Xuanli

Xuanli is the Het ship between Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan from the Mo Dao Zu Shi fandom.

Canon
The foundation of Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan's relationship traces back to a solemn promise made by their mothers, who were best friends. In a pact sealed with friendship and shared dreams, they vowed that if they had two sons, the boys would become sworn brothers; if two daughters, they would be sworn sisters. In the case of a son and a daughter, the promise transcended friendship into a commitment of marriage. Born out of this heartfelt pledge, Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan found themselves betrothed at a tender age. However, the weight of this commitment bore heavier on Jin Zixuan's shoulders. During his stay in the Cloud Recesses, he expressed his discontent with this predetermined path.

Jin Zixuan's reluctance reached the ears of Jiang Yanli's protective brothers, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng. Fueled by anger on behalf of their sister, a heated argument ensued between Wei Wuxian and Jin Zixuan, resulting in both being punished to kneel on the ground. The incident prompted the intervention of the heads of their respective clans: Jiang Fengmian and Jin Guangshan. Summoned to the Cloud Recesses, they discussed the issue.

Upon learning of Jin Zixuan's unhappiness, Jiang Fengmian, a father with a deep understanding of the importance of genuine happiness, proposed the idea of breaking the betrothal. Jin Guangshan, indifferent to his son's feelings and wanting to please his wife, attempted to dissuade Jiang Fengmian, asserting that children don't always know what's best for them. In response, Jiang Fengmian, wise and compassionate, emphasized that the bond of marriage would be enduring for the young couple. He refused to let them embark on a lifelong journey marred by discontent. This changed Jin Guangshan's mind, who, though initially resistant, eventually relented, saying that the marriage was in the best interest of the bride's side anyway.

The engagement between Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli was thus dissolved. Madam Yu seizes the opportunity to channel her pre-existing animosity toward Wei Wuxian, blaming him for the incident and providing a pretext for her unrelenting hostility. In contrast to her mother's blame game, Jiang Yanli, despite harboring feelings for Jin Zixuan, refrains from directing any blame towards Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan meet again during the Sunshot Campaign against the Wen Clan of Qishan. Amidst the chaos of war, Jiang Yanli, with her modest cultivation skills, contributes by preparing food for the troops. A gesture of affection sees her preparing an extra bowl of soup for Jin Zixuan, left anonymously in his quarters. Jin Zixuan, unaware of the true identity of his secret benefactor, erroneously believes another woman is responsible for the thoughtful gesture. The revelation in his quarters leads to an accusatory confrontation where Jiang Yanli, accused of stealing another's credit, breaks into tears. The misunderstanding escalates until Wei Wuxian intervenes, exposing the truth. Despite Jin Guangshan and Jiang Cheng's efforts, Wei Wuxian is poised to exact retribution on Jin Zixuan for the perceived injustice. Jiang Yanli, in an act of love and compassion, intervenes, preventing a potentially disastrous outcome. The encounter leaves a lasting scar on Jiang Yanli's heart. She chooses to express her pain through silence, refusing to look at Jin Zixuan for the remainder of their time in Langya.

The next time they meet, the Sunshot Campaign is over. The Jin Clan of Lanling oganizes a hunt at Mount Baifeng and Jiang Yanli is personally invited by Madam Jin, who, as a promise to deceased Madam Yu, hasn't given up on marrying Jiang Yanli to her son. Despite her aversion to hunts, Jiang Yanli receives a personal invitation from Madam Jin for the event on Mount Baifeng. The motivations behind this invitation become clear as Madam Jin, eager to mend the broken betrothal, orchestrates a private encounter between Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan.

During a private stroll arranged by Madam Jin, Jin Zixuan attempts to impress Jiang Yanli, who, in her straightforward manner, rebukes his feigned interest. Irritated, he grabs her arm, leading to an interruption by Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Once again, tensions rise, and Madam Jin arrives on the scene, ready to intervene. In the face of accusations and insults, Jiang Yanli stands firmly by Wei Wuxian's side, proclaiming him to be like a younger brother to her. She dismisses the alleged rule-breaking and demands an apology from Jin Zixun. Madam Jin supports her, still not giving up.

As Jiang Yanli begins to walk away with Wei Wuxian, Jin Zixuan, summoned by a surge of courage, publicly declares his feelings. He confesses that he was the one who wished to invite her, unveiling a genuine affection that has blossomed despite the broken betrothal.

Jin Zixuan's proposal and Jiang Yanli's acceptance mark the start of a brief yet joyful union. As they prepare for their impending marriage, a clandestine visit to Yiling by Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng provides a heartwarming moment to share her wedding robes with the now-defected Wei Wuxian. During their visit, Jiang Yanli seeks Wei Wuxian's suggestion for a courtesy name for her unborn son. "Rulan" is the chosen name.

Later, Jin Zixuan confesses to having commissioned a love letter for Jiang Yanli, a heartfelt gesture that had never been put into use. When he finally reads the letter aloud, Jiang Yanli suppresses her laughter, displaying a tender consideration for her husband's feelings.

Jin Ling's birth brings immeasurable joy to the couple. His fascination with his father's sword, Suihua, ignites dreams of a future swordsman. In keeping with tradition, Jin Zixuan invites Wei Wuxian to the one-month celebration. The celebration takes a dark turn as Jin Zixun's attack on Wei Wuxian triggers a fight where Wen Ning inadvertently kills both Jin Zixuan and Jin Zixun. Jiang Yanli becomes a widow.

She dies not long after, during the Pledge conference of Nightless City held by the Jin Clan of Lanling. She dies protectin Wei Wuxian and leaving little Jin Ling an orphan.

Fanon
Fans like this ship because it shows Jin Zixuan's growth from being an immature, arrogant idiot to being mature and caring. This is the most popular het ship on AO3 for this fandom, and the fifth overall.