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[irresolutely]

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Open post for threads with genderswapped Nie Huaisang outside of memes.

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[beforetheyeet]

He'd managed to avoid Wangji this time, with a little forethought and the place they'd found was pretty simple to get to. Slipping into the almost hidden entrance had him exhaling a relieved breath, relaxing as he moved in deeper.

The cave itself was warmer than the outside and he drops the jars in front of Huaisang before flopping down beside her.

"Didn't get caught this time, at least."

[irresolutely]

Gender roles in the Qinghe Nie Sect were rigid and strict. Men and women were just as segregated there as they were here. The women of her clan seldom ventured outside the home and any work outside was kept minimal. The bright side of her clan's dismal tradition is that Nie Huaisang learned how to sneak around and be discreet from a very young age. Otherwise, she'd never have any fun at all.

She's already waiting when Wei Wuxian arrives and immediately helps herself to one of the jars. After another day of boring lectures, she's eager for a drink.

"Need any pointers? I could probably give you some," she giggles.

[beforetheyeet]

"Not particularly. Lan Wangji didn't catch me so I think we're safe. At least, assuming he doesn't check the room I'm sharing with Jiang Cheng." He snags the other jar to take a drink before he pulls something out of one of the pouches.

"Jiang Cheng picked it out when we were in town the other day." He passes it over to her.

[irresolutely]

Distracted from the jar by the promise of a shiny new present, Nie Huaisang takes the comb eagerly. Back home, she hoards such trinkets and baubles to the point her brother's often demanded to know just how many dresses, ribbons, combs, and hairpins his little sister needs. She inspects it with an appraising keen eye, admiring the way it glints in the firelight before slipping it into her hair.

The thought of asking Wei Wuxian to do it for her doesn't even occur to her.

"Tell A-Cheng I said thanks. It's a little plain for my tastes but I still like it."

Her tone might be a teensy bit bossy but she is a little sister. Some things just come with the job description.

"Where is he anyway? Being a good boy and staying in bed?"

[beforetheyeet]

"Basically. I'm the one who breaks the rules, remember?" And usually gets away with it.

"I'll tell him. He'll be happy and I'll try to talk him into coming next time. He does like to see you."
'

[irresolutely]

"He should have come. It wouldn't hurt him to loosen up and bend the rules a little once in a while," she complains, turning her attention back to the liquor jar.

It's the same complaint she has about her brother, too, but she's in a better position to deal with him there considering they live together.

"I like seeing him, too, but it's just going to get harder after we all have to go back home. He'll have to prove himself to my brother, too, then."

[beforetheyeet]

"He's got a lot on his shoulders." Expectations of his parents being the main thing and There's a reason Wei Wuxian tends to take the lead on the troublemaking.

"I think your brother will like him just fine."

[irresolutely]

"I hope so. Da-ge has such high standards. I know he wants me to marry well but I'd prefer someone I actually like if possible."

The idea of winding up married to someone she can't stand sends shivers up her spine. But at least, she knows her brother would want to make sure she had a match she could be at peace and content with. Of the Nie siblings, she's the one more likely to resort to stone-cold pragmatism with a choice.

"I don't mind that A-Cheng has a lot on his mind. I'm used to it. Maybe I could help him the way I aid my brother. If he'll let me."

[beforetheyeet]

"I'm sure he'd appreciate that and considering the available options, he's far from the worst on the table. We both know that. But if it doesn't work, I can always fill in." A marriage based on friendship isn't a bad option,after all.

"But I can't think of any reason your brother would object."

[irresolutely]

A marriage based on strong friendship certainly isn't a bad option at all but if her brother disapproved of Jiang Cheng as a potential husband for his little sister, he'd definitely disapprove of Wei Wuxian. Not that Nie Huaisang isn't above taking matters into her own hands by getting herself pregnant by the husband she wishes for herself to force Nie Mingjue's compliance.

She might be a woman but she's as much a Nie as the rest of them. Power and forcefulness is their way. Still, her voice and overall demeanor remains outwardly soft and nervous.

"Neither can I but... Well, I might be worrying and overthinking things too much."

She's prone to doing that, cooped up indoors as often as she tends to be. And even if she suspects her brother might have a little difficulty adjusting to the reality of her being gone and part of a household that isn't his after marriage, the path is inevitable. The Qinghe Nie with its patriarchal traditions will not accept a female sect leader, especially one as weak at cultivation as she.

[beforetheyeet]

"I mean, the other options would be Lan Wangji or Lan Xichen, right? And we both know that'd never work for you." He takes another drink from his jar, leaning back against the wall.

"....Why do you think he'd object to Jiang Cheng, anyway? I mean he's not a Lan, obviously but I can't see either of them with you. Maybe the peacock if he wasn't already engaged to Shijie..."

[irresolutely]

"Lan Wangji would be a total disaster for both of us. Xichen-ge is nice and I'm sure many young women would be utterly delighted to have him as a prospect but... He's too nice, too gentle. I don't feel any passion with him."

And passion is important to her. She gets bored so easily without continuous stimuli.She and Jiang Cheng bicker enough to maintain some level of excitement in the relationship and are similar enough in other ways that it might actually work well for both of them long-term. He really is the best option for Nie Huaisang that she can see.

But...

"Well, it's nothing personal against Jiang Cheng or anyone. It has more to do with my brother and me. He was so young when he succeeded our father, he needed help and support. I did as much for him as I could and I think he's grown to depend on me a little too much in the absence of a wife or another lady of the house. A lot fell to me. I'm not sure he's ready to face life without me."

[beforetheyeet]

"I mean, maybe we find someone to fill in for you?" He offers after a moment, considering the idea. "And I agree on the rest. You should come to Lotus Pier though. I'm sure you've already met Madam Yu and Uncle Jiang but spending time with the family is a bit different." And it would put Jiang Cheng in a very interesting position.

"I can't see them objecting to you at all."

[irresolutely]

That is a relief. Nie Huaisang knows that she doesn't quite fit the image of anyone's perfect wife. Her cultivation is poor and she's not as obedient, virtuous, or docile as some men might prefer. She is considered a great beauty, if a bit too outspoken and ill-mannered on occasion. However, her fierce loyalty and devotion to her brother are known to all and that she took on the role of Lady of the Qinghe Nie at a very young age in the absence of a mother or a sister-in-law has earned her some favor among many.

"Finding a wife for my brother would be ideal if a bit challenging. I've never known him to show interest in anyone but he can't dilly-dally forever. He has a duty to marry and produce heirs, even if it seems he'd rather ignore that aspect of his responsibilities."

As she speaks about her brother's marital situation, there's a clear hint of disapproval in her tone that's seldom apparent when she speaks of him outside her most trusted friends.

[beforetheyeet]

"The thing is, I think he intimidates pretty much everyone. I mean, he's pretty imposing from everything I've heard." Not that he'd officially met Nie Mingjue but the man does have a reputation.

"..If Shijie wasn't promised to the peacock, I might suggest that. She's good at handling...temperamental people."

[irresolutely]

"Yanli-jie would be perfect for handling him but I know she has her eye on someone else. I wouldn't want to interfere with that."

She doesn't share her male friends' dislike of Jin Zixuan either. Sure, he has his flaws but so does everyone and she can understand why he might resent his engagement even if she strongly disagrees with his assessment of Jiang Yanli. Personally, Nie Huaisang would just set her sights on someone else that did appreciate her but she respects her friend's decision.

"I suppose I should think of strategies for improving my brother's marriage prospects. I agree that he's not very approachable as he is now. If he were to get in touch with his softer side and learn how to present that to prospective partners, well, that would solve many problems here."

She loves her brother dearly but honestly, he needs all the help he can get.

[beforetheyeet]

"There has to be someone else suitable to stand up to him when he needs it." He sets the jar down, glances at her.

"I think I can get you an invitation to Lotus Pier once we're all home.I'll talk to Shijie."

[irresolutely]

"If she is willing, I'd be delighted to have her as a sister-in-law. No matter how this turns out."

A life in Lotus Pier with her friends instead of her restrictive existence at home certainly holds great appeal to her. It sounds like such a wonderful place from their stories. Much more suitable to her than cold, rocky, and boring Qinghe.

"I'd love to visit and see it for myself. It sounds so lovely when you talk about it."

She sips from her jar. It's not as strong as some of the liquor in her home but it's still pleasant.

[beforetheyeet]

"That or Jiang Cheng coming to see you at Qinghe with Uncle Jiang." Either one would net results, but she probably wouid enjoy the freedom of Yunmeng.

"We'll make it happen."

[irresolutely]

It's comforting to not have to deal with this alone. To have a solid backup and a friend she can rely on. Wei Wuxian's sweet and will make someone very happy someday. She's sure of it.

"Thank you, Wei-xiong. You're a good friend."

A break from Qinghe would certainly make her happy. She gets so sick of being stuck there sometimes, she actually looks forward to attending boring lectures at the Cloud Recesses.

Visit time

[inflexibility]

Anxious was definitely a thing although he was doing his best to seem calm and relaxed as they waited for the boat to dock. He knew this was a good thing, but there was also the worry that it wouldn't go as he was hoping. His parents hadn't had as much experience with Nie Huaisang as he and Wei Wuxian had.

The hand on his shoulder pulled him out of his thoughts, though,his gaze drifting to meet Wei Wuxian's. the other rolling his eyes. "...Breathe. it's going to be fine."

Re: Visit time

[irresolutely]

Jiang Cheng's not the only one who's anxious. Even if the matchmaker was on their side, Nie Mingjue could be an obstinate man and over-protective of his little sister. But that Nie Huaisang would one day marry into another man's household was a reality her brother would have to face, sooner or later. Starting this process early was important.

Her brother was only one potential obstacle, however. She still had to make a good impression on her future in-laws and display her value as a match for a sect leader. Jiang Fengmian seemed kind and easygoing enough but his wife... That was the one Nie Huaisang feared not measuring up with.

Still, she steps off the boat, clad in a pretty outfit selected very carefully for this occasion. Her hair is arranged in a simple maiden's style with loops decorated with the floral comb Jiang Cheng had gifted her with. She toys with a round fan painted with flowers and birds as she waits for her escort to bring out her things, hurrying to greet her friends with the appropriate salute.

"It's so lovely here! Every bit as much as you said!" she bursts out with nervous enthusiasm.

[nightchant]

[Let me know if you want me to change anything!]

He hasn't a clue as to how long he'd been in seclusion. Days blended together and Jiang Cheng knew he had to leave at some point to help his nephew become sect leader far sooner than the boy should. But everything...

His hand trembles as he reaches up to feel at the golden core that burned within him. It's not his. It hadn't been his in so long. Everything...everything had been because of Wei Wuxian.

His boots thud on the wooden planks of the dock as he takes in the night, breathing in the crisp air and letting it soothe his pains. Eyes closed, he turns up toward the moon as if silently asking his sister, his parents, any of his ancestors for guidance on just how to move forward.

But they do not answer.

He finds no comfort even in the cicada songs.

[irresolutely]

This night hunt with Nie Mingjue hasn't gone well at all. But of course, her stupid, stubborn brother refused to listen to reason that he shouldn't carelessly handle some unknown artifact no matter how many mysterious disappearances it was reputedly responsible for. And maybe impulsively snatching it away from her brother hadn't been the smartest decision to make in the heat of the moment but what's done is done.

One flash of light later and here she is, falling gracelessly from the sky, limbs flailing. The high-pitched screaming marking her descent only stops when she lands directly in the water with unceremonious splash. The offensive artifact responsible for this whole mess falls in with her, quickly disappearing from sight.

[nightchant]

A light flashes in the sky that is nothing like he'd seen before - not starlight, and certainly not moonlight. For one, a scream accompanies whatever is falling from the heavens. Secondly, she lands in the water and Jiang Cheng is very sure that she could not swim the strong currents of the river. Very few who did not grow up in Yunmeng could.

Shaking off his slumber, he easily dives into the waters, moving with the currents and around whirlpools until he sees a mess of silk floating. He reaches out and circles his arm around the woman's middle, quickly pulling her to his side so that he could bring them both back to shore.

He's been out of practice since entering seclusion but his body still remembers and doesn't fatigue as easily as anyone else's as he swims straight to the shore. What is the creature he'd just rescued from the depths?

Laid out against the river bank, she looks so familiar--if he looks closer, he could even parse that she looks a lot like Huaisang. Which wouldn't be possible for a multitude of reasons.

[irresolutely]

The resemblance is certainly uncanny. She's a little shorter with feminine assets and curves but she could easily pass for an identical twin sister. If possible, her facial features are even softer and prettier. And the robes she's wearing certainly mark her as Nie cultivator and one of high rank at that,


After a few minutes of sputtering and coughing up water, she manages to sit up, pushing her dripping hair out of her eyes. Once she's able to speak, she turns grateful puppy eyes to her savior. Then stops with a start.

"...Jiang-xiong? What happened to you!? You look old."

Even if physically, she probably doesn't look much younger than the Nie Huaisang that already exists in this timeline does given the man maintains his youth very well to begin with. They both likely look firmly in their twenties.

[nightchant]

There's truly only one person who would call him that. With a closer look, she truly...as if Huaisang had been born a woman instead of a man. Jiang Cheng can't help himself with staring at her as she gathers her bearings. Those puppy eyes. His eyes widen when it clicks into place.

"...Huaisang?" he ventures carefully.

There's so many questions: how? What? Why did she call him old?!

His gaze sweeps over her body again and looks back up at her eyes.

"...Did Wei Wuxian put you up to this?"