse again. Wuxian struggle to use his logical and rational, suppresing the image of mystery Gusu man in white robe with veil from clouding his judgement.

"Father, Nie leader and Jin leader. It was such an honor to receive this proposal, showing the trust you guys have in me to take care of your beloved child. However, please grant me some time, get to know my candidate, so I can determine the best partner at my side in leading cultivator world" Wuxian declared stoutly, earning respect and admiration from everyone in the hall. Jiang FengMian smile and nod in approving. There is no benefit in rushing, at least Wuxian agreed to marrying. After rejecting countless proposal and cannot convince Wuxian tied to one person, finally his son give in. It's enough for him. In terms of potential spouse, he believes Wuxian is more than capable to single out which one will fit the role, as they're not only looking for Wuxian life partner but also Jiang alias world cultivator future Furen.

Jiang FengMian had looked at four candidates presented by Jin and Nie, they're beautiful, mannerful, and sensible, but it's something that he felt they're missing in becoming future furen. Strong presence, delicate but powerful, par with Wuxian to make sure he stayed in lane, pure soul, clear conscience and allow no one step on them. The four candidates a bit lacking in terms of that, but they're the best option for now.

"From tomorrow, please arrange the individual session between Wuxian and Nie YangZi, Nie Huisang, Jin Lusi and Jin GuangYao" Jiang FengMian announced somberly and dismissed the meeting

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

Wanji stroll around Lotus Pier to subdue his anxiousness. This dawn, someone had alarmed him about the arrival of Lan Qiren into Lotus Pier. It is already noon and he didn't even get a glimpse of his uncle's shadow. Jiang Feng Mian had invited his uncle for union discussion and Wanji had a gut, the assembly went longer than expectation because of his stubborn uncle. Lan Qiren despises the idea of depending on the other for protection, which makes Twin of Jade trap in between. After seeing Wen cruelty at first hand, they knew standing alone isn't a wiser choice. Deep in his heart praying for some miracle that softens his uncle heart, so they can take back cloud recess, their home.

Lan Wanji staring at the lotus pond in deep thought when suddenly he felt a moving soft fur climb to his lap. The gold eyes blinking innocently at the cute white creature on his lap. A rabbit. A white fluffy rabbit, white red eyes. They're staring at each other for one good minute before Wanji slender finger extend in wary to pat the rabbit. The rabbit sniffs his finger, wanji waits for the white rabbit familiarize with his odor. Not long, the rabbit rubbing its head on Wanji palm, asking for petting. Eyes turn into crescent as a smile hidden by the veil, Wanji picks up the rabbit with fond gaze. Then, he felt another soft fur ball jump on his lap, suddenly another one in dark brown, thus another black one sat on his side. Four rabbits surround him, brushing their heat like reassure him in comfort. Wanji eyes light up in delight, staring at his fur ball companion in fascinate. Not realizing, a pair of fierce eyes admire him from the second floor.

Wuxian left side body lean against the window, hands folded on the chest, eyes sparkled with admiration and love towards the scene below him. Wanji playing with his rabbit. Wuxian taking note how expressive Wanji eyes are, the way it widens around like an innocent child when he surprised or amused, the way it turns crescent when Wuxian assumes he smiles. Wuxian wonder how Wanji smile will look like? He wonders how Wanji looks like without the veil.

"A-Xian, did father still not done with union assemble? Owah, Lan Qiren Kong -Zi is a nutcase to crack" Jiang cheng blurt out but after no receiving any reply, he turns to face awe struck Wuxian at the window.

"A-xian?" no respond,

"A-Xian?" still not response. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Jiang Cheng walks to the window and seeing Wanji happily play with rabbits.

"you're such a hopeless case. Why didn't you tell father to send a proposal to Lan Qiren Kong -Zi?" Jiang Cheng asking dryly

"huh? Why I will do that?" Wuxian twist his neck to Jiang Cheng in pure confuse.

"You're so whipped out by him," Jiang Cheng remarked dryly.

"huh? No. I'm not. He's just intriguing me. That's all. All those veils make me curious," Wuxian mentally praise himself for not stutter.

"and 300 Gusu folk with veil isn't intrigued you?" Jiang cheng raised his eyebrows, challenging Wuxian to rebuke. Wuxian forced a laugh.

"pufff, it's not that. He just stood out to me, bit different as he..." Wuxian poor explanation interrupted by Jiang Cheng fact.

"Beautiful, stunning, magnificent and ethereal. Those are words you used when describing Lan Wanji. And you're even staying up late design all those crap customary gift. Don't think i didn't see the design, you possessive ape, I saw you putting your color and symbol. Subtly mark him as yours".

Wuxian face falters as he has been caught, glance warily at Wanji. Their conversation comes to an end when Jiang servant step through the door.

"Young masters, Leader had summoned you two to the main hall. Gusu agrees to sign the treat,"

Their eyes widen in shock and a big smile slowly surface on their handsome face. Not wasting more time, both warrior cultivators run to the hall.

"Lan Gongzi, thank you for honoring us with these allies" Wuxian bow in zuxia to show his utmost gratitude towards Lan Qiren cooperation.

"General Commander Jiang and General Jiang. Gusu hope for your care," Lan Qiren utter in humble, hoping this is the first step to win back cloud recess. Wuxian and Cheng smile in relief.

"Wuxian. This is your four-potential spouse,"

Lan Qiren excused himself, asking the servant to call his nephews to complete the treaty ritual. Wuxian smiles sincerely to four beautiful men and women in front him. They're fine, he gives them that, but he can't say more than he didn't know them yet. The four-potential spouses are shyly introducing themselves, admiring Wuxian handsome features, seems excited to marry the infamous prodigy cultivator and great general commander Jiang.

"Attention. We will start the loyalty oath by Gusu sect with Lan family as representative. Everyone, please have a seat," a male servant politely yet loud voice announced the event. Wuxian takes a sit a right of his father and Jiang Cheng at the left. Everyone sat on their cushion with high anticipation. Silence befalls the hall. Then, the sound of graceful step can be heard. From the entrance, three Lan standing gracefully with Lan Qiren in the middle, lan Xichen on the right and Lan Wanji at the left. Stride until a length apart from Jiang main family throne. With a swift move, Lan family took off their veil, exposing their naked face as symbol of trust. The enemy is now turned into friends. Sharing the same goal to defeat the greedy Wen. They give zuxia towards Jiang FengMian as pledge of loyalty.

Feline eyes, button nose, plumps kissable red lips, sharp jaw and milky skin. Wuxian stood up from his seat and gawk out at the beauty in front him. The face that haunted his night with veil. He didn't know what will happen now he saw the naked face. Perfect! Angelic!. Wanji should not be real. There is no way any human would look that ethereal.

Wanji didn't dare to lift his views from the floor as he felt the familiar intense eyes on him, struggling hard to appear stoic. Lan Xichen allow himself a slight smile while Lan Qiren furrows his forehead upon Wuxian reaction towards his nephew.

"what's wrong, wuxian?" Jiang Feng Mian taken aback when Wuxian suddenly stood out. Instead of answering, Wuxian shrugging with a big childlike grin.

"Jiang Gongzi, is there anything wrong with my nephew?" Lan Qiren warily ask. Eyes darting back, forth between Wanji and Wuxian.

"yes uncle! He did something terrible!"

Upon the slander, Wanji glare dangerously at Wuxian who smirks slyly at him. Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen looking at Wanji in surprised, demanding an answer. The hall is noisy, with people murmuring and whispering.

"Since when Lan Gongzi is your uncle, Jiang Wuxian?" Jiang Feng Mian reprimand his son

"my pardon I felt we're close like family already," Wuxian glances at Wanji

"Lan Gongzi, Gusu is one best allies and strong sect I have ever seen. Should we." wuxian trail off, glance once again at Wanji, smirking arrogantly before exclaimed in clear voice "strengthen it with a married proposal?" Jiang Wuxian tilts his head, eyes glint like a predator.

Tbc