MODERN MDZS AU — CHARACTER PROFILES

Setting: Modern day, wealthy family drama, young-adult AU. The Jiang family is wealthy and influential, with a family corporation and a public image built around respectability. Purple is the family's signature business color. Behind closed doors, however, the family is deeply dysfunctional. All three Jiang children left their parents' home as soon as they turned eighteen.

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Jiang Fengmian

Basic: Jiang Fengmian is 59 years old, six years older than his wife, Yu Ziyuan. He is the patriarch of the wealthy Jiang family, the head of their family corporation, and the biological father of Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng. He is also the adoptive father of Wei Wuxian, whom he took in at five years old after the deaths of the boy's biological parents. He is straight and remains married to Yu Ziyuan despite their deeply unhappy relationship.

Personality: Fengmian is composed, reserved, and outwardly respectable. He dislikes public confrontation and prefers to maintain an image of a reasonable, dignified businessman. He rarely loses his temper in front of outsiders, but his calm demeanor should not be mistaken for kindness. He is emotionally neglectful, conflict-avoidant, and deeply unwilling to challenge his wife directly, even when she mistreats their children. His disappointment is often expressed through quiet condescension, disappointed sighs, and remarks that make his children feel as though they have failed him simply by being themselves. He can be cruel when disciplining his children privately, using comparisons and personal insults to hurt them. He believes himself to be a decent father because he provides financially and occasionally shows affection, but he consistently fails to recognize how his behavior damages his children. He is particularly skilled at making people feel guilty without explicitly admitting that he is angry with them.

Appearance/Outfits: Fengmian is a mature, handsome man with neatly styled dark hair showing gray at the temples, composed features, and an immaculate appearance. He favors charcoal, black, navy, and muted purple. His casual wardrobe consists of cashmere sweaters, expensive button-down shirts, tailored trousers, leather shoes, and understated watches. At major corporate gatherings and formal events, he is the only member of the immediate Jiang family who consistently wears a full tuxedo. His purple accessories, such as a tie, pocket square, or cufflinks, represent the family's business identity. His clothing is elegant without being flashy, reflecting his desire to appear respectable and in control.

History: Fengmian entered an arranged marriage with Yu Ziyuan and grew to resent the circumstances of their relationship. Rather than addressing the problems in their marriage, he withdrew emotionally and allowed resentment to shape his treatment of his family. His relationship with Cangse Sanren predates Wei Wuxian's adoption, and his attachment to her remains a source of suspicion and bitterness for Yu Ziyuan. Whether his feelings for Cangse were romantic or platonic is left ambiguous, but his wife believes that he cared for Cangse more than he ever cared for her.

After Cangse and Wei Changze died, Fengmian adopted their five-year-old son, Wei Wuxian. Publicly, the adoption made him appear generous and loyal to old friends. Privately, he also expected Wei Wuxian to become someone capable of protecting and assisting the Jiang children. Rumors that Wei Wuxian is Fengmian's illegitimate son have never completely disappeared, and Fengmian's perceived preference for the boy fuels Yu Ziyuan's hostility.

Fengmian's relationship with Jiang Cheng is especially damaging. Jiang Cheng believes his father dislikes him because he takes after his mother, and Fengmian's emotional distance reinforces that belief. Rather than reassuring his son, Fengmian criticizes him, compares him unfavorably to Wei Wuxian, and allows him to believe that he is fundamentally disappointing. His relationship with Yanli is more affectionate, but he still allows family interests and his wife's expectations to interfere with her happiness. He also fails to protect her when her arranged engagement to Jin Zixuan becomes painful.

Fengmian's relationship with Wei Wuxian is complicated by a mixture of responsibility, expectation, and emotional distance. He took the boy into his home but failed to protect him from Yu Ziyuan's abuse. Although he may occasionally show concern for Wei Wuxian, he is unwilling to challenge his wife consistently or acknowledge his own role in the boy's suffering.

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Yu Ziyuan

Basic: Yu Ziyuan is 53 years old and married to Jiang Fengmian. She is the biological mother of Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng and the adoptive mother of Wei Wuxian. She is straight, openly homophobic, and a prominent figure in the Jiang family's social and business circles.

Personality: Yu Ziyuan is proud, controlling, sharp-tongued, intimidating, and obsessed with reputation. She believes that obedience is a sign of respect and that weakness must be corrected through discipline. She has little patience for behavior she considers embarrassing or improper and expects her children to reflect well on the family at all times. She is especially cruel toward Wei Wuxian, whom she associates with Cangse Sanren and the rumors surrounding Fengmian's feelings for the deceased woman. Her treatment of him includes relentless verbal humiliation, excessive punishment, psychological cruelty, and physical abuse. She can also be demanding and emotionally manipulative toward Jiang Cheng, placing enormous pressure on him to succeed while making him feel that he must constantly earn her approval. She maintains a polished public image and is capable of being charming and gracious when doing so benefits the family. Her homophobia is tied to her rigid beliefs about respectability, control, and what she considers an acceptable family life. She is not simply strict; she uses her authority to intimidate and hurt the people under her control.

Appearance/Outfits: Yu Ziyuan is a mature woman in her fifties with dark hair, sharp features, an imposing presence, and an immaculate appearance. Her clothing is expensive, structured, and sophisticated. She favors deep purple, black, wine red, and silver, wearing fitted designer blouses, tailored trousers, pencil skirts, structured coats, and elegant heels. Her jewelry is carefully chosen, often featuring statement earrings, silver bracelets, or distinctive rings. For formal gatherings, she wears sophisticated evening gowns rather than youthful or overly revealing dresses. Purple is particularly prominent in her wardrobe, reinforcing her position within the Jiang family. Every aspect of her appearance is deliberate, and she expects her children to maintain similarly polished appearances in public.

History: Yu Ziyuan's marriage to Fengmian was arranged, and she has spent much of her adult life resenting the emotional distance between them. She believes Fengmian never loved her properly and suspects that his relationship with Cangse Sanren was more significant than he admits. The death of Cangse did not eliminate Yu's resentment; instead, the adoption of Cangse's son brought that resentment directly into her household.

Yu considers Wei Wuxian a living reminder of a woman she believes her husband preferred. Rumors that he is Fengmian's illegitimate son further inflame her hostility. She treats him as an outsider who has been allowed to occupy a place that should belong exclusively to her biological children. Her abuse has a lasting impact on Wei Wuxian, who grows up struggling with rejection, fear, and the belief that affection must be earned.

Yu's relationship with Jiang Cheng is also complicated. She expects him to succeed, obey her, and embody the strength she believes a Jiang heir should possess. Although she may regard herself as preparing him for the world, her constant criticism and emotional pressure contribute to his insecurity and temper. Jiang Cheng's desperate desire for Fengmian's approval is further complicated by his mother's influence.

Yu loves Yanli in her own way but places family reputation and political or financial considerations above her daughter's wishes. She supports Yanli's arranged engagement to Jin Zixuan and initially resists abandoning it even when Zixuan makes his disinterest in Yanli clear. Her treatment of her children and her inability to respect their independence contribute to all three leaving home as soon as they turn eighteen.

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Jiang Yanli

Basic: Jiang Yanli is 25 years old. She is the eldest biological child of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan, Jiang Cheng's older sister, and Wei Wuxian's adoptive older sister. She is married to Jin Zixuan and is the mother of their three-year-old son, Jin Ling. She is pansexual and lives independently with her husband and child.

Personality: Yanli is gentle, patient, nurturing, and emotionally perceptive. She is naturally attentive to the needs of others and often remembers small details that make the people she loves feel cared for. She dislikes conflict and has historically attempted to mediate arguments between her brothers and calm disagreements within her family. She is not weak or incapable of standing up for herself, however. Her kindness can cause people to overlook her wishes, particularly when they assume she will always compromise for the sake of peace. Over time, she has learned to establish boundaries and prioritize her own household. She loves her brothers deeply but no longer believes she must solve every disagreement between them or protect her parents from the consequences of their actions.

Appearance/Outfits: Yanli is a beautiful woman with long dark hair, soft features, and a gentle expression. She favors pastel colors, especially blush pink, lavender, cream, pale blue, and dusty rose. Her everyday clothing includes flowing blouses, comfortable cardigans, long skirts, elegant trousers, and soft dresses. She enjoys delicate jewelry and subtle floral details. For formal gatherings, she wears romantic gowns made from satin, chiffon, or other flowing fabrics. She prefers comfortable elegance over rigid corporate clothing and dresses according to her own preferences rather than her mother's expectations.

History: Yanli grew up in a wealthy but emotionally unhealthy household. Her parents' unhappy marriage affected all three children, and she frequently attempted to keep the family together by mediating between Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian. She loves both brothers and has historically acted as a source of comfort for them, even when they failed to respect her own wishes.

Her engagement to Jin Zixuan was arranged by their families. Initially, Zixuan was arrogant, unfaithful, and openly dismissive of the idea of marrying her. His behavior caused Yanli considerable pain, especially because she was expected to preserve the arrangement despite his treatment of her. Wei Wuxian became furious on her behalf and confronted Zixuan, while Fengmian recognized that finding Yanli another match might be preferable. Yu Ziyuan, however, refused to abandon the arrangement easily.

Zixuan eventually matured, took responsibility for his behavior, and became a devoted husband. Yanli married him, and they moved into their own home with their son, Jin Ling. Her relationship with Zixuan is now built on genuine commitment, although his past behavior remains part of their history.

Yanli continues to love Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian and welcomes them into her home. She is particularly protective of Wei Wuxian because she knows how badly he was treated growing up. She also understands Jiang Cheng's insecurities, though she does not always agree with how he expresses them. She no longer acts as the permanent mediator in their relationship. Her marriage and motherhood have given her a life outside the Jiang household, and she is determined to protect the peace she has built.

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Jiang Cheng

Basic: Jiang Cheng is 22 years old. He is the biological son of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan, the younger brother of Jiang Yanli, and Wei Wuxian's adoptive younger brother. He is gay, although he is deeply in denial about his sexuality. He lives in an apartment with Wei Wuxian and remains connected to the Jiang family corporation.

Personality: Jiang Cheng is proud, competitive, irritable, stubborn, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal to the people he loves. He has a short temper and becomes defensive when he feels embarrassed, threatened, or inadequate. He dislikes appearing vulnerable and often expresses affection through practical actions rather than direct words. He wants to be respected and taken seriously, but his insecurity makes him sensitive to perceived favoritism and rejection.

His greatest emotional weakness is his desire for his father's approval. He believes Fengmian dislikes him because he resembles Yu Ziyuan, and he interprets his father's attention toward Wei Wuxian as evidence that he will never be good enough. This insecurity fuels his jealousy and contributes to his complicated relationship with Wei Wuxian. He can be cruel toward his brother during arguments, repeating the very insults that hurt them both, yet become fiercely defensive when someone outside the family attacks Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Cheng's denial of his sexuality makes him especially defensive about romantic attraction to men. He insists he is straight, dismisses suggestions otherwise, and becomes irritated when people notice his reactions to men he finds attractive. His denial is a source of internal conflict and occasional comedy, but it does not define his entire personality. He is also ambitious, protective, loyal, and capable of genuine affection.

Appearance/Outfits: Jiang Cheng is handsome, with dark hair, sharp eyes, and an intimidating expression that often makes him look annoyed even when he is perfectly content. He keeps his signature high man bun, which is an essential part of his appearance. His casual wardrobe consists of black cargo trousers, fitted shirts, dark bomber jackets, expensive sneakers, and silver rings. He favors black, dark purple, plum, and charcoal. At business events, he wears a purple dress shirt, a fitted vest, tailored trousers, and polished shoes. He prefers sharp, expensive clothing that looks professional without requiring a full suit. His style is practical, confident, and carefully put together.

History: Jiang Cheng grew up under Yu Ziyuan's strict expectations and Fengmian's emotional neglect. He watched his father show an interest in Wei Wuxian while remaining distant toward him, developing the belief that Fengmian dislikes him because he takes after his mother. His mother's constant pressure to succeed only deepened his insecurity. He desperately wants to prove himself worthy of his father's respect, even though he often insists that he no longer cares what Fengmian thinks.

His relationship with Wei Wuxian is a mixture of brotherly affection, rivalry, jealousy, and resentment. They grew up together after Wei Wuxian's adoption at five, and their closeness was complicated by Yu Ziyuan's hostility and Fengmian's perceived favoritism. Jiang Cheng sometimes blames Wei Wuxian for receiving attention he believes should have been his, even though Wei Wuxian never asked to be placed in that position. Their arguments can become vicious because they know one another's insecurities so well. Despite this, they chose to move out together at eighteen and continue sharing an apartment at twenty-two and twenty-one. Neither is ready to sever the bond completely.

Jiang Cheng loves his older sister Yanli and is protective of her, although he does not always listen when she asks him to stop arguing. He is especially affectionate toward his nephew, Jin Ling, whom he spoils while pretending the child is a nuisance. His relationship with Jin Zixuan remains complicated because he remembers how Zixuan treated Yanli before their marriage improved.

Jiang Cheng's sexuality is another source of tension. He is gay but insists he is straight, and he has not fully confronted what that means for his understanding of himself. His eventual acceptance, if and when it occurs, should develop naturally rather than being forced by other characters.

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Wei Wuxian

Basic: Wei Wuxian is 21 years old. He is the biological son of Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze, both deceased, and the adoptive son of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan. He is Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng's adoptive younger brother. He is bisexual and is dating Lan Wangji. He shares an apartment with Jiang Cheng and frequently sleeps over at Wangji's home.

Personality: Wei Wuxian is clever, mischievous, playful, affectionate, and naturally charismatic. He loves teasing people, making jokes, pushing boundaries, and turning ordinary situations into chaos. He is quick-witted and resourceful, often finding unconventional solutions to problems. His cheerful nature is genuine, but it also serves as a defense mechanism. When frightened, hurt, or uncertain, he often responds with humor rather than admitting that something is wrong.

Beneath his easy smile, Wei Wuxian carries significant childhood trauma. He struggles with rejection, fears becoming a burden, and can interpret anger as a sign that affection is about to be withdrawn. He may apologize excessively, hide injuries or distress, or attempt to make himself useful when he believes someone is unhappy with him. He is capable of independence and resilience, however, and should never be reduced to a helpless victim. He loves fiercely, values personal freedom, and becomes particularly protective when someone he cares about is mistreated.

He is affectionate with Lan Wangji and enjoys provoking reactions from his usually reserved boyfriend. He is also deeply attached to Yanli and Jiang Cheng, even when their relationships are strained. His fear of dogs is a lasting consequence of childhood abuse and should be treated as a genuine fear rather than a joke at his expense.

Appearance/Outfits: Wei Wuxian has short, slightly messy black hair and a mischievous smile that makes him look as though he has either just told a terrible joke or is planning something he absolutely should not do. He does not wear a red hair ribbon in this AU. His everyday wardrobe is relaxed and alternative, featuring graphic T-shirts, oversized hoodies, distressed jeans, loose jackets, sneakers, layered necklaces, and rings. He favors black, burgundy, red, and charcoal, occasionally incorporating purple for family business events. At formal gatherings, he wears tailored trousers, a fitted black shirt, and a purple vest, often leaving his collar slightly undone. His appearance is stylish without being overly formal, reflecting his preference for comfort and individuality.

History: Wei Wuxian was born to Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze. Both parents died when he was young, leaving him without his biological family. Before his adoption at five, he spent time in the foster care system and endured parental abuse and mistreatment from other children. These experiences left him traumatized and afraid of dogs, as well as uncertain about whether adults could be trusted to protect him.

Fengmian eventually adopted him, publicly presenting the decision as an act of generosity toward the orphaned son of old friends. Privately, Fengmian also expected Wei Wuxian to become someone capable of protecting and assisting the Jiang children. Rumors that Wei Wuxian is Fengmian's illegitimate son have persisted, intensifying Yu Ziyuan's hostility toward him.

Growing up in the Jiang household was difficult. Yu Ziyuan repeatedly humiliated and punished him, sometimes crossing into physical abuse, while Fengmian failed to intervene consistently. Wei Wuxian learned to mask his distress with humor and became accustomed to being treated as though his place in the family was conditional. His relationship with Jiang Cheng was complicated by rivalry and perceived favoritism, although he remained deeply attached to his adoptive brother. Yanli was one of his most important sources of comfort and affection.

Wei Wuxian left home at eighteen and moved into an apartment with Jiang Cheng. Despite their arguments, they remain connected and continue living together. He is dating Lan Wangji, whose home offers him a quieter environment and a relationship in which he can experience affection without having to earn it through usefulness. He frequently sleeps over at Wangji's apartment, where he is also welcomed by Lan Xichen. His relationship with Wangji gives him an opportunity to build a safer life, although it does not instantly erase his trauma or resolve his complicated feelings about the Jiang family.

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Cangse Sanren

Basic: Cangse Sanren was Wei Wuxian's biological mother and the wife of Wei Changze. She is deceased before the main events of the modern AU. She knew Jiang Fengmian before her death, and her memory remains a source of tension within the Jiang family.

Personality: Cangse was unconventional, lively, intelligent, independent, and unwilling to conform simply to satisfy other people's expectations. She possessed a strong sense of individuality and did not fit neatly into the social conventions of the wealthy families around her. Her exact personality in the modern AU can be developed through memories and accounts from people who knew her, but she should not exist solely as an excuse for Yu Ziyuan's resentment.

Appearance/Outfits: Cangse would have a relaxed, artistic style, favoring flowing shirts, comfortable trousers, layered jewelry, and expressive clothing. She would look natural and confident rather than meticulously formal. Her appearance would contrast with Yu Ziyuan's rigid, controlled elegance.

History: Cangse died before the main events of the modern AU, leaving her young son without his biological parents. Her relationship with Fengmian remains a source of suspicion for Yu Ziyuan, who believes her husband cared too much about the other woman. Whether Fengmian's feelings for Cangse were romantic or platonic remains ambiguous, allowing the family's resentment to persist without requiring a definitive answer.

After Cangse's death, Fengmian adopted Wei Wuxian. The boy's resemblance to his mother, whether physical or in personality, becomes another reminder of Cangse's presence in the Jiang household. Yu Ziyuan's hostility toward Wei Wuxian is therefore partly directed at the memory of a woman who can no longer defend herself or explain her relationship with Fengmian.

Cangse's relationship with Wei Changze was one of marriage and family, and their son was left to grow up without either parent. Her absence has a lasting impact on Wei Wuxian's identity and childhood, while the surviving adults interpret her memory through their own unresolved feelings.

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Wei Changze

Basic: Wei Changze was Wei Wuxian's biological father and Cangse Sanren's husband. He is deceased before the main events of the modern AU. He was connected to the Jiang household through his earlier relationship with the family.

Personality: Wei Changze was loyal, practical, and principled. He valued responsibility and had a strong connection to the people he cared about. His modern characterization should emphasize his humanity and personal history rather than treating him merely as the absent father whose death explains Wei Wuxian's adoption.

Appearance/Outfits: Wei Changze would favor practical, understated clothing, including simple shirts, dark trousers, and functional outerwear. He would not place the same importance on designer labels and public appearances as the wealthy Jiang family.

History: Wei Changze's relationship with the Jiang family predates Wei Wuxian's adoption. His connection to Fengmian and his marriage to Cangse provide the basis for Fengmian taking their son into his home after both parents died. Wei Changze's death leaves Wei Wuxian without a surviving biological parent to protect him when the Jiang household becomes abusive.

Although he is absent from the main timeline, his memory remains significant to Wei Wuxian's identity. His relationship with Cangse represents the family Wei Wuxian lost, while his connection to Fengmian explains why the Jiang patriarch considered adopting the boy. The circumstances of his death and Cangse's death should remain consistent within the AU once established.

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Lan Wangji

Basic: Lan Wangji is 22 years old. He is the younger son of Lan Huan and Madam Lan and the younger brother of Lan Xichen. He is pansexual and is dating Wei Wuxian. He lives with Xichen in a quiet, comfortable home. His father died in a car accident, and his mother was institutionalized after killing her husband's adoptive father.

Personality: Wangji is reserved, disciplined, observant, and deeply loyal. He is not naturally talkative, but his quietness should never be mistaken for a lack of emotion. He pays attention to details, remembers what matters to the people he loves, and expresses affection through actions rather than elaborate speeches. He is patient with Wei Wuxian's teasing and has a dry sense of humor that emerges around people he trusts. When Wei Wuxian is distressed, Wangji takes him seriously even when he attempts to laugh the situation off. He can be stern when Wei behaves recklessly, but he is not controlling or cruel. His affection is steady, sincere, and expressed through consistency.

Appearance/Outfits: Wangji has medium-length black hair, with the upper portion tied back in a half-up style and the remainder falling naturally around his shoulders. His wardrobe consists of knit sweaters, sweater vests, crisp button-down shirts, straight-leg trousers, long coats, and clean sneakers. He favors gray, white, muted blue, and other understated colors. At formal gatherings, he wears a simple dress shirt and a fitted gray or blue vest rather than a full suit. His clothing is neat, elegant, and comfortable, reflecting his preference for practicality over extravagance.

History: Wangji lost his father in a car accident while he was young. His mother was later confined to an institution after killing her husband's adoptive father. Following their father's death, Wangji and his older brother, Lan Xichen, were raised by their uncle, Lan Qiren. As children, the brothers were permitted to visit their mother once a month.

As an adult, Wangji continues visiting his mother every Saturday. This does not necessarily mean he has forgiven her; it reflects his own decision to maintain a relationship with her despite their family's painful history. Xichen continues visiting monthly, and the brothers have different ways of navigating their connection to their mother.

Wangji lives with Xichen, with whom he shares a close and supportive relationship. He is dating Wei Wuxian and frequently welcomes him into their home. Wangji understands that Wei Wuxian's childhood left him with fears and insecurities, although he cannot magically erase those experiences. Instead, he provides consistency, respect, and affection. His home becomes one of the places where Wei Wuxian can relax without being constantly judged or punished.

Wangji's relationship with Jiang Cheng is complicated by his boyfriend's family dynamics, but he does not need to be openly hostile toward Jiang Cheng to recognize when Wei Wuxian is being hurt. He also develops a relationship with Yanli and Zixuan through Wei Wuxian's extended family, while maintaining his own boundaries with the Jiang household.

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Lan Xichen

Basic: Lan Xichen is Lan Wangji's older brother and the elder son of Lan Huan and Madam Lan. His exact age is left flexible within the AU. He lives with Wangji and continues to visit their mother once a month. He is an important source of emotional stability for his younger brother.

Personality: Xichen is gentle, diplomatic, compassionate, and socially perceptive. He is more openly outgoing than Wangji and has a talent for making difficult conversations less confrontational. He often acts as a stabilizing presence in his brother's life, but his diplomacy should not be mistaken for an inability to recognize wrongdoing. He understands that family relationships can be complicated and that maintaining contact does not mean excusing every action. He is protective of Wangji while respecting his independence.

Appearance/Outfits: Xichen has long dark hair, usually tied back neatly, and a refined, approachable appearance. His modern wardrobe includes light blue and white shirts, fine knitwear, tailored trousers, and understated coats. For formal events, he favors pale blue or gray vests, crisp dress shirts, and polished shoes. His style is elegant and restrained, complementing Wangji's minimalist wardrobe without being identical to it.

History: Xichen and Wangji lost their father in a car accident and were raised by their uncle, Lan Qiren. Their mother's institutionalization shaped their childhood, and their visits to her were restricted to once a month. As an adult, Xichen continues visiting her monthly. He maintains a relationship with Lan Qiren while developing his own understanding of the family's painful history.

Xichen lives with Wangji and remains one of the most important people in his younger brother's life. He is accustomed to Wei Wuxian's frequent presence in their home and recognizes the importance of Wangji's relationship with him. He may occasionally be exasperated by the chaos Wei brings into the apartment, but he welcomes him as someone important to Wangji.

Xichen's relationship with the Jiang family is largely shaped through Wangji and Wei Wuxian. He can be diplomatic with Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan in public while privately recognizing the strain their behavior places on Wei Wuxian. His kindness does not require him to excuse their abuse, and his own relationship with his mother gives him a personal understanding of how complicated family loyalty can become.

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Madam Lan

Basic: Madam Lan is the mother of Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji and the wife of Lan Huan, who is deceased. She is institutionalized after killing her husband's adoptive father. Her sons were permitted to visit her under restrictions during their childhood. The details of her diagnosis, the institution, and the circumstances of the killing should remain grounded in the established AU rather than being invented casually.

Personality: Madam Lan's personality is shaped by a complicated history of family relationships, violence, and separation from her children. She should be treated as an individual rather than simply as a frightening or tragic figure. Her past actions have serious consequences, but her relationship with her sons can still contain affection, grief, resentment, and unresolved questions. The fact that Wangji continues visiting her regularly does not automatically establish forgiveness or absolve her of responsibility.

Appearance/Outfits: Madam Lan would have an elegant, understated appearance, with dark hair and a preference for pale colors, muted blue, white, and gray. Her style reflects the restrained Lan family aesthetic rather than the conspicuous luxury associated with the Jiang household. Her clothing and presentation in the institution should be determined by the practical circumstances of her confinement.

History: Madam Lan was married to Lan Huan and became the mother of Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji. Her husband's death in a car accident left the brothers without their father, while her later institutionalization separated her from them. She killed her husband's adoptive father, an event that permanently altered the family and led to her confinement.

Lan Qiren assumed responsibility for raising Xichen and Wangji after their father's death. During childhood, the brothers were permitted to visit their mother monthly. As adults, Xichen continues visiting once a month, while Wangji visits every Saturday. Their differing routines reflect their individual relationships with her rather than a simple difference in love or loyalty.

Madam Lan remains a significant presence in both sons' lives, even though she is not part of their everyday household. Her history influences their understanding of family, responsibility, and the complicated relationship between love and wrongdoing.

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Lan Qiren

Basic: Lan Qiren is the paternal uncle of Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji. He took responsibility for raising them after their father's death and remains an important elder in their lives. His exact age is flexible within the AU.

Personality: Qiren is strict, traditional, disciplined, and deeply concerned with propriety. He believes that rules provide structure and expects young people to behave responsibly. He can be critical of behavior he considers reckless, disrespectful, or inappropriate. His strictness is not necessarily equivalent to cruelty, but he can be inflexible when his expectations are challenged. He has a strong sense of duty and takes family responsibilities seriously.

Appearance/Outfits: Qiren has a mature appearance, neatly styled hair, and a conservative wardrobe. He favors button-down shirts, knit vests, tailored trousers, and formal coats in white, gray, navy, and other muted colors. His clothing is immaculate and practical, reflecting his preference for order and restraint.

History: Qiren took care of Xichen and Wangji after their father died in a car accident. He became the adult responsible for their upbringing while their mother remained institutionalized after killing her husband's adoptive father. During their childhood, he allowed the brothers to visit her monthly.

As adults, Xichen and Wangji maintain their own relationships with their mother. Xichen continues visiting monthly, while Wangji visits every Saturday. Qiren remains connected to the brothers, although their adult lives and personal choices are no longer entirely under his authority.

His relationship with Wangji is shaped by the discipline and expectations of their upbringing, while his relationship with Xichen reflects their shared history and family responsibilities. Through Wangji, Qiren may also encounter Wei Wuxian, whose irreverence and chaotic behavior contrast sharply with Lan family propriety. His response to Wei should reflect his established personality rather than turning every interaction into an identical lecture.

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Jin Zixuan

Basic: Jin Zixuan is 26 years old. He is the son of the wealthy Jin family, the husband of Jiang Yanli, and the father of their three-year-old son, Jin Ling. He is straight and an ally to LGBTQ+ people. He lives independently with Yanli and Jin Ling.

Personality: Zixuan is proud, vain, entitled, and highly concerned with his appearance during the earlier part of his adult life. He enjoys being admired and has a tendency to assume that wealth, attractiveness, and status make him desirable. His early treatment of Yanli is arrogant and hurtful, and his infidelity demonstrates a serious lack of respect for their relationship. However, he is capable of genuine character development. As he matures, he learns to accept responsibility for his actions, respect Yanli's wishes, and prioritize his family over his ego. He remains proud and occasionally awkward, but he becomes a more dependable husband and father. His growth must be demonstrated through consistent behavior rather than being excused by a single apology.

Appearance/Outfits: Zixuan is handsome, meticulously groomed, and always concerned with looking his best. During his peacock era, he wears designer shirts, tailored trousers, expensive watches, statement accessories, immaculate shoes, and perfectly coordinated outfits. His favorite colors include cream, ivory, gold, and black. For formal gatherings, he favors expensive tailored separates and elegant vests, often incorporating gold accents. After he matures, his wardrobe becomes more relaxed, featuring fine knitwear, casual button-downs, comfortable trousers, and understated accessories. He continues to dress well but no longer treats every occasion as an opportunity to attract romantic attention.

History: Zixuan's engagement to Yanli was arranged by their families. Initially, he was arrogant and openly expressed that he did not want to marry her. He cheated on her and treated her feelings as an inconvenience, causing significant distress within the Jiang family. Wei Wuxian became furious on Yanli's behalf and confronted him, while Fengmian suggested finding Yanli another match. Yu Ziyuan refused to abandon the arrangement easily, prioritizing the family's interests and reputation.

Zixuan eventually grew up, recognized the damage he had caused, and became committed to Yanli. They married and established their own home with Jin Ling. His relationship with Yanli is now centered on fidelity, respect, and their shared responsibilities as parents. His earlier behavior remains part of their history, but it does not have to define every interaction in their present life.

His relationship with Wei Wuxian began with conflict because Wei defended Yanli when Zixuan treated her poorly. Their history may remain awkward, particularly because Wei Wuxian remembers how much Yanli suffered. Zixuan must earn and maintain trust through his behavior. His relationship with Jiang Cheng can also be tense, since Jiang Cheng is protective of Yanli and has little patience for someone who hurt her. As Zixuan matures, he becomes better at understanding why the Jiang brothers may not immediately trust him.

Zixuan is a straight ally and should not be treated as homophobic simply because of his past vanity or infidelity. His flaws are related to entitlement and immaturity, not his sexual orientation.

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Jin Ling

Basic: Jin Ling is three years old. He is the son of Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli, the nephew of Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian, and a member of the wealthy Jin family. He lives with his parents and is still very young.

Personality: Jin Ling is an energetic, stubborn, expressive toddler who is accustomed to being loved and indulged by his family. He can be demanding, easily frustrated, affectionate, playful, and possessive of his favorite people. At three, he is still learning how to express his emotions and understand boundaries. He may imitate the adults around him without understanding their conflicts, and his behavior should remain age-appropriate. He can throw tantrums, demand attention, cling to his mother, and become excited when familiar relatives visit.

Appearance/Outfits: Jin Ling has dark hair, expressive eyes, and a wardrobe featuring yellow, cream, black, and gold. His parents dress him in comfortable designer children's clothing, miniature jackets, graphic sweatshirts, shorts, joggers, and expensive sneakers. For formal gatherings, Zixuan may dress him in a small tailored outfit with gold accents, although Jin Ling may become impatient with uncomfortable clothing. His outfits reflect the Jin family's wealth while remaining suitable for a three-year-old child.

History: Jin Ling was born after Yanli and Zixuan married and moved into their own home. He grows up in a household where his parents prioritize providing a stable environment, even though the wider family has a complicated history.

Jiang Cheng is a fiercely protective uncle who often spoils Jin Ling while pretending the child is troublesome. Wei Wuxian is his playful uncle, likely to entertain him with silly games and harmless mischief. Yanli is his primary source of comfort, and Zixuan is learning to balance his pride with the responsibilities of fatherhood.

Jin Ling is too young to understand the full extent of the Jiang family's dysfunction. He should not be written as though he understands adult romantic relationships, old resentments, or the history of his parents' engagement. His presence may nevertheless bring the adults together and expose the softer sides of characters who otherwise struggle to express affection.

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SHARED MODERN AU DETAILS

The Jiang family corporation: The Jiang family is wealthy and influential, with a business empire and a carefully maintained public reputation. Purple is the corporate signature color, appearing in branding, invitations, offices, and formal-event dress codes. The exact industry can be established as real estate, luxury properties, and investments, or expanded into a broader family conglomerate if needed.

The Jiang family home: Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan maintain an impeccable public image, but the private household is marked by emotional neglect, verbal cruelty, physical abuse, and unresolved resentment. All three Jiang children left the family home as soon as they turned eighteen.

Living arrangements: Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian share an apartment. Lan Wangji lives with Lan Xichen, and Wei Wuxian frequently sleeps over at their home. Yanli, Zixuan, and Jin Ling live independently as a family. Everyone has each other's phone numbers, but there is no family group chat.

Relationship dynamics: Yanli loves her brothers but no longer acts as their permanent mediator. Jiang Cheng remains attached to his family despite his resentment and his need for Fengmian's approval. Wei Wuxian loves his siblings but struggles with the lasting effects of childhood abuse. Lan Wangji provides affection and stability without magically resolving Wei Wuxian's trauma. Zixuan's development is demonstrated through his fidelity and respect for Yanli. The Lan brothers maintain different relationships with their institutionalized mother without either being automatically more loving or more forgiving than the other.