Archive of Our Own ^beta

Nie Huaisang is twelve when he presents as an omega. His first heat is uncomfortable, but at least he’s left alone. When it’s over, he cleans himself up as best as he can and heads to his father’s private office.

He hears his father arguing with his brother and stops just outside the door. He knows he shouldn’t eavesdrop, but they are talking about him and the temptation to listen in proves too much to resist.

“He’s always been a little thing,” his father says. “It’s no surprise, really. Maybe he’ll finally prove useful.”

“He’s just a kid,” Nie Mingjue argues.

“He’s an omega. If he proves strong enough, he’ll secure us a good alliance with one of the other major sects.”

“You want to marry him off?”

“Not yet. I don’t prescribe to arranged marriages, you know that. But he’ll learn his duty soon enough. So long as he chooses a proper alpha to claim, I see no reason to force it.”

Nie Huaisang slips away after that. Two things are clear to him. One, now that he has presented as an omega, his father believes his only worth is through marriage. Nie Huaisang isn’t stupid, he knows what that means. He’ll be forced to leave Qinghe, to attend to an alpha lord of one of the other sects. To have babies and raise them for a sect that will never be his home.

The only silver lining is his second realization. He is the son of a sect leader. He will not be allowed to marry just anyone. But nor will the powerful alpha sons and daughters of the other sects bow to a weak omega. 

If he cannot bring honor to his family through a proper marriage, then he will be forced to live his life a spinster. If he is not strong enough to do his duty, then he will be allowed to stay at Qinghe.

At the age of twelve, Nie Huaisang vows to be weak. But in order to be weak, he has to be strong. His base cultivation level is significant—as expected of the son of a sect leader—so to hide it he has to train.

That first year, he secludes himself in his room as much as he can. He throws tantrums. He cries.

It’s expected of a young omega, he hears the servants say. A sudden shift in his body, new feelings, new expectations. He plays to their pity and so for a while he’s left alone.

When he emerges on his thirteenth birthday, he feels to the world like a child, despite his presentation. He makes himself shake and shudder when yelled at. He hides behind his brother whenever he can. He avoids people’s eyes, speaks to the ground.

Soon people forget that Nie Huaisang never was a shy child.

His father is not satisfied with his lack of omega wiles. He is often yelled at, forced up at dawn to train with the various omegas of the Unclean Realm. Nie Huaisang allows himself to enjoy aspects of it—he becomes a proficient artist and poet—but art alone will not attract the kind of alpha his father wants him to marry.

Every month, his father sets him in front of the alpha disciples of the Nie sect and tells him to pull on them. Nie Huaisang makes a show of it. He takes a big breath, clutches his fan tight between slender fingers. He lets just a bit of frustration filter through his scent. And then he sends out a sliver of will, just enough that he would be able to pull a child into behaving. He cannot pretend to be a beta, after all. He does have a golden core, as only alphas and omegas do. But he can hold back his qi, pretend to be even less than average. None of the disciples are greatly affected by his attempts and so it goes, month after month.

The tests stop after his father dies. Nie Mingjue still wakes him up at dawn, still forces him to go to lessons, but he does not talk about marriage. He does not talk about Nie Huaisang leaving. It’s enough.

He only slips up twice.

The first is with his classmate, Wei Wuxian, during one of his many years studying at Gusu. Wei Wuxian is a fellow omega and a fast friend. He cannot seem to help making a nuisance of himself. It’s all a show, Nie Huaisang realizes quickly. All Wei Wuxian truly wants is Lan Wangji’s attention. He acts out the way a child would tug on their mother’s robes. But he does not attempt to claim Lan Wangji.

Nie Huaisang finally asks him why.

“I’m not strong enough to catch Lan Zhan’s attention,” Wei Wuxian said, soft and uncharacteristically serious.

Nie Huaisang frowns. Yes, Lan Wangji is one of the Twin Jades of Gusu. He and his brother are remarkably strong alphas, there is no doubt. But Wei Wuxian was one of the strongest omegas in their grade level.

“I think you are,” Nie Huaisang said.

“Shijie says so too. When we practice together, she always folds to me. But I think she must have been going easy on me. You don’t even blink when I try to pull you.”

Nie Huaisang sits up straight and looks around. They are alone in their shared room, but his heart begins to beat fast anyway. “When did you try to pull me?”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “See, you don’t even remember. It wasn’t like I was trying to make you kneel, but I put some effort into it!”

“When?”

“A couple weeks ago. When we did that partner exercise. I just wanted you to switch with me, so I could be with Lan Zhan, but you said we’d get in trouble and you refused.”

Nie Huaisang remembers now. He was distracted, or he might have noticed Wei Wuxian’s will set upon him. He might have pretended to be swayed, no matter the trouble it would have caused with Lan Qiren.

He cannot change the past. Either he must go with Wei Wuxian’s interpretation that it is he who isn’t strong enough, or he must tell the truth. 

He wavers for just a moment, but Wei Wuxian is perhaps his best friend. He was the only one who sought out Nie Huaisang’s friendship despite the public belief that Nie Huaisang is a disappointment to the Nie sect.

“You are not weak, Wei-xiong,” Nie Huaisang says softly. He looks at Wei Wuxian directly.

Cultivators—that is alphas and omegas—can use their will, their qi, in three distinct ways. Push is a external outburst of qi. It’s widely used by alphas both on each other and on corpses and other monsters they encounter. Pull, in contrast, is an omega’s foreground. It is a lullaby, a whirlpool. Its purpose is to draw people in, to make them trust the user. 

Claim is the final ability, a meshing of compatible qi. It is the omega’s duty to start the claim and the alpha’s to bind it.

If Wei Wuxian wants to make his interests known to Lan Wangji, he needs to lay a claim strong enough to entice the alpha. Alphas like Lan Wangji probably feel tendrils of claim every day. Were he a weaker alpha, he might have been caught by one already, but then weaker alphas do not have nearly as many offers. Such is the delicate courtship dance of cultivators.

It’s not that feelings don’t play a role. Wei Wuxian has not yet attempted a claim because he wants Lan Wangji to like him first, that much is obvious. An alpha who hates you will have a much easier chance of rejecting even a highly compatible claim.

Nie Huaisang does not think Lan Wangji hates Wei Wuxian, but he also isn’t sure if the feelings there are enough. It’s obvious that Wei Wuxian does not fit in well at Gusu and it is the alpha’s role to provide the territory. If the claim catches, Wei Wuxian will come to stay.

Looking at Wei Wuxian now, Nie Huaisang can tell he knows all that already. But he has been caught in Lan Wangji’s spell. He wants to lay claim but he fears doing it. He fears rejection, but perhaps he fears acceptance more.

“If you wish to make excuses so that you aren’t tempted, then do so,” Nie Huaisang says. “Just don’t involve me.”

Wei Wuxian is silent for just a second, then he cocks his head. “Did you really not feel my pull?” 

Nie Huaisang says nothing and Wei Wuxian doesn’t bring it up again.

The second time Nie Huaisang slips up is because of Meng Yao. He is fond of the other omega, whose quick thinking and dedication have impressed his brother. Nie Mingjue made Meng Yao his assistant a year into Meng Yao coming to work at Qinghe Nie sect.

This would have been fine with Nie Huaisang. He knows some about the duties behind running the sect, of course. He helps his brother when he can and his brother knows he can be relied on to organize paperwork, at least. Meng Yao takes over that task within a day of his promotion which leaves Nie Huaisang more time to paint his fans and bird-watch from the eastern tower. He is grateful.

Then, just after returning home from Gusu for, hopefully, the last time, Nie Mingjue gets it in his head that Meng Yao, being a fairly strong omega despite his upbringing, can teach Nie Huaisang how to finally utilize his qi like an omega of his status should.

Unbeknownst to Nie Huaisang at the time, Meng Yao decides the easiest way to convince the notoriously lazy omega to put effort into these lessons would be to scare him. A weak omega can be easily overpowered by those who wished to harm them, after all.

So Meng Yao find Nie Huaisang in his outer rooms, cheerfully reading some of his favorite poetry. He does not give Nie Huaisang any time to react, he merely gathers all of his qi and pulls with as much will as he can muster.

There is a small knife on the table, the kind used to break letter seals. Meng Yao has no reason to kill Nie Huaisang, but he knows that this lesson must be poignant or it will never get through.

“Take that knife and slit your throat,” Meng Yao says.

Nie Huaisang should have done so. Taken over by the unexpected pull, given his untrained cultivation, he should have had no resistance to the command. Meng Yao watches, ready to command Nie Huaisang to stop the second he picks up the knife.

Instead, Nie Huaisang looks up at him with a soft frown. He stands. He pushes his qi outward.

Meng Yao has never been under such a powerful push. He falls to his knees, then lower until his forehead touches the ground. He can’t speak. He can’t breathe.

“And why should I do that, Yao-ge?” he asks and Meng Yao has never heard sweet Nie Huaisang’s voice so hard. That tone combined with the childish nickname is somehow even more menacing.

Haltingly, without any choice on his part, Meng Yao is forced to explain. This isn’t the subtle, sweet compulsion of a pull. This is a push. He feel he will die if he doesn’t speak. So he tells Nie Huaisang that he was ordered to train him. That he thought of this plan, that he hoped a good fright might make things clear to the young omega.

Then, even as his mind screams at him to stop, he says, “I wouldn’t have let it happen. There is no reason for me to kill you yet. Your brother has shown me kindness and I would not betray him without reason.”

The push becomes stronger and Meng Yao knows his forehead will be dented from the pressure of the floor. “What reason would need to betray my brother?” Nie Huaisang demands.

“I need power. So that, one day, no one remembers me the son of a beta whore. I had thought to claim him, to be Consort Nie, but I know I’m not strong enough. I hope now to gain enough of a reputation that my father legitimizes me, that I can gain a place at Lanling Jin Sect.”

“Lanling Jin Sect? The Jin Clan has cast you out once, why would you go back to them?”

“What other choice do I have? Jin Guangshan is still my father.”

Nie Huaisang hums in acknowledgement and just like that the push is lifted. Meng Yao raises his head and stares. Nie Huaisang has sat back down. He smiles. “Let’s have tea, Yao-ge.”

“Young Master Nie, why…” Meng Yao can’t figure out how to end the question. He knows that omegas are capable of pushing, of course, just as alphas can learn to pull. But it was harder for omegas. It’s said only the truly powerful ones can learn to use their qi such.

“Why hide?” Nie Huaisang shrugs. “I live this life.” He spreads his hands, encompassing his fans and books of poetry and canvases and paints. “Why would I want anything else?”

Meng Yao understands, though a small part of him burns in resentment. He will never have the luxury to be anything less than what he is.

Nie Huaisang begins to pour them both tea. “I don’t think you and my brother would be a good match, but there are others. Jin Guangshan may one day feel pressure to legitimize you, but he will never trust you. You know the kind of man he is.”

Meng Yao looks away. “What other choice do I have?” he repeats. He knows what his mother wanted, but it was clear to him years ago that his mother had been fooled by the alpha who sired him. Still, he dreams of proving the sect leader wrong. Of Jin Guangshan turning to him one day and expressing how glad he is to have Meng Yao as a son.

Nie Huaisang watches him silently for a moment, then shakes his head. “Why not turn your sights on Zewu-Jun? He seems taken with you.”

Meng Yao hadn’t realized Nie Huaisang was so observant. Indeed, Lan Xichen was kind to him. Meng Yao talked with him a few times before. Lan Xichen and Nie Mengjue were close as brothers and ever since Meng Yao was made Nie Mengjue’s assistant they were given chances to interact.

There is a small part of him, the same part that wanted to figure out how to claim Nie Mingjue, that wants that. He still remembers Lan Xichen’s fingers brushing his as he helped Nie Huaisang present the gift from the Nie sect during the Cloud Recesses’ opening ceremony a year ago. He remembers Lan Xichen’s gentle smile. His effortless kindness.

Jin Guangshan threw him down the stairs of Koi Tower. What sweet revenge would it be for him to look up one day and realize the bastard son he didn’t want to recognize was strong enough to claim and be claimed by so powerful an alpha.

But… “If I am not strong enough to claim your brother, what makes you think I can claim Zewu-jun?” 

“Brother wants me to have lessons, so we will do so,” Nie Huaisang says. “By the next discussion conference, you’ll be strong enough.”

Meng Yao doesn’t trust easily. “Why help me?”

Nie Huaisang looks at him over top of his tea cup. “Because if you are Zewu-Jun’s, then you will never have reason to betray my brother. Don’t you think, Yao-ge?”

“As you say, Young Master Nie,” Meng Yao replies and finally picks up his own tea.

Discussion conferences are held every year. It’s just Nie Huaisang’s luck that the first year he’s expected to join is the year the Qishan Wen clan is hosting. Fortunately, everyone knows Nie Huaisang is a ‘weak little omega’ and his brother doesn’t bother to sign him up for the various martial tournaments. Instead, he will compete in the arts competitions during the day and play politics in the evening.

Nie Huaisang keeps an eye on Meng Yao as they arrive at Nightless City. The other omega is too good to show his nerves, but Nie Huaisang has been working with him for months. He sees it in the way Meng Yao smiles just a touch too wide, bows a touch too low. The mask of the sweet omegan assistant is in full force.

When it’s time for his brother to greet Jin Guangshan, the lecherous old man’s eyes flick for a second toward Meng Yao. So, Nie Huaisang stumbles over his own robes and falls unceremoniously against Madame Jin.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m so sorry!” Nie Huaisang wails and everyone is thoroughly distracted by Nie Mingjue’s idiot brother.

Just as Meng Yao has no secrets left from Nie Huaisang, Nie Huaisang knows by now that he cannot hide much from Meng Yao either. They have broken down too many walls with each other for that. So he’s not surprised by the small “thank you” Meng Yao whispers to him later.

“It was nothing,” Nie Huaisang says, and he means it.

Nie Huaisang plans to focus his energy on helping Meng Yao catch Lan Xichen’s attention during this week-long discussion conference. It seems to be going well the first night—he encourages his brother to have a private drink with Lan Xichen that first evening, to catch up with his best friend. And if Meng Yao is there to serve the tea, well it only make sense that Lan Xichen would invite Meng Yao to join them. He’s just too polite not to.

“Well?” Nie Huaisang asks over breakfast the next morning. Nie Mingjue is off having breakfast with the other sect leaders, so it’s just Nie Huaisang and Meng Yao.

A gentle red blush spreads over Meng Yao’s cheeks, but there’s a slyness to his smile that ruins the softness of the image. “Zewu-Jun complained that he had no assistant as dedicated as me and Sect Leader Nie warned him not to try to steal me away.”

Nie Huaisang tilts his head. “Are you happy because you think that means my brother has feelings for you?”

“I know he doesn’t. He only likes my work ethics. But he has inadvertently put the idea of me joining Gusu Lan into Zewu-Jun’s mind.”

Nie Huaisang nods. In truth, Meng Yao is better at these kinds of subtle manipulations. Nie Huaisang knows enough about people to manipulate their expectations of him, but he’s less proficient at the long-term strategies Meng Yao excels at. He thinks he could learn, if he needed to, but he doesn’t so he hasn’t worried about it.

Besides, now that Meng Yao is so clearly in his corner, Nie Huaisang is happy to pass off these kinds of things to him. Delegation is as much a skill as anything.

He worries a bit what might happen if this plan to capture Lan Xichen fails, if he ends up having to play against Meng Yao instead of with him. But while Nie Huaisang is not as good with mind tricks, he does understand matters of the heart. Lan Xichen is smitten with Meng Yao. All Meng Yao has to do is prove that he’s a strong enough omega that Lan Xichen should have no guilt over claiming him. Meng Yao, once given the respect and dignity of being Consort Lan—after Lan Xichen’s father finally steps down as sect leader—will do anything in his power to keep his mate’s goodwill. And since Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue have talked multiple times about becoming sworn brothers, that will keep his family safe from any plots Meng Yao might make after the claim settles.

Hmm, perhaps Nie Huaisang should encourage the sworn brother ceremony sooner rather than later.

Nie Huaisang wins first place in the painting competition just after breakfast, then watches the archery competition in the early afternoon. The next day is the big hunt that will lead to the first grand feast. Nie Huaisang ends up having to join in because, despite his lack of martial skills, the hunt is a team event. The other Nie disciples do all the work and he contributes by helping to skin their kills. He may put on the mask of a weak omega, but no cultivator is afraid of a little blood.

Besides, those who think all omegas are weak will soon reconsider with how well Wei Wuxian is doing this discussion conference.

Exhausted as he is by the hunt and distracted by his next plans to push Lan Xichen and Meng Yao together, he doesn’t realize the problem until after Wen Ruohan has already stood to make a toast.

It’s not that he wasn’t aware of the tensions between the Wen sect and the other four. Wen Ruohan killed his father and while Nie Huaisang was never fond of the man, he had loved him. Not as much as he loves his brother, though. He’s worked hard to temper his brother’s quest for vengeance against the Wen sect because he knows that any open rebellion against Wen Ruohan will only lead to mass slaughter.

Wen Ruohan is a man who thrives off his own dominance. He is a powerful alpha, the kind whose push can even send other sect leaders to their knees. He believes his sect to be far superior to even the other great four.

And yet, Nie Huaisang realizes with a growing fear, the Wen sect has not put on a good showing so far. The archery competition was won handily by Wei Wuxian, followed by Lan Xichen, Jin Zixuan, and then Lan Wangji. Wen Xu got sixth, below Jiang Wanyin, and Wen Chao didn’t even make it into the top ten. The painting competition was won by Nie Huaisang, with second place going to Luo Qingyang of the Jin sect, and third going to Jiang Yanli. The hunt—team event as it was—was won by the Jiang sect, then the Lan, then the Jin. The Wen sect beat the Nie sect, but the Nie sect will come back during the sword tournament. They all have their specialities, after all, and hunting is not a common pastime in Qinghe. Fighting most certainly is.

Looking ahead, Nie Huaisang expects the only tournament the Wen sect to win will be the healing competition. Jiang Yanli and Luo Qingyang will fight for second place, but Wen Qing is undoubtedly the best in the field.

For his clan to be known only by a single healer from a branch family is not the kind of attention Wen Ruohan craves.

“As we enjoy this lovely feast caught for us, I wonder if my fellow sect leaders will spare me some time to reminisce,” Wen Ruohan says. “Many years ago, I competed in these tournaments myself. Jin Guangshan and I had a fierce bout in the finals for the swords, do you remember, old friend?”

“I do!” Jin Guangshan says, raising his own cup. “We were only lucky the former Sect Leader Nie was sick that year, to allow us such a bout.”

Wrong move, Nie Huaisang thinks, his dread growing. Wen Ruohan’s face shows none of his anger, but Nie Huaisang knows it’s there. He wouldn’t like to be reminded that Sect Leader Nie was the best fighter in all the sects, until Wen Ruohan’s trickery caused his qi deviation.

“Indeed,” Wen Ruohan says, a touch too slow. “Yes, we all have fond memories of these discussion conferences. In fact, it was during one of the hunts that I met my former wife. I miss her every day and I can only thank the heavens that I have my two sons here to help me remember her.” 

He nods to Wen Xu and Wen Chao sitting on either side of him, then turns his gaze back to Jin Guangshan. “Sect Leader Jin, was it not at a discussion conference that Madame Jin laid her claim call upon you?”

Petty revenge, Nie Huaisang thinks. Everyone knows that Jin Guangshan hates his wife, hates to be reminded of their mating. But Madame Jin was too strong an omega and Jin Guangshan could not resist her. Their relationship is a warning to many omegas—don’t mate with someone against their will unless you want your alpha to sleep with any pretty beta or omega who bats their eyelashes at him.

“It was,” Jin Guangshan says shortly.

“And Sect Leader Jiang!” Wen Ruohan adds, turning to where the Jiang clan sits. “Was it not the same for you?”

“Indeed,” Jiang Fengmian says. “Just after the poetry competition the year before I became sect leader.”

Next to him, Madame Jiang looks surprised, as if not having expected him to remember. Nie Huaisang knows that relationship is not an obvious love match, but at least Jiang Fengmian is more gracious than Jin Guangshan. As far as Nie Huaisang knows, Jiang Fengmian has not slept around behind his omega’s back.

“So you see, I was remembering my beautiful wife last night and the years we had together and I had a thought.” Wen Ruohan smiles and Nie Huaisang’s stomach sinks. “These discussion conferences are a time to come together, to cement the alliances between our sects. Young alphas and omegas showing off their skills, is it no wonder that love blooms so often? But it is hard, I think, for some omegas to pull up the courage to make their claim. So I thought, why not provide them the opportunity? This is my proposal, fellow sect leaders: we will add a showcase for the unbonded alphas. One by one, they will present themselves before the omegas of the sects and feel the interested claims.”

There is an uproar at the suggestion. Wen Ruohan sends out a burst of qi—a solid push—and silence is restored. “Of course,” he continues, “no alpha will be forced to accept the claim, to mate an unworthy omega. It is merely an opportunity. Do my fellow sect leaders have any objections?”

Under the pressure of the push, no one can speak. Nie Huaisang isn’t entirely unaffected, though he thinks with enough practice he could learn to slip away from it. Now is not the time to practice, so he hunches over his food and shivers like a lost fawn.

“Wonderful! Then I have taken the liberty of rearranging the schedule. Starting tomorrow, in the hour before lunch, we will have these showcases. I think we shall start with Yunmeng Jiang and all its allied sects. Surely Sect Leader Jiang agrees, as he has such fond memories of his own claiming?”

The push lifts, but the damage is done. No one is stupid enough to speak up against the proposal now, even if not everyone has realized all the implications. Nie Mingjue reaches over and puts a hand on Nie Huaisang’s back. Nie Huaisang shifts closer to his brother, as if seeking protection. Or, as if he wanted to guard his brother against what is to come.

“Yes,” Jiang Fengmian says slowly. “Our young alphas will be ready.”

On his father’s other side, Jiang Wanyin is paler than Nie Huaisang has ever seen him.

Wen Ruohan’s smile spreads just a bit further. “I look forward to seeing what matches come of this momentous occasion.”

Wei Wuxian finds him just after the feast. Nie Huaisang lets his friend pull him into a secluded room. Wei Wuxian is just as pale as his brother was.

“He’s going to make sure a Wen claims Jiang Cheng,” Wei Wuxian says.

“Yes,” Nie Huaisang agrees, because that’s exactly what this is.

In truth, it’s a brilliant play. The Wen sect is losing power, so Wen Ruohan will take it back. By putting his own as the omegan mates of the next generation of leaders, Wen Ruohan consolidates his power. It’s ugly, but effective. Wen Ruohan will wait until the lesser omegas have put out their claim, have weakened Jiang Cheng, then he will send out an omega strong enough to force a claim on the future leader of the Jiang sect.

“We’re first because of me,” Wei Wuxian bites out. “Because I humiliated Wen Chao during the archery competition.”

Nie Huaisang remembers that. It was one of the reasons Wen Chao did so poorly. “Why did you?”

“He was mean to Wen Ning.”

“Wen Ning?”

Wei Wuxian nods. “Wen Qing’s younger brother. He’s nice. I practiced with him the morning of the competition. If he competed he might have won, but Wen Chao wouldn’t let him.”

“He’s an omega?” Wen Chao is an alpha and from what Nie Huaisang has heard, just as dismissive of omegas as Jin Guangshan. At least Wen Ruohan puts on a good show, though Nie Huaisang has suspicions about his former wife’s death.

“Yes, Wen Ning is… but he wouldn’t… he would never force a claim.”

“You seem so sure about someone you only just met.”

“He’s my friend,” Wei Wuxian defends. “He’s good, trust me.”

Surprisingly, Nie Huaisang does. Wei Wuxian has always been a good judge of character. “Can Wen Ning claim Jiang-xiong, then?”

Wei Wuxian starts to shake his head, then frowns. “Maybe?”

“It’s better than whoever Wen Ruohan is actually planning to do it,” Nie Huaisang says. “If you trust this Wen Ning so much.”

Wei Wuxian nods slowly.

Nie Huaisang thinks that’s it and turns to leave, but Wei Wuxian grabs his arm.

“Wei-xiong?”

“Please,” Wei Wuxian says. “If Wen Ning can’t do it, please—”

“I don’t want an alpha,” Nie Huaisang says softly.

“Jiang Cheng is your friend too, isn’t he?” Wei Wuxian pleads.

He is, but Nie Huaisang has spent too long ensuring his own freedom to give it up now. He says nothing.

Wei Wuxian lets go of Nie Huaisang’s arm and slowly gets down on his knees. Nie Huaisang watches, horrified, as he begs. “Please don’t let me brother be claimed against his will.”

“Just tell him to accept Wen Ning’s claim,” Nie Huaisang says quickly. “If Wen Ning goes first, then it’ll be fine.”

He walks away with a heavy heart. Wei Wuxian doesn’t try to stop him again.

The next morning, Nie Huaisang competes in the poetry competition but his heart isn’t in it. Jin Zixuan gets first place. The alpha is terrible about coming up with words on the fly, but he’s got a flair for recitation. Nie Huaisang wonders if he’s worried at all about the Jin sect’s showcase or if he’s arrogant enough to believe he will be able to reject all the claims.

Then it’s time for the showcase. The lesser alphas go first. There’s no more than an omega or two lined up to claim each one. Some don’t have any. A Wen from one of the branch families claims the current heir to the Baling Ouyang sect, but the young woman will not remain heir much longer—Nie Huaisang has heard the sect leader’s omega is pregnant. Nie Huaisang hopes the sect leader is clever enough to prepare for assassination attempts against his omega and baby heir.

Then it’s Jiang Wanyin’s turn and a dozen omegas flock to the line.

Except, Nie Huaisang quickly realizes, it’s not a line. It was hard to tell with the others, since there was never more than two omegas, but with these dozen it’s obvious there is no structured order to the claiming. He quickly looks to the pavilion where Wen Ruohan is watching, then over to the Jiangs’ pavilion. No one makes a move to stop what’s about to happen. Perhaps the Jiangs don’t even realize the problem. Wen Ruohan most certainly does. He most certainly planned it.

Jiang Wanyin stands in the middle of the arena—the same one used for most of the martial tournaments. He stares straight ahead, not meeting any of the omegas’ eyes. The omegas flock around him. Jiang Wanyin’s mouth grows tighter. The claims have started. It’s not one-by-one, no gentle attempt then retreat. This is a barrage.

Nie Huaisang sees Wei Wuxian encouraging a young man in Wen colors. This must be Wen Ning. The omega wrings his hands, but he steps up into the crowd. Wei Wuxian waves, as if in signal, but Jiang Wanyin doesn’t meet Wen Ning’s gaze. Is he so prideful that he believes he can beat this?

Well, he will fold eventually. The omegas are all eager to claim and be claimed by the next sect leader of Yunmeng Jiang. They aren’t letting up. If Jiang Wanyin has any faith in his brother, he will turn his gaze to Wen Ning and mate him.

He must. It’s barely been a few minutes but Nie Huaisang can already tell the barrage is weakening him.

Then another omega walks up from the Wen pavilion. Besides Nie Huaisang, Nie Mingjue sits up straight in his chair. “Fuck,” he mutters coarsely.

“Who is it?” Nie Huaisang asks. He doesn’t recognize the omega, but it’s worrisome that his brother does.

“Wen Zhiliu. Of the Core-Melting Hand.”

Meng Yao lets out a low, almost appreciative whistle. Nie Huaisang understands it entirely. He has heard of the Core-Melting Hand, though he hadn’t known the omega was adopted by the Wens after destroying the golden cores of his own family. If Wen Ruohan took him in when he had nothing, Wen Zhiliu is certain to be rabidly loyal.

Nie Huaisang feels it the second Wen Zhiliu joins the barrage. He doesn’t just send out a claim to Jiang Wanyin, he also exerts pressure on the other omegas.

“He’s pulling,” Meng Yao murmurs.

“Is that legal?” one of the disciples asks.

“There’s no rules in this shitshow,” Nie Mingjue snaps.

The other omegas begin to fall away, exhausted. Wen Zhiliu’s pull is encouraging them to give up. To fight a powerful pull and keep the claim going is more than most omegas can bear. Surprisingly, Wen Ning is still standing. Maybe there’s more to the omega than he seems at first glance.

Come on, Jiang-xiong, Nie Huaisang thinks. Take Wen Ning’s claim.

As if he heard Nie Huaisang’s words, Jiang Wanyin finally begins to look toward Wen Ning. A second before their eyes meet, before Jiang Wanyin can accept the claim, Wen Zhiliu does another huge pull.

Wen Ning falls away and then it’s just Jiang Wanyin against Wen Zhiliu. Nie Huaisang knows the result of this match already.

Wei Wuxian looks over at Nie Huaisang. The Nie pavilion is on the opposite side of the arena from the Jiang pavilion, but Nie Huaisang can still see the fear in Wei Wuxian’s eyes. ‘Please,’ the other omega mouths.

Nie Huaisang closes his eyes. He doesn’t have to go out. He knows that. Jiang Wanyin is strong, both in body and in soul. He will survive being mated to Wen Zhiliu. What’s more, Wei Wuxian is ruthless when it comes to those he loves. He will slaughter Wen Zhiliu before things get too bad. This Nie Huaisang believes wholeheartedly.

But then his eyes open and he makes the mistake of looking at his former classmate.

He’s always admired Jiang Wanyin. He thought before, in the dark to himself, that if things were different he might not hate submitting to an alpha like that. One who angers quickly but isn’t afraid to make up for his mistakes. Who loves his family so deeply that even strangers can see it. Who grumbles and complains, but doesn’t mind fooling around with a couple of silly omegas after curfew.

Jiang Wanyin was never anything but kind to him. To useless Nie Huaisang who can’t seem to get anything right. He pushed Nie Huaisang to study when it seemed he would fail and never told anyone about the canary Nie Huaisang kept in his dorm.

Jiang Wanyin doesn’t deserve to be mated to a man who may very well tear the golden core out of his body if he disobeys.

Nie Huaisang doesn’t realize he has stood until he hears his brother call his name.

“Sorry, Da-ge,” he says. “It seems I’m a fool after all.”

He flies over the arena fence and lands on light feet. He walks slowly to where Jiang Wanyin and Wen Zhiliu face off. Jiang Wanyin turns to look at him.

Nie Huaisang can just send out the smallest tendril of claim. Jiang Wanyin is ready for him. Nie Huaisang doesn’t have to reveal how strong he truly is.

But then Wen Zhiliu will still be around for tomorrow’s showcase. And if he doesn’t claim one of the Lans, he will be ready for the Nie showcase the next day.

The Nie showcase where Nie Huaisang’s unmated brother will be forced to participate in this farce.

Wen Zhiliu turns to him, scowling. The pull comes. Nie Huaisang flicks his fan as if he’s swatting away a fly. Wen Zhiliu’s eyes go wide, but he is no idiot. His claim intensifies and Nie Huaisang knows he doesn’t have time to push Wen Zhiliu down before Jiang Wanyin is overwhelmed.

Nie Huaisang meets Jiang Wanyin’s dark gaze and then he lets loose his own claim. He doesn’t hold back. He doesn’t dare reveal a push or a pull, but his claim is strong enough. It obliterates the competition. Wen Zhiliu lets out a choked gasp as Nie Huaisang’s qi lashes out at his. He barely notices Wen Zhiliu collapse, because in that second he feels Jiang Wanyin’s return claim lock on. 

It’s not anything like he imagined. There’s no attempt at dominance, no heavy-handed merging of their qi. It’s warm instead, as if he’s been living in winter his whole life and only now discovered fire. He stumbles forward—for once his clumsiness isn’t purposeful. Jiang Wanyin holds out his arms and folds Nie Huaisang into them.

No, not Jiang Wanyin anymore. If they are to be mated, then he should call his alpha Jiang Cheng—even in his own mind.

There is an uproar. Across all the pavilions, it seems everyone is talking. Normally Nie Huaisang would be worried. He should be listening in, trying to catalogue the potential damage. 

Jiang Cheng’s arms tighten around him and Nie Huaisang’s head falls to his shoulder. Together, they stand in silence.

“Well,” Jiang Fengmian says, breaking the silence.

They’re in a private room of Nightless City. Jiang Fengmian and his wife, Yu Ziyuan, sit opposite Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng. Nie Mingjue sits just next to them, Meng Yao hovering over his shoulder. Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian are busy gathering lunch from the Wen servants.

Jiang Cheng has not let go of Nie Huaisang’s right hand. He’s forced to wave his fan with his left. It’s uncomfortable, but he can’t seem to find the will to pull away.

“I didn’t realize you two were like that,” Nie Mingjue says. His eyes are on their linked hands.

Nie Huaisang doesn’t want to lie to his brother. “I’ve always liked Jiang-xiong,” he says, which is true, if a bit misleading. He hides his face behind his fan. “I didn’t plan to put out a claim, though. It’s just… I couldn’t watch that man do it instead.” That, at least, is entirely the truth.

“Thank you,” Yu Ziyuan says. “I’ve had a fraught relationship with the Core-Melting Hand in the past and I fear he had no good reason for wanting to mate with my A-Cheng.”

Nie Huaisang lowers his fan and dips his head in her direction, one omega to another. Yu Ziyuan, he thinks, knows exactly what the political situation is. She just couldn’t do anything about it.

Wei Wuxian and his sister return, arms laden with trays of food. Both omegas quickly set about serving everyone there. Nie Mingjue pulls Meng Yao down to sit next to him. “Stop hovering,” he snaps as he does.

“They’ll try again with Zewu-Jun and Hanguang-Jun tomorrow,” Nie Huaisang says, because there’s no reason for him to put on his meek mask right now. Not in front of his future in-laws. Not when he fears they’ll need to trust him before this is all through. He turns to his brother. “Then, after, Da-ge…”

“I won’t let the Core-Melting Hand claim me,” Nie Mingjue says roughly.

Nie Huaisang shakes his head. “Not him. He won’t be able to.”

Everyone stares at him and Nie Huaisang wishes suddenly he could put his meek mask back on.

“I’m impressed,” Yu Ziyuan says, leaning back. “All I’ve heard about Sect Leader Nie’s younger brother was baseless rumors, it seems.”

“My brother had his reasons for hiding,” Nie Mingjue replies.

Nie Huaisang shouldn’t be so shocked. He knows his brother is more perceptive than people realize. He just hadn’t known it extended to him too. He glances sideways to Jiang Cheng, wondering if his new alpha is upset. Jiang Cheng is staring at him, but he can’t seem to place the expression in his eyes.

“I won’t let them claim Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian announces suddenly.

“You think he’d rather your claim?” Jiang Fengmian asks, frowning. “Lan Qiren says his nephew disciplined you many times. The boy probably hates you, A-Xian.”

“Hanguang-jun doesn’t hate Wei-xiong,” Nie Huaisang disagrees.

Jiang Cheng snorts. “It’s true,” he says, the first he’s talked since the claiming. “He’s as obsessed with Wei Wuxian as this idiot is obsessed with him.”

“And Lan Xichen?” Jiang Fengmian asks. “Do you have a plan to rescue him too?”

Nie Huaisang looks to Meng Yao. Everyone follows his gaze. 

Meng Yao blushes prettily under the attention, though Nie Huaisang knows it’s as fake as the shy twitch he gives before speaking. “I had hoped Zewu-Jun might do me the honor of accepting my claim,” he murmurs. “I’ve dreamed about it for some time. But Sect Leader Nie needs me, so I wasn’t sure if I should…”

“Shut up,” Nin Mingjue snaps. “You don’t need to play coy with me, I’ve seen you making moon eyes at him for months. Better you then some Wen dog, anyway.”

“Then what about you, Sect Leader Nie?” Yu Ziyuan asks. “You who have remained mateless despite obligations to provide your sect with an heir.”

Nie Mingjue isn’t intimidated. “I’ll be fine,” he says and his tone is enough to shut that line of conversation down.

A thought nudges the back of Nie Huaisang’s mind, but he clamps down on it for now.

“What about the Jins?” Jiang Yanli asks.

“You know I’ve been telling you to put out a claim on that Jin Zixuan for years,” Yu Ziyuan says. “Now’s your chance.”

“But,” Jiang Yanli looks down, “I’m not so strong. What if I’m overpowered?”

Nie Huaisang looks at Meng Yao again. In an instant, Meng Yao sees his request and nods.

“I do not have a strong cultivation base either,” he says kindly. “But there are tricks to help. I’d be happy to train you these next few days, if you’d like?”

Jiang Yanli agrees immediately, which Nie Huaisang is glad for. It will hand Meng Yao more power. For his secret half-brother’s omega to be indebted to him, that will give him an in with the Jin clan. Nie Huaisang just has to trust that Meng Yao’s affection for Lan Xichen is true.

He hopes that helping Jiang Yanli practice will serve to sharpen Meng Yao’s own skills so that he can face whichever Wen will be his opponent.

The lunch conversation turns then back to Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng. Jiang Fengmian and Nie Mingjue argue over particulars of the dowry. Yu Ziyuan mentions wedding preparations. Wei Wuxian teases that he will chaperone them so they don’t mate before the ceremony.

Then lunch is over and the Jiangs leave. Jiang Cheng hesitates for a second too long. Nie Huaisang knows his alpha instincts must be screaming at him not to let Nie Huaisang out of his sight. But his mother huffs and finally Jiang Cheng disentangles his fingers from Nie Huaisang’s.

“Wait,” Nie Huaisang says.

He’s no slave to his own instincts. He never has been, throes of heat notwithstanding. But Jiang Cheng looks miserable and Nie Huaisang finds he suddenly can’t abide by that.

“Here.” He offers his fan up with an open palm. It’s a purely omegan gesture—shameless to do in front of polite company. But no one can deny their circumstances are strange.

Nie Huaisang knows Jiang Cheng—knows that he feels deeply and that he just as often hides his vulnerability in a mask of anger. He doesn’t expect much from his gesture. He only wants Jiang Cheng to feel a little more sure, a little less torn.

But when Jiang Cheng takes the fan and his fingers brush over Nie Huaisang’s palm, there is no hesitation in his soft smile. It takes Nie Huaisang’s breath away.

“I’ll see you later,” Jiang Cheng says.

“Y-yes,” Nie Huaisang stammers.

Then he’s gone and Nie Huaisang is left blushing at the closed door.

“So that’s how it is, indeed,” Nie Mingjue says.

“Da-ge,” Nie Huaisang whines. “Don’t tease.”

Nie Mingjue smirks, but it doesn’t last long. The situation is too serious for that.

“You knew…?” Nie Huaisang whispers.

“You are my brother. I practically raised you.” Nie Mingjue rubs his knuckles gently into Nie Huaisang’s hair. “You may have fooled the rest of the world, but I remember the boy who tried to climb a cliff just for a better view of the sunrise. You were never clumsy or stupid. You were certainly never weak.”

“Ah.” Nie Huaisang looks down. “I’m sorry for hiding.”

Nie Mingjue shakes his head. “Can’t say I ever understood completely. It’s why I sent A-Yao to train you. He’s clever and I figured he’d see through your act. I thought maybe he’d be able to talk you out of that game.” Nie Mingjue scowls. “Turns out you talked him into leaving me for Xichen instead.”

Meng Yao is staring at Nie Mingjue like he’s never seen him before. Nie Huaisang wishes he had his fan to hide a smile behind. Luckily he has more in his room—he’ll have to get one before heading to the arena to watch the swords tournament.

“Da-ge, you’ll have to accept someone’s claim,” Nie Huaisang says.

Nie Mingjue shakes his head. “You know as well as I do why that tyrant is doing this. He won’t be satisfied when this is over, not if you’re successful in holding off his other efforts.”

“Your brother has had me make preparations for war these past few years,” Meng Yao says, so quiet it’s hard to hear him. “Qinghe Nie won’t fold so easily.”

“Qinghe Nie may be ready, but the other sects aren’t,” Nie Huaisang argues. “We need time. Time we won’t have if you refuse to participate in the showcase.”

“What do you suggest then?” Nie Mingjue says, and he sounds tired.

Nie Huaisang knows his idea won’t go over well. “Tomorrow, at lunch, we’ll meet back here. I’ll tell you then.”

Nie Mingjue looks suspicious, but he doesn’t argue. Nie Huaisang prays his idea will bear fruit.

The swords tournament is vicious. The Nie sect disciples are eager to prove themselves. When any are matched up with Jiang Cheng, they fight like they’re possessed. It’s a mark of respect for Nie Huaisang, he knows. They want his alpha to prove his worth.

Jiang Cheng has Nie Huaisang’s fan looped in his belt. He fights like a drowning man, like each win will allow him to break the surface and take a breath.

He makes it into the finals against Lan Wangji. Their fight is a clash of gods. Sparks fly off their blades. 

Nie Huaisang finds his grip too tight. He forces himself to relax it.

In the end, Lan Wangji’s blade goes flying. Nie Huaisang would have never expected Jiang Cheng to beat Hanguang-Jun, but here they are.

Then Jiang Cheng points his sword toward Nie Huaisang. Nie Huaisang stands. Jiang Cheng smiles, sheathes his blade, and bows. There’s no mistaking the meaning of the gesture. By the end of the day, everyone is going to believe their claiming was a love match.

Apparently, this is how it is, Nie Huaisang thinks. His heart is pounding in his chest. He sits back down so no one realizes how his legs are shaking.

“He’s decent enough,” Nie Mingjue grunts. It’s as much of a compliment his baby brother’s alpha will ever get.

The Lan sect and their allies’ showcase is attended by everyone. Cultivators who weren’t ever planning on attending the discussion conference flew in from all over after the news about the showcases went out. Nie Huaisang has to believe Wen Ruohan planned for it. The more omegas, the harder it is for the Lans to hold off a powerful claim.

Like before, there isn’t as much interest in the lesser alphas. But this time there are two main events. Lan Wangji goes first. His eyes are closed. Nie Huaisang is well aware of Lan Wangji’s force of will. Were the circumstances different, he thinks Lan Wangji might be able to hold off.

But the Twin Jades of Lan are considered by far the most beautiful alphas in the world. Nearly two dozen omegas flocks around him. Lan Wangji’s grip on his sword goes white-knuckled the instant the claims flood his way.

There are five Wens in the crowd of omegas. None Nie Huaisang believes too great a threat, until he sees the ploy. Only one of the omegas is truly trying to claim. The other four are sending out the smallest effort, while they work as a group to pull the other omegas, to convince them to drop their claims.

It’s like Wen Zhiliu all over again, but this time Wen Ruohan is taking no chances. Once the other omegas drop off, all five will redouble their efforts. They won’t allow Lan Wangji to escape. He will be forced to claim one of them.

Wei Wuxian has noticed too. He steps through the crowd. The five Wen omegas haven’t noticed him yet. He’s not sending out his claim, so he’s not a threat.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian says, just barely loud enough that Nie Huaisang can hear it in the Nie pavilion.

Lan Wangji opens his eyes. He looks at Wei Wuxian. “Wei Ying,” he replies.

Nie Huaisang isn’t sure how Wei Wuxian is able to read so much into Lan Wangji’s stone-faced expression, his toneless words, but he always has been. This is no exception. Wei Wuxian smiles. It’s as bright as the sun.

Wei Wuxian’s claim comes fast and hard. The Wen omegas have seen their mistake, but even though all five team up together to pull Wei Wuxian, it’s too late. Lan Wangji accepts the claim and returns it twofold.

“Ready?” Nie Huaisang asks Meng Yao as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji have their moment in the arena.

Meng Yao turns and bows to Nie Mingjue. “Sect Leader—” he begins.

“Save it,” Nie Mingjue says. “Just don’t let some Wen dog claim Xichen.”

Meng Yao smiles. It’s nothing like his usual soft masks. This smile is sharp. It’s real. “I promise.”

Lan Xichen finally ushers his brother and Wei Wuxian off to the side of the arena. His smile is gentle as he watches them hold each other. If Nie Huaisang knows his brother’s best friend, Lan Xichen is thinking that at least Wangji is happy. Even if he has to mate someone unfortunate, at least Lan Wangji is mated to the love of his life.

Wen Ruohan is not smiling. With a flick of his fingers, Wen Xu stands and approaches the arena.

“Shit,” Nie Mingjue says.

Nie Huaisang feels the same. Wen Xu is a powerful omega. His father’s firstborn, he has the Wen arrogance in spades. But unlike Wen Chao, Wen Xu also inherited his father’s cunning.

Nie Huaisang had expected Wen Ruohan to send Wen Xu out for Nie Mingjue. Surely a sect leader was better prey than a sect leader’s heir? But he underestimated Wen Ruohan’s desire to get his hands on the Lan sect. The Gusu Lans have countless treasures and hidden knowledge at the Cloud Recesses. 

Meng Yao pauses. He turns back to look at Nie Huaisang. “Do you remember that day I came to your room and told you to pick up the knife?”

Nie Huaisang smiles. Meng Yao is not a natural-born genius. He is not a powerhouse. He is, however, the hardest worker Nie Huaisang has ever met.

“Good luck, Yao-ge,” he says and raises his fan in salute.

Meng Yao resumes his steady walk to the arena. The omegas are still gathering. The claims have not yet started.

Meng Yao wastes no time. He lifts his chin. And he pushes.

One-by-one, the omegas fall to their knees. Wen Xu turns to look at Meng Yao. He’s used to his father’s pushes. Meng Yao’s won’t be enough.

“A-Yao,” Lan Xichen asks, eyes wide.

“Will you let me?” Meng Yao asks.

“No!” Wen Xu yells, but Lan Xichen is already nodding—still shocked, but undeniably happy.

Meng Yao sends out his claim. Wen Xu attacks with a huge claim of his own. It would have been enough to overpower Lan Xichen, there is no doubt.

But Meng Yao is a quick study. It has just been a day, but it seems he realized exactly what Nie Huaisang did to Wen Zhiliu. For in the instant that Lan Xichen’s claim meets Meng Yao’s, Wen Xu’s qi instinctively recoils. It’s impossible to claim an already-claimed alpha, after all. And Meng Yao chases that flinch, harnessing the power of his successful claim, to burn through Wen Xu’s qi pathways.

Wen Xu is too strong to collapse like Wen Zhiliu did, but it’s a near thing.

“That’s enough, A-Yao,” Lan Xichen says. He reaches forward and wraps a hand around Meng Yao’s head, fingers entangling into his hair. It’s not out of kindness for Wen Xu that he says it, but out of jealousy. He wants Meng Yao’s attention entirely on him.

Yes, Nie Huaisang thinks. They are a good pair. Nie Mingjue would have tired of Meng Yao’s games eventually. Meng Yao would have pushed too far and Nie Mingjue would have exploded in anger and they would have never been able to return. But Lan Xichen is patient. He is kind. And he wants so badly for Meng Yao to love him.

It’s just Nie Huaisang and Nie Mingjue at lunch. Meng Yao is eating with the Lans. He has no official family to discuss a dowry, but Nie Huaisang knows Lan Xichen doesn’t mind. Besides, everyone saw Meng Yao’s power. He won’t be surprised if Jin Guangshan attempts to reclaim his bastard son before the wedding, to make that relationship official so that the relationship between Meng Yao and Lan Xichen becomes an alliance between the Jin and the Lan clans.

There’s a knock on the door. Nie Mingjue looks at Nie Huaisang. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

“Sorry, Da-ge,” Nie Huaisang says. “Come in!”

Wen Qing enters. Her brother follows behind with a tray laden with lunch. He kicks the door shut behind him.

“Well, I guess you’re not too ugly,” Wen Qing says.

“No.” Nie Mingjue glares from Wen Qing to Nie Huaisang. “No, Huaisang, I will not mate with a Wen dog!”

“You know as well as I do that this world isn’t so black and white,” Nie Huaisang says. He reaches forward and tugs on the front of his brother’s robes, like he did when he was a kid. “Lady Wen is honorable. She’s a healer.”

Wen Ning serves them all lunch. No one touches the food. The silence stretches.

Surprisingly, it’s Wen Ning who breaks it. He bows low to Nie Mingjue. “Se-sect leader,” he stutters. Stops. Starts again. “Sect Lead-Leader Nie.”

Nie Mingjue puts on a strong act, but Nie Huaisang knows his brother has a good heart. He may hate Wens, but he has never hated omegas. He’s never enjoyed lording over others. Wen Ning’s obvious fear is enough to soften him. “What?” he says, but there’s no bark to his words. “Speak up, I can’t hear you.”

It does the trick. Wen Ning takes a deep breath. He’s still talking to his hands, but his stutter is less. “Sect Leader Nie, my sister and I just want what’s best for our family. We’re hard workers. I promise we won’t let you down.”

“What are you talking about?”

Wen Qing frowns. “Your brother promised us the same deal Wei Wuxian vowed on behalf of the Jiang clan. Sanctuary for our family in exchange for our medical expertise.”

“What?” Nie Mingjue turns to Nie Huaisang.

“The alpha leader of their branch of the family is quite old,” Nie Huaisang says. “You know Wen Ruohan won’t allow an omega to inherit. He will absorb their branch into the main family. All of Wen Qing’s medical expertise, and that of her family, will be his to control.”

He sees the moment Nie Mingjue understands. When the war begins, they want Wen Qing on their side, not Wen Ruohan’s. “You just want someone who’s capable of watching me for signs of qi deviation,” Nie Mingjue says, instead of what they both know.

“Yes,” Nie Huaisang says, because that’s also true. “If I have to leave,” his words grow shaky, “then I want to know you’ll be safe, Da-ge.”

“Who’s the sect leader here?”

“Please.”

Nie Mingjue looks away and Nie Huaisang knows he has won. “The Jiangs agreed to this deal?”

Wen Ning goes red. “They did, but I was too weak. My claim… I failed.”

"You just weren't prepared," Nie Huaisang says kindly. "You lasted the longest of anyone else."

Wen Ning flushes bright red. It's charming.

“A-Ning is still recovering from yesterday,” Wen Qing says. “But your brother assures me you’re not as much of a brute as you look. I’ll claim you tomorrow, if you promise my family sanctuary.”

“How many cultivators in your family?”

“None, save Wen Ning and I. There are a few dozen of us, but most are farmers and tailors. They grow medicinal plants and make bandages and help me suture wounds. My family made an oath never to take a life.”

Nie Mingjue scowls at that, but he nods. “The Unclean Realm has room for you. Our winters are harsh and the ground hard, but if your family works hard they will be able to make a living.”

“It’s a deal then,” Wen Qing says.

Of course, Wen Ruohan can’t know about the deal. It’s a tricky thing, hoping that Wen Qing is true to her word. She’s implied that she and her family will work as healers for the Nie sect if it comes to war, but what if she’s lying? What recourse will Nie Mingjue have once they are already mated?

Nie Huaisang trusts in his brother’s judge of character even more than he trusts in We Wuxian’s. If Nie Mingjue looked at Wen Qing and decided she would hold to her end of the bargain, then Nie Huaisang has to believe it too. 

There’s no doubt that mating will be entirely political, but Nie Huaisang thinks it will be good nonetheless. Unlike Meng Yao, Wen Qing is forthright with her emotions and actions. She and Nie Mingjue are a solid match. Whether any love develops there or not, Nie Huaisang believes they will form a working relationship for the good of the Nie sect and the Wens who come to live in Qinghe.

Whatever Wen Qing said to Wen Ruohan beforehand, the man doesn’t send another Wen out. Of course, there are plenty of other omegas who would love to be Madame or Consort Nie. Unlike the other Wens, Wen Qing doesn’t attempt to sabotage the other omegas. She simply puts out her not-insignificant claim and waits.

Nie Mingjue crosses his arm and frowns. He holds out, making it seem as though he believes he will manage to persevere without claiming. 

It takes ten minutes—the longest showcase yet. Finally, Nie Mingjue begins to visibly waver. He looks up. Wen Qing steps in front of the omega directly before him and meets his gaze fearlessly.

The claim catches. Nie Huaisang sees Wen Ruohan smile as if he’s won the game.

Ah, but you don’t even know who you’re playing against, Nie Huaisang thinks. He taps his fan against his palm. Four down, one to go.

That afternoon is the music competition, which the Lans win handily—though Wei Wuxian does well enough. The next morning, Nie Huaisang comes in second for the calligraphy competition. Then it’s the Jin’s showcase.

Nie Huaisang starts to worry when three Wens come up to lay their claims on Jin Zixun—currently second-in-line to the Jin clan head. Wen Ruohan learns from his mistakes. If his ploy to get Jin Zixuan isn’t successful, he will merely have him and his omega assassinated instead in favor of the Jin he can control.

“Meng Yao,” Nie Huaisang whispers.

Meng Yao approaches his seat. He’s back with the Nie pavilion for now. He’s been discussing paperwork with Nie Mingjue’s second-in-command, Nie Zonghui, all day in hopes that his parting doesn’t cause too much chaos for the Nie sect. “Yes, Young Master Nie?”

Nie Huaisang makes a mental note to remind him to be less formal. They are practically the same rank now. “Has your father extended a hand?”

“He has.”

“Will you take it?”

“You want me to.” It’s not a question.

Jin Zixun falters and one of the Wens succeeds in the claim.

“Your half-brother will not survive Wen Ruohan’s machinations,” he says so quietly he doubts even his brother can hear him.

“If he doesn’t, is that my fault?”

“If he does, will that not be better?” Jin Zixuan is perhaps the only halfway decent thing to come out of the Jin clan in years. Even Meng Yao, for all that Nie Huaisang likes him, can’t be considered decent. Unfortunately, Jin Zixuan is a prideful peacock who doesn’t realize how naive he truly is. But if Jin Guangshan is successful in legitimizing Meng Yao before the wedding, Meng Yao will have an in to help his half-brother.

They’d all prefer Jin Zixuan as Sect Leader Jin over Jin Zixun and his new omega consort.

Meng Yao is silent for a second. Jin Zixuan takes the field. Jiang Yanli is among the omegas who follow.

With both Wen Zhiliu and Wen Xu out of the running, the only danger is from another cohort like what was attempted against Lan Wangji. That’s exactly what seems to be happening. Seven—seven!—Wen omegas flood the crowd.

“Nevermind,” Nie Huaisang says. Jin Zixuan will be claimed by a Wen after all.

“Don’t dismiss her yet,” Meng Yao says. “She has a strong heart.”

Nie Huaisang looks up at Meng Yao. When he looks back, Jin Zixuan is staring at Jiang Yanli. She’s holding out both hands to him, palms up. If Nie Huaisang thought his offering of the fan shameless, it was nothing compared to this.

One of the Wens barrels over and knocks Jiang Yanli to the ground. Jiang Yanli gets to her feet, still staring at Jin Zixuan. Another Wen hits her from behind. She falls, gets up. Her hands stretch out again, fair palms now covered in mud.

Jin Zixuan slowly reaches over. The Wens make a concentrated effort to pull, to make Jiang Yanli quit. It’s not enough. Their hands touch and as one they both reach out with a claim. 

“Ah,” Nie Huaisang says. A strong heart indeed. “Will she see it coming?”

It meaning the assassination attempts, or maybe the war, or Wen Ruohan in general.

“Perhaps,” Meng Yao says. “I suppose, if I become her brother-in-law, then a bit of friendly advice wouldn’t be remiss.”

Nie Huaisang nods slowly. “If you never want to see that man again, I won’t blame you.” Though he wants Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli protected, it’s not worth it if Jin Guangshan is able to stick his claws into Meng Yao.

“Zewu-Jun said the same thing,” Meng Yao murmurs. “Don’t worry, Young Master Nie. I do not face the dragon alone.”

“Call me A-Sang, Yao-ge,” Nie Huaisang says.

Meng Yao’s smile is quick and dirty. Another real one. “A-Sang,” he agrees.

The Wen showcase is on the final day of the discussion conference. Wen Chao is the last to go and he gets claimed by an omega of one of the Wen’s subsidiary sects named Wang Lingjiao. She looks decidedly pleased with herself.

Nie Huaisang considered having one of the trusted Nie disciples try to claim Wen Chao, but he’s no Wen Ruohan to force a mating for political gain.

They’ve protected who they could. It’s enough.

Then it’s over. Nie Huaisang has barely had a chance to interact with his new alpha, but that is soon to change. Though they aren’t supposed to mate officially until after the wedding, everyone knows better than to separate a claimed omega from their alpha. Nie Huaisang will travel with the Jiang sect back to Lotus Pier and there his interactions with Jiang Cheng will be chaperoned carefully until the wedding. He expects Yu Ziyuan to be the kind of mother who will want Nie Huaisang to help with the preparations. He finds that he’s looking forward to it.

He ends up saying goodbye to his brother just outside the gates of Nightless City.

“You let me know if that brat ever hurts you,” Nie Mingjue grumbles.

“He won’t,” Nie Huaisang says.

Nie Mingjue huffs. “He’s got fire in his heart,” he says, quieter. “I know anger, Huaisang. Just don’t let it lash out at you.”

Nie Huaisang looks up at his brother and isn’t able to hold back the tears that suddenly want to fall. Nie Mingjue pulls him into a bone-crushing hug.

“I’ll miss you, Da-ge.”

“Stop that,” Nie Mingjue replies, but it’s soft. “This isn’t a funeral procession. You ever want me, you know where to find me. The Unclean Realm will always shelter you, no matter what.”

Nie Huaisang knows what that means. Knows that his brother will go to war with the Jiang sect if he needs to, to keep Nie Huaisang safe. But Nie Huaisang knows matters of the heart better than his brother does.

He pulls back and turns to look at his alpha. Jiang Cheng is standing a respectful distance away, hands politely folded behind his back. Nie Huaisang sees the tension in his shoulders and wonders if he’s wishing he gave his own brother a hug goodbye before the Lan sect left.

But Nie Mingjue is right—no one’s dead yet. Whatever the Wen do next, and Nie Huaisang is sure they will do something, there’s still time.

Nie Huaisang thinks he will like to spend some of that time getting to know his new alpha. He doesn’t yet understand why Jiang Cheng looks at him the way he does. Whatever it means, it makes his heart flutter and his palms sweat. His fan still hangs from Jiang Cheng’s belt.

Nie Huaisang forces himself to turn back to the Nie contingent.

“Don’t let Da-ge go too crazy,” he tells Wen Qing from where she stands off to the side. Her brother is already gone to inform their branch of the Wen family of the alliance and facilitate their moving to Qinghe. They will have to go slowly, secretly, so Wen Ruohan isn’t made aware until it’s too late to stop them.

“No promises,” Wen Qing says, but she’s smiling.

Nie Huaisang gives his brother another hug. Not a last hug—there will be more, he is certain. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just until later.

Finally, Nie Huaisang leaves the Nie sect and walks over to Jiang Cheng.

“Ready?” Jiang Cheng asks.

“No,” Nie Huaisang says simply. “But we can go anyway.”

Jiang Cheng looks at him for several long seconds, then slowly he touches Nie Huaisang’s cheek. Cradles it. A flash of warmth spreads through him from Jiang Cheng’s calloused palm. Nie Huaisang reaches up and places his own hand over Jiang Cheng’s.

Yes, he thinks, this can work. His brother will bring his fans and his paints and his poetry when he comes for the wedding. Then Nie Huaisang and his alpha will mate and nothing but death will separate them. He will become Consort Jiang, when Sect Leader Jiang and his wife step down. He knows he will look good in Yunmeng Jiang’s purple and blue robes.

The Unclean Realm will always be his home, but he can learn to love Lotus Pier.

Nie Huaisang’s hand tightens over Jiang Cheng’s as his heart hardens. He will learn to love his new alpha too. Jiang Cheng will make it easy, he thinks. And so Nie Huaisang will do everything in his considerable power to make sure Yunmeng Jiang survives the coming chaos.

Wen Ruohan had no idea the enemy he was making when he started this ploy. Nie Huaisang looks forward to informing him.