Going home
Summer in Lotus Pier begins at the lotus pond.
As the carriage entered the familiar dock, Xie Linyang lifted the curtain and first smelled the sweet fragrance of lotus blossoms on the wind. Then she saw the lotus pond.
It's twice the size it was three years ago. Layers of emerald green lotus leaves cover the water's surface, and pink and white lotus flowers stand gracefully, some in bloom, others still buds, looking like a group of shy maidens in the afternoon sun.
A winding wooden walkway had been newly built along the pond, extending all the way to a small pavilion in the middle of the water. Several young Jiang family disciples were feeding the fish under the walkway when they saw the carriage approaching and got up to look.
"How is it?" Jiang Cheng's voice rang in her ears. He had already gotten out of the car, stood by it, and reached out his hand to her.
Xie Linyang helped him jump out of the car, her gaze still fixed on the lotus pond: "It's so beautiful."
Jiang Cheng followed her gaze and smiled. "I had lotus seedlings replanted in the spring, and I didn't expect them to bloom so well this year." He paused and lowered his voice. "You used to live in a courtyard where you could see this pond just by opening the window."
Xie Linyang's heart skipped a beat, and she turned to look at him.
Three years is enough time for a boy to grow into a man. Jiang Cheng wore a deep purple sect leader's robe, with a wide belt embroidered with silver lotus patterns and a clear-sounding bell around his waist. His hair was neatly tied up with a simple purple jade crown. Compared to the young sect leader who used to have sharp eyes and was ready to draw his sword at the slightest provocation, he now had broader shoulders, more defined features, and a composed demeanor in every gesture.
But when he looked at her like that, with the reflection of the lotus pond and her image in his eyes, Xie Linyang felt that some things had never changed.
"Sect Master." A disciple came forward and bowed. "The old Sect Master and his wife are already waiting in the main hall."
Jiang Cheng hummed in agreement and naturally took Xie Linyang's hand: "Let's go."
His palms were large and warm, with calluses on his fingertips from years of holding a sword.
Xie Linyang let him lead her through the familiar corridors and courtyards. Along the way, they encountered many members of the Jiang family, all of whom bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with curiosity and goodwill as they looked at her. She could sense that some of the older servants even had tears welling up in their eyes. Everyone in Lotus Pier remembered who had risked their lives to protect her during the calamity three years ago.
The door to the main hall was open.
Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan sat side by side in the main seat.
Three years had passed, and Jiang Fengmian had more gray hairs at his temples, but he was in good spirits. When he saw them enter, his eyes immediately lit up with a smile. Yu Ziyuan still had that dignified yet sharp appearance, but the melancholy that had lingered between her brows for years had faded considerably, replaced by a peace that came from having experienced hardship.
"Lin Yang," Jiang Fengmian spoke first, his voice gentle, "It's good that you're back."
Xie Linyang released Jiang Cheng's hand, stepped forward, and solemnly bowed: "Sect Leader Jiang, Madam Yu, this junior has returned."
Yu Ziyuan looked at her, her gaze lingering on her face for a moment, then suddenly stood up and walked over, reaching out to help her up: "Get up. Have your injuries healed?"
"Everything is ready, thank you for your concern, Madam."
Yu Ziyuan held her hand, carefully examined her complexion, and checked her pulse before nodding, "She's definitely alright now." She paused, her voice softening, "Three years ago... thank you for protecting Acheng."
These words were so direct that Xie Linyang was somewhat at a loss for words: "Madam, you flatter me. It is what I should do."
"Alright, stop standing there." Jiang Fengmian smiled and smoothed things over. "Ali knew you were coming back today, so she personally cooked some soup. We'll have dinner together tonight."
The atmosphere immediately lightened.
They sat in the main hall for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, exchanging some recent updates. Jiang Fengmian asked about Baoshan Sanren, and Xie Linyang answered in detail, omitting his master's "unconventional" parts and only saying that it was the demeanor of a hermit master, giving his master ample face.
Yu Ziyuan occasionally chimed in with a word or two, mostly expressing concern for her health. Xie Linyang could sense that this woman, who had once harbored resentment towards her, now looked at her with genuine kindness in her eyes.
As they left the main hall, the sun was already setting. Jiang Cheng didn't let his servants follow, and instead led Xie Linyang slowly along the corridor.
"They..." Xie Linyang asked softly, "have they made up?"
Jiang Cheng knew what she was asking and nodded: "Yes. After the battle with the Wen clan, Mother has come to understand many things. She said that in this life, some obsessions should be let go." He paused, "Father has also changed a lot. Now... he will take the initiative to accompany Mother to admire the lotus flowers, and he will also help sort the materials when she makes spices."
Xie Linyang felt a warmth in his heart.
Watching the sunset paint half the sky red outside the corridor, and the lotus pond shimmering with golden light in the twilight, I suddenly felt that this might be the meaning of her desperate protection: to mend what was once broken, and to restore what should have been perfect to its original state.
"What about Wei Wuxian?" she thought, recalling that carefree figure. "How has he been these past three years?"
Jiang Cheng remained silent for a moment.
“He’s with Lan Wangji,” he said. “The two of them went to Yiling a month ago, where remnants of the Wen clan are still causing trouble.”
He turned his head to look at her, "Lin Yang, the Shadow Grass... has it ever reflected Wei Wuxian's ending?"
This question came suddenly. Xie Linyang paused in his tracks.
A breeze blew outside the corridor, rustling the lotus leaves.
“…It’s been shown.” She finally said softly.
Jiang Cheng tightened his grip on her hand: "How is it?"
Xie Linyang closed his eyes. The images in the Memory Grass resurfaced: the eerie wind of the mass grave, the siege by the various sects of the immortals, the final mournful wail of the Chenqing Flute, and the black figure that fell from the cliff top and was never caught.
"This is bad." Her voice was dry. "He cultivated the path of demons, suffered a backlash, and the immortal sects regarded him as a demon and attacked him en masse. In the end... he was abandoned by everyone, and his body and soul were destroyed."
Each word was like a stone, heavy as it hit the ground.
Jiang Cheng remained silent for a long time. The afterglow of the setting sun fell on his profile, outlining his taut lines. Xie Linyang could feel the stiffness in his arm muscles and hear his breathing become heavy.
Then he spoke, his voice calm, so calm it made one's heart tighten:
"Not this time."
"What?"
“This time,” Jiang Cheng turned his head, looked directly into her eyes, and said, word by word, “I will not leave him alone.”
The evening breeze swept through the corridor, carrying the fragrance of lotus blossoms and the weighty significance of those words.
Looking at the unwavering determination in his eyes, Xie Linyang suddenly understood that no matter what the future held, no matter what path Wei Wuxian would take, at least this time, Jiang Cheng had chosen to stand by his side.
It was not a choice made after weighing the pros and cons in the capacity of the sect leader.
As brothers, we have no choice but to go.
Her nose tingled, and she squeezed his hand back tightly: "Okay."
As the two were talking, hurried footsteps suddenly came from the other end of the corridor.
"Acheng! Lin Yang!"
It is Jiang Yanli.
Three years had passed, and my senior sister had become a little thinner, but her complexion was excellent. She was wearing a light yellow summer dress, her cheeks were slightly flushed from running, but her eyes were full of bright, sparkling smiles.
Xie Linyang released Jiang Cheng's hand and quickly went to greet her: "Senior Sister!"
The two embraced tightly. Jiang Yanli had a faint fragrance of lotus seeds about her, and her embrace was warm and soft. Xie Linyang couldn't help but tighten his arms, his nose tingling with emotion: "Ali, I missed you so much."
"Silly girl, your senior sister missed you too." Jiang Yanli patted her back, her voice choked with emotion. "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."
After letting go, Jiang Yanli held her hand and looked her up and down, her eyes red-rimmed: "You've lost weight, but you look good. Have your injuries healed?"
"Everything is ready."
"That's good." Jiang Yanli wiped her eyes and smiled. "Tonight I made your favorite lotus seed soup and lotus flower pastries. Oh, by the way, A-Xian had someone bring you some new sweet cakes from Suzhou a few days ago, and I saved some for you too."
Jiang Cheng snorted from the side: "He only remembers you."
Jiang Yanli glared at him with a smile, then pulled Xie Linyang aside to talk. She talked about the changes in Lotus Pier over the past three years, about the changes in her family, and finally said somewhat shyly, "Linyang, next month... I'm getting married."
Xie Lin Yang already knew from Jiang Cheng, but she still smiled sincerely: "Congratulations, Senior Sister! It's... Young Master Jin?"
"Mmm." Jiang Yanli's cheeks flushed, and she nodded.
"That's wonderful." Xie Linyang looked at the undisguised happiness in her eyes, and her heart melted. She knew that her senior sister truly loved Jin Zixuan, and that once proud young man had finally learned to cherish the person in front of him.
"Have you chosen your wedding dress yet?" she asked.
Jiang Yanli shook her head: "I'm choosing one now. Lin Yang, you have good taste, could you help me choose one?"
"Of course."
The three talked for a while longer until a servant came to invite them to dinner before they parted ways.
Dinner was lavish, featuring all of Xie Linyang's favorite dishes. Jiang Yanli kept piling food onto her plate, and Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan also repeatedly urged her to eat more. The meal was enjoyed in a harmonious atmosphere, as if the three years of separation had never happened.
After nightfall, Xie Linyang returned to the guest house where he used to live.
The courtyard was spotless, and several new jasmine plants had been placed under the window, in full bloom, filling the room with their fragrance. She opened the window and, sure enough, saw the lotus pond shimmering gently in the moonlight.
very nice.
She leaned against the window, gazing at the moonlit lotus pond, a sense of peace settling over her.
After an unknown amount of time, a very light knock came from behind.
"Enter."
The door was pushed open, and Jiang Cheng walked in. He had changed out of his sect leader's everyday clothes and was now wearing a dark purple nightgown with an outer robe loosely draped over it. His hair was also down, his long, black hair cascading over his shoulders, gleaming softly in the candlelight.
Xie Linyang turned to look at him: "It's so late, is something the matter?"
Jiang Cheng didn't speak, but walked over and stopped in front of her. Moonlight shone in from the window, falling on his face. His usually sharp eyes were now as calm as a deep pool, but there were undercurrents surging at the bottom.
"I came to see you." His voice was a little hoarse. "I was afraid you wouldn't be used to it."
Xie Linyang smiled: "This is where I used to live, how could I not be used to it?"
Jiang Cheng continued to look at her, his gaze so focused it was heart-stopping. Then he reached out and gently touched her cheek: "It's been three years."
"Um."
"Every day I think about when you will come back."
His fingertips were warm, calloused, as they brushed across her cheek and stopped at the corner of her lips. Xie Linyang's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't flinch; she simply looked up at him.
The candlelight flickered, and the moonlight shone gently.
Jiang Cheng's breathing gradually became heavier. He leaned down, getting closer and closer, until their noses were almost touching.
"Ah Yang..." he whispered her name, his voice filled with a longing that had been suppressed for three years, "Is it okay?"
Xie Linyang did not answer, but simply tilted her head back slightly and closed her eyes.
This is tacit consent.
Jiang Cheng's kiss landed.
At first it was gentle, tentative, as if afraid of breaking some precious gem.
But soon, the longing and yearning that had been suppressed for three years burst forth like water breaking through a dam. His kiss became urgent and deep, with an irresistible force, prying open her lips and teeth, and entwining with her.
Xie Linyang was pressed against the window, her back against the cool window frame, her body burning hot in front of her. She could feel his rapid heartbeat and smell the familiar scent of soap pods mixed with a faint lotus fragrance. Her hands climbed up his shoulders, her fingertips sinking into the soft fabric of his nightgown, feeling the taut muscles beneath.
The kiss was long and deep, until they were both breathless, and Jiang Cheng finally released her. But his lips were still pressed against the corner of her lips, his hot breath spraying against her neck.
“Three years…” he repeated, his voice hoarse, “I’m going crazy.”
Xie Linyang opened her eyes and looked at his face, which was so close to hers. In the candlelight, his eyes were red-rimmed, and his eyes were surging with emotions she had never seen before, emotions so intense they seemed to devour her. So fiery, so undisguised, that it made her heart tremble.
“Wanyin…” she called softly.
That sound was like lighting the final fuse.
Jiang Cheng suddenly scooped her up in his arms, walked a few steps to the bedside, and gently but firmly placed her on the bed covered with a bamboo mat. He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers again, this time not just on her lips. His kisses slid down her chin to her neck, lingering on the sensitive skin of her neck, leaving warm, moist marks.
Xie Linyang trembled slightly, her fingers running through his loose hair. She could feel his body reacting, the hard, burning heat pressing against her thighs. Reason told her she should stop, but her body responded honestly, every cell clamoring for closer proximity.
Jiang Cheng's hand slipped inside her clothes, his palm burning hot, stroking the delicate skin of her waist. His movements were somewhat hasty, yet still restrained, his fingertips trembling slightly.
"Ah Yang..." He whispered in her ear, his voice filled with suppressed pain, "I want you... I'm going crazy with longing for you..."
Xie Linyang's breathing was erratic, her eyes glazed as she looked at him. Moonlight streamed in through the window, falling on his sweat-dampened brow and his taut jawline. She could see the intense struggle in his eyes, a desire to possess him, yet a desperate attempt to restrain himself.
His hand remained on her waist, not going any further. He simply held her tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his breathing heavy.
Time passed second by second.
Jiang Cheng's body remained tense, his heat against her showing no signs of abating. But he didn't move again, simply holding her like a lost treasure he had regained, unwilling to let go yet afraid of breaking her.
After what seemed like an eternity, he finally released her a little, propped himself up, and looked down at her.
In the candlelight, her long hair was spread out on the pillow, her lips were red and swollen, and her eyes were still filled with the lingering glint of desire.
Jiang Cheng looked at her like this, his Adam's apple bobbed violently, and the desire in his eyes deepened.
But in the end, he simply leaned down and placed a very light kiss on her forehead.
"...Sleep," he said hoarsely, his voice tinged with the bitterness of lingering desire. "I'll stay by your side."
Xie Linyang stared at him blankly.
Jiang Cheng had already lay down and pulled her back into his arms. This time it was just a simple hug; his hands were properly wrapped around her waist, and he didn't move around again.
“Jiang Cheng…” she called softly.
"Um?"
“You…you don’t have to…” She was a modern person, and her thinking wasn’t so feudal.
"Shut up." Jiang Cheng tightened his arms, buried his face in her hair, and said in a muffled voice, "Don't talk... just let me hold you for a while."
Xie Linyang felt the tension in his body, sensed his barely suppressed desire. He simply held her, making no further move. She knew Jiang Cheng was a man of principle, and her heart pounded with this suppressed emotion.
The moonlight flowed quietly.
The fragrance of lotus blossoms drifts in on the breeze.
She was in his arms, listening to his gradually calming heartbeat, feeling the warmth and solidity of his embrace. The three years of separation seemed to be completely filled in this moment.
"Jiang Cheng," she called again.
"Um."
"Thank you for waiting for me."
Jiang Cheng froze for a moment, then hugged her even tighter.
“Fool,” he said, his voice tinged with laughter and lingering emotion, “If I’m not waiting for you, who am I waiting for?”
Xie Linyang smiled and closed his eyes in relief.
That night, Jiang Cheng held her like that all night long. His arms were always around her waist, occasionally tightening unconsciously in his sleep, as if afraid she would disappear.
Xie Linyang slept soundly in his arms.
Outside the window, the moonlight on the lotus pond is just right.
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