By the time you figure out the rules I broke

"It's going to be all right," Huaisang says in a rush, ignoring Wangji for the moment, gripping Jiang Cheng's hand with unusual firmness. "I'll make it all right. Somehow."

The Nie Sect is full of warriors, well-known for strong and violent nature. And despite his disinterest in cultivation and saber practice, Huaisang, too, is a fighter, one who battles with his wits, not a blade. His mind works quickly, trying to hold down the rising fury in him at that shameful blush. But he knows that threatening to reveal his own wrongdoing will backfire. Huaisang and Jiang Cheng were both there watching when Wei Wuxian's gambit to deflect punishment onto Lan Wangji fail, resulting in a beating for both of them.

"Lan-xiong," he begins quietly with forced civility. "...I apologize. I... I let my emotions get the better of me. I seduced Jiang Cheng. If someone here must be punished, let it be me."

What is this? Nie Huaisang offering himself up for disciplinary action? The coward who whines and complains after half an hour of most strenuous activities? Then again, it's not the first time, he's offered to do something for someone else, seemingly free of charge...