Theory about Nie Huaisang
I think Nie Huaisang intentionally tried set up Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Or at least, he wanted them to work together to piece together his brother and expose Jin Guangyao
- Mo Xuanyu performed the sacrifice ritual the day before the Lan Clan disciples arrived at the Mo Estate
- The Mo estate had been plagued by walking corpses, leading to Madam Mo reaching out to the Lan Clan
- Nie Huaisang didn’t bat an eye when Lan Wangji carried “Mo Xuanyu” into the inn like a new bride
My theory is that Nie Huaisang lured the Lan disciples to the Mo Estate using walking corpses, and had Mo Xuanyu perform the ritual once they were on their way before throwing his brother’s arm onto the mix, guaranteeing a run-in between Lan Wanji and Wei Wuxian.
He studied with both of them in Gusu and is incredibly perceptive so he was aware of their mutual bond. I’d like to think he wanted to play matchmaker in addition to piecing together his brother’s body. Maybe he even chose a handsome cut-sleeve for the soul sacrifice to encourage Wei Wuxian to flirt. He also knew that Lan Wangji could temper Wei Wuxian and prevent him from going on a murder spree upon his return.
What do you all think? I just finished the novel and am obsessed, but I haven’t seen any of the other media.