Chapter Text
Of all things Lan Wangji expected today, a wedding invitation from Luo Sect wasn't one of them. Young Lady Luo Qingyang would marry the first disciple of Luo Sect, whom Lan Wangji suspected was the handsome young man who picked her up from the selection. Despite the surprise, he felt happy for her for finally finding the love of her life. With her personality, he was sure she would run away from her sect if her father forced her to join another sect.
He glanced at the date and gave a thoughtful hum. There were still two weeks remaining—plenty of time to find the perfect wedding gift. Setting the invitation carefully upon his vanity, Lan Wangji left the Jingshi in search of his brother. Lan Xichen was currently in a dilemma. Several trusted disciples had been assigned to serve as his assistants, yet he could not bring himself to choose among them, fearing he might wound the feelings of those left unselected.
As expected, when Lan Wangji arrived, he found his brother pressing his fingers to his brow in weary frustration, while their uncle sat nearby, serenely sipping tea as though untouched by the dilemma. The Second Young Master entered without a sound and bowed respectfully to his uncle, who acknowledged him with a slight nod. Turning to Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji took a seat beside him and lowered his gaze to the document spread across the table, silently taking in the source of his brother’s distress.
“Lan Yifan is very good in organizing document and arranging schedules. He has been working in the library for years. Lan Yuanying is good at analysing people and she also doesn’t hold back in speaking her mind. Her knowledge of other sects’ business is vast. She is a great person to ask for a second opinion. I think those two will be good assistants for Xiongzhang.”
“Good choice.” Lan Qiren nodded in agreement. “Whatever insults you can’t say when dealing with Jin Guangshan and Sect Leader Yao, you can pass them to her to say it.”
“Shufu!” Lan Xichen said, tone full of laughter.
“I’m just saying. We don’t have the luxury of speaking our insults out loud to maintain our family’s image. Lan Yuanying isn’t from the main family, despite being your closest cousin, so she actually can say whatever she wants. She is good at wrapping her insults in sweet poetic words.” Grandmaster Lan Qiren paused for a moment before continuing. “God helps A-Yi when he grows up.”
“I’ll think about it.” Lan Xichen said with a little smile. Lan Wangji actually shared his uncle’s sentiment about the cute little boy A-Yi, whom he considered the light of Gusu Lan Sect, with his unfiltered mouth. The boy was too bright and immediately fired question after question every time he couldn’t understand anything. The elders and the older disciples had learned to be very careful with their words when little A-Yi was around. The last thing they wanted was for the little to be the most un-Lan of his generation. They already had his mother.
“Good. Wangji,”
Lan Wangji blinked, surprised that he was being addressed. “Yes, Shufu?”
“You told me that Wei Wuxian brought you to meet Lord Nan Xuyue.”
“Yes. Wei Ying said that there were some problems with Yiling Wei’s barrier. It was Lord Nan Xuyue who helped Sect Leader Sanren to put a powerful barrier when she established the sect.”
“Is there any chance that he’s willing to help us strengthen our barrier?”
“I think so. Our barrier is strong. I don’t think it needs to be fixed.”
Lan Qiren closed his eyes and sighed. “Well, a demon spawn broke the barrier last night and I have to personally kick him out of our courtyard.”
“Who was it?”
“Who do you think it was? Who, among the members of our sect, has a demon spawn as a lover? It was a good thing A-Huan could talk some sense into that thick skull of his.” There was an annoyed tone in Grandmaster Lan Qiren’s voice rather than anger in it. Lan Xichen let out a low laugh without moving his attention away from the document in front of him. Lan Wangji’s face immediately brightened and a small smile adorned his beautiful face.
“Wei Ying is here?”
“Why do you look so happy? That rude boy just broke our barrier.” His uncle grumbled further. “He was here. He’s probably in Caiyi Town, waiting for you. He was yelling at me to send his love for you when he flew from our gate.”
Lan Wangji didn’t waste more time. He stood up quickly but gracefully before bowing in respect and fast walking away.
“Hah, so nice to be young and in love. Unlike me, who is stuck with these stupid documents.” Lan Xichen muttered; his eyes didn’t move from the papers in front of him.
“I heard that, A-Huan.”
--
Lan Wangji’s happiness was short-lived, however, when he saw Wei Wuxian drinking Emperor’s Smile with several giggling women in a crowded inn. They weren’t all over him, but close enough to create gossip. As if sensing his presence, Wei Wuxian turned around and Hanguang-Jun felt his heart almost explode as a very bright grin appeared on the Yiling Wei’s Young Master’s face. Wei Wuxian immediately got up and skipped to him, taking his hand into his and clearing his throat.
“Ladies, this is my betrothed whom I told you. Isn’t he wonderful? Lan Wangji, the Second Young Master of Gusu Lan Sect. The Hanguang-Jun.” If it were possible, Wei Wuxian’s bright grin widened as he puffed his chest proudly.
The girls exchanged startled glances, their eyes darting between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Judgment flickered openly across their pretty faces as they assessed the scene—and each other. Lan Wangji nearly arched a brow at their shameless scrutiny. At last, the boldest among them spoke.
“Hm?”
“Hanguang-Jun is way above your league.” Her comments made the whole room explode in laughter. Beside him, Wei Wuxian let out a dramatic gasp as he placed his hand on his heart.
“Poor Hanguang-Jun.” The other girl giggled.
“Yeah. He has to babysit Young Master Wei forever.”
“How dare you!” Wei Wuxian narrowed his eyes playfully and put their joined hands on his chest. “I know he is way above my league, but you don’t have to say it out loud. I regret paying for your food.” He turned to Lan Wangji and pouted, batting his eyelashes as he did so. “Lan Zhan, they’re bullying me.”
Lan Wangji answered with a faint smile, casting a brief look toward the giggling group before bowing politely. Taking Wei Wuxian’s hand, he led him out of the room. The girls called sweet farewells after them, their laughter trailing behind.
Hand in hand, they wandered through the bustling market of Caiyi Town in companionable silence. Wei Wuxian began to swing their joined hands, whistling cheerfully as they walked. Every so often, he would tug Lan Wangji toward a stall, admiring the finely crafted wares of the Caiyi artisans. Within the hour, Lan Wangji’s spiritual pouch was filled to the brim—with sweets, a beautifully painted fan, an exquisitely embroidered handkerchief, and a set of high-quality brushes meant for his uncle and brother.
Now, Wei Wuxian was currently in a heated debate with a fiery young woman, bargaining a beautiful white hair stick with a long chain and a lotus flower. Lan Wangji made a mistake praising the hair accessory’s beautiful simplicity, and Wei Wuxian made it his mission to buy it for him. At a very insulting low price. Apparently, he had run out of his pocket money to go to Gusu.
“I will only pay two silvers.”
“I won’t accept it.”
“No more than two silver.” Wei Wuxian narrowed his eyes at her.
“Then you may leave.” The young woman stubbornly crossed her arms in front of her breast. Lan Wangji admired her for standing her ground and slowly his gaze went to Wei Wuxian’s face. He was pouting slightly despite trying to appear menacing at her. He held back a smile and shook his head. Noticing that the Young Master didn’t help his lover, she held her chin high. “Lowering the price that much will insult my father’s skill. Five silvers.”
“Four silvers.”
“Five silvers.”
“Three silvers and five coins.”
“Five silvers.”
“Urg, fine. You greedy seller.” Wei Wuxian grumbled while the woman smiled in victory. After accepting the money, she put the beautiful hairpin into a small box and added two cheap, simple red bracelets usually worn by a married couple. Wei Wuxian’s sour face brightened as he accepted the box.
“Thank you, you’re so kind.” Wei Wuxian blew her a kiss before dragging Lan Wangji away from the seller. They stopped in a small stall selling ba bao zhou. Lan Wangji put down his money before Wei Wuxian had a chance to take out his pouch. The man had emptied his money pouch for him after all, so Lan Wangji decided that he would pay for this one.
"Lan Zhan, did you get Mianmian's wedding invitation? I got one. I'll gift her something embarrassing. I've Nie Huaisang to help me." Wei Wuxian grinned and chuckled evilly. "She's marrying that man, isn't he? The one who picked her up from the selection. He looks like a good man."
"He is a good man. Young Lady Luo will never give her attention to a less worthy man."
"True. True. She's a strong-headed woman." Wei Wuxian nodded in agreement. "I still remember how she rejected and insulted me at the same time. Her husband must be one of a kind. Maybe he and I should form a club for husbands with scary badass spouses."
Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes as he tilted his head dangerously. Wei Wuxian just leaned forward, putting his chin on his palm and smiled sweetly at him. Shaking his head, Lan Wangji turned his attention back to his empty bowl. He pushed it away from him and reached for a tea. “When will Wei Ying visit Lord Nan Xuyue again?”
“Why? Your barrier is strong already.”
“Shufu wanted to know if he was willing to strengthen the barrier so you wouldn’t sneak into it again.”
“Lan Zhan, that’s so cruel.” Wei Wuxian let his spoon clatter into his bowl. His silver eyes flew wide as they locked onto Lan Wangji’s golden gaze. He looked as though their engagement had just been shattered. Sniffling, he blinked rapidly, as if fighting back tears. Lan Wangji had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at the Young Master’s theatrics.
“If Wei Ying managed to break in, then someone would be able to in the future.”
“That’s because I’m awesome. I have learned a lot about barriers, wards, arrays and talismans. I don’t think, except for Lord Nan Xuyue, anyone is better than me.”
“Don’t be arrogant.” Lan Wangji scolded.
“I’m just saying the truth.” Wei Wuxian pouted like a three-year-old toddler; even his cousin A-Yin didn’t pout that dramatically. “I was missing you so much. I have boring classes about negotiations, trades and whatever else my father wanted me to learn. I couldn’t stand it. I hope Grandmaster Lan won’t tell my mother. She’ll punish me for behaving like an uneducated Young Master.”
“If Wei Ying misses me, you can just ask the guards to pass you through.” With that, Lan Wangji put a jade token, the signature of Gusu Lan Sect, on the table. Wei Wuxian stared at the jade token for a while before he took it. He frowned, flipping it from one side to another.
“Lan Zhan, this is-“
“A jade token that permits you to enter Gusu Lan Sect anytime. No more breaking our barrier.” Lan Wangji watched as emotions crossed Wei Wuxian’s face from confusion to thrill.
“Lan Zhan, I’m going to cry.”
“Go cry.”
Wei Wuxian then wailed unattractively while holding the jade token in his hands.
--
The Luo Sect was a small sect, hidden behind a valley southern from Lanling Jin Sect, and because of that, some Sect Leaders didn't bother to attend the wedding, only sending their heirs or children. Only Lan Xichen, Nie Mingjue, and Sect Leader Sanren are from the Great Sects, while the rest were from smaller ones. The wedding wasn’t huge, but beautiful. Luo Qingyang and her husband were glowing as they attended the wedding banquet after the intimate ceremony. The red gown complemented her slightly tanned skin very well, making her glow under the lanterns’ light.
Lan Wangji sat in his seat as he watched the newlyweds greet some important guests. He watched as she exchanged some mischievous giggles with Nie Huaisang. Then, Young Master Jin Zixuan approached her with a huge box, possibly a wedding gift. There were times when Young Lady Luo Qingyang was a guest disciple in Lanling Jin Sect. She stayed there for three years and only left after breaking Young Master Jin Zixun’s nose and jaw after he tried to force himself onto her in front of other disciples, thinking she was just a weak woman. She threw away Jin’s golden robes on the ground and stepped on them as she dashed across the training ground with her fellow Luo disciples. From the interaction between Lady Luo and Young Master Jin Zixuan, it seemed the two had formed a close bond during that time.
“Let’s greet Mianmian, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian held out his hand and the two Young Masters walked toward the newlyweds.
“Hanguang-Jun, Young Master Wei! You both are here.” Young Lady Luo Qingyang’s bright, glowing grin greeted them and Lan Wangji couldn’t help but smile back.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Hanguang-Jun.” The groom said. The familiar handsome young man had a gentle smile that reminded him of Lord Wei Changze. Lady Luo turned to her husband and her grin widened. “This is my husband, You Xu San. He’ll be Luo Xu San from now on. He’s my trophy husband since I’m the heir. Husband, I’m sure you know Hanguang-Jun. This is Young Master Wei Wuxian from Yiling Wei. You know, the one I told you.”
“Ah, the shameless and trouble magnet Young Master. I remember.” Lord Luo Xu San nodded. The smile and twinkles in his eyes made it clear that he was teasing Wei Wuxian. What a perfect match for Lady Luo Qingyang.
"Mianmian, I’m so hurt! That’s slander.” Wei Wuxian gasped, swaying into Lan Wangji’s arms. Lan Wangji dutifully hold his shoulders with his hands, exchanging a look with Lord Luo Xu San.
“That’s not a slander. San-er was there when you changed Sect Leader Yao’s hair green. He was the one who found the poor old man wailing behind his room at Lotus Pier.”
“Ah, well, if that’s the case, then-“ Wei Wuxian cleared his throat and bowed deeply at Lord Luo Xu San. “Lord Luo Xu San, I’m sorry you have to deal with him. I’m not sorry for dying his hair because he was so rude to Young Lady Jiang Yanli back then.”
“I understand, Young Master Wei.” He laughed slightly. “I told him that the dye might be poisonous and he wailed harder before running to the healing ward.”
“Oh, so that was why he screamed at Wen Qing-Jie at the healing ward. No wonder Jiang Cheng was livid. Good job, Lord Luo Xu San. You’re truly perfect for our Mianmian here. As a gift, we’ll be waiting for your attendance at our wedding. You’ll be seated at the front, seeing how beautiful Lan Zhan is in his wedding attire. Although it won’t happen for years in the future.”
Young Lady Luo raised an eyebrow. “Years? That’s too long.”
“We have our own reasons.” Lan Wangji answered before Wei Wuxian had a chance to give any more dramatic an answer.
“I see. Well, we’ll be looking forward to it.”
The banquet continued with more praises, gifts and delicious food. Lan Wangji hummed in satisfaction as he finished a small plate of mildly spiced, yet wonderfully balanced, vegetable stir fry. Beside him, Wei Wuxian had brought his personal chilli oil and poured it on top of all his dishes. Lan Wangji’s eyes watered just at the sight of it.
Wei Wuxian sighed dreamily as he finished another bowl of meat before devouring other dishes. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Lan Wangji eyeing him disapprovingly. It had to be either the chilli oil or his greediness. Maybe both.
Oh, sweet Lan Zhan. What if one day he witnessed his stupid eating contest with Jiang Cheng? He would be disgusted.
“What’s wrong, Lan Zhan? Chilli oil is so good.” He asked after finishing all his food.
“Wei Ying loves chilli oil very much.”
“Of course. I can’t live without chilli oil. Why? Do you mind?” When Lan Wangji shook his head, Wei Wuxian smiled and nodded happily.
“Can Wei Ying promise me something?”
“Anything.”
“Tell me every time you eat chilli oil.”
“Sure, sure. Why, though?”
“I refuse to kiss Wei Ying after he eats chilli oil.”
The answer caught Wei Wuxian off guard so much that he choked on his water. He gaped in disbelief at the beautiful Young Master. When Lan Wangji’s stare didn’t waver, he groaned and put his head on the table. His eyes caught a cup of wine and he grinned.
“Okay. Let’s seal the promise by drinking this.” Wei Wuxian held the wine toward Lan Wangji. He should be offended when Lan Wangji immediately took the cup and drowned it in one go. However, what Wei Wuxian didn’t expect was for Lan Wangji to fall ungracefully to the table seconds later. The Young Master gasped and quickly sat him up. “Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, are you alright?” he patted the chubby cheeks gently. “I have to find someone to help me.”
The panicked Young Master looked around the banquet for a while, trying to spot anyone from Gusu Lan to help him. His silver eyes found Lan Xichen and he was about to get up when a strong hand pulled him down. When Wei Wuxian turned, he almost let out a squeal when he found Lan Wangji was awake and staring at him dreamily.
"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji said dreamily, both palms cupping Wei Wuxian’s cheeks. "My Wei Ying."
"Ah? Hahaha, Lan Zhan." Wei Wuxian took Lan Wangji’s hands into his own. His eyes stared at the flushed face of the usually pale Lan Wangji and he sighed. “Lan Zhan, you’re drunk.”
It seemed like Lan Wangji was focused on something else. "Wei Ying doesn't want to be mine?"
"W-What? No, I-I mean, of course. I'd love to."
"Hn. Good."
"Lan Zhan, you're drunk. Let's find some water."
"I'm not." Lan Wangji stood up and walked so fast to the middle of the hall. Wei Wuxian almost screamed in the direction his betrothed was going and immediately jumped to his feet.
"Lan Zhan, what are you doing?”
The Second Young Master suddenly stood up on top of a small table, demanding attention from everyone in the hall. All heads turned to him as silence filled the hall. Wei Wuxian could seeLan Xichen look at his younger brother with a horrified expression on his face. Young Lady Luo Qingyang clenched her husband’s arm tightly as her huge eyes stared at Lan Wangji curiously. Her wedding crown tilted slightly as she looked up. Nie Huaisang raised both his eyebrows as his doe eyes were focused on Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji bowed politely and, with a firm and clear voice, said, “This is for Wei Wuxian, the love of my life.” And began reciting a famous poem.
Xiān yún nòng qiăo, fēi xīng chuán hèn, yín hàn tiáo tiáo àn dù
纤 云 弄 巧，飞 星 传 恨， 银 汉 迢 迢 暗 渡。
A Clouds float like works of art; Stars shoot with grief at heart. Across the Milky Way the Cowherd meets the Maid.
Jīn fēng yù lù yì xiāng féng, biàn shèng què rén jiān wú shù
金 风 玉 露 一 相 逢， 便 胜 却 人 间 无 数。
When autumn’s Golden Wind embraces Dew of Jade, All the love scenes on earth, however many, fade.
Róu qíng sì shuĭ, jiā qī rú mèng, rĕn gù què qiáo guī lù
柔 情 似 水，佳 期 如 梦，忍 顾 鹊 桥 归 路。
Their tender love flows like a stream; This happy date seems but a dream. Can they bear a separate homeward way?
Liăng qíng ruò shì jiŭ cháng shí, yòu qĭ zài zhāo zhāo mù mù
两 情 若 是 久 长 时，又 岂 在 朝 朝 暮 暮。
If love between both sides can last for aye,Why need they stay together night and day?
No one spoke. No one dared to.
The hush was suddenly shattered by applause from the newlyweds. Lady Luo Qingyang laughed unabashedly as she clapped for Lan Wangji. Still standing atop the table and very much intoxicated, he bowed to her solemnly. The entire hall soon erupted into thunderous applause. Wei Wuxian caught sight of his parents giggling among the guests, while Lan Xichen, as expected, merely shook his head in fond embarrassment.
"Lan Zhan, get down from there." Wei Wuxian put his hands on Lan Wangji’s waist and easily lifted the man off the table.
"Where are we going? I haven't finished my poem yet."
"No need to finish it. Thank you for reciting it for me. Now, let's go to your room-Eh? Lan Zhan? Where're you going?" Before Wei Wuxian could finish his sentence, Lan Wangji had pulled him to where Lan Xichen was standing. Wei Wuxian did his best to stop him, but the Lan’s arm strength was no joke. He almost lost his footing when Lan Wangji stopped right in front of his brother, who was standing with Sect Leader Nie Mingjue.
"Wei Ying wants to bring me to my room." Lan Wangji said bluntly. Behind Lan Xichen, Sect Leader Nie Mingjue almost choked on his own spit.
"Oh, does he?" Lan Xichen raised an eyebrow at the flustered Young Master.
"Hn."
Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian exchanged a glance for a moment as if they communicated telepathically. After a while, the Lan Sect Leader nodded. "Okay. He can bring you to your room."
"It's inappropriate. We're not married yet."
"You two aren't but-"
"I want us to get married now, so we can spend time together in my room."
"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian’s face exploded in different shades of red. Nie Mingjue was rudely laughing behind Lan Xichen while the older Lan just smiled as if his brother didn’t just say something unhinged.
"I don't know, Wangji. Today is Young Lady Luo Qingyang's wedding. I don't think it's appropriate for us to use her wedding for you."
"She's kind. I'll ask her."
"No!" The three men shouted in unison. Lan Wangji stared at his brother in shock. His golden eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly.
"Xiongzhang is so mean. You-“ Before Lan Wangji could continue his sentence, Lan Xichen tapped the back of his neck, then, without warning, the younger Lan slumped forward. Wei Wuxian immediately caught him in his arms, looking at Lan Xichen with wide eyes.
“He’s fine. Bring him to his room before he decides to marry you this instant.” Lan Xichen said, gesturing toward the door with his chin. Wei Wuxian nodded and lifted the unconscious man into his arms. Nie Mingjue’s laughter accompanied the Yiling Wei’s heir to the door.
--
Wei Wuxian sat on the bed beside Lan Wangji, watching the serene expression softening the young man’s striking features. Unable to resist, he brushed his fingers gently over those smooth, faintly rounded cheeks. With careful hands, he removed Lan Wangji’s shoes and outer robes, folding them neatly into their baskets. He glanced around for the basin of water the servants always prepared for their nightly wash before sleep.
He dabbed the damp cloth on Lan Wangji’s forehead and cheeks gently, eyes admiring the beautiful face. “My brave Lan Zhan. You’ll be embarrassed to death tomorrow.” Wei Wuxian murmured with a laugh. “Just wait. I’ll recite a love poem in our wedding, Lan Zhan.”
The Young Master of Yiling set the basin aside and poured himself a cup of water. He exhaled as the cool liquid slid down his throat, chasing away the lingering warmth of wine. A slight rustle from the bed caught his attention, and he hurried back. Lan Wangji had opened his eyes and was gazing at him in silence. Wei Wuxian said nothing, allowing the comfortable silence to stretch between them. Slowly, a smile blossomed across Lan Wangji’s face.
“Wei Ying, I love you.”
Wei Wuxian blushed and took Lan Wangji’s hand into his own. He kissed the pale hand and placed his cheek on its palm. “I love you too, Lan Zhan. Always.”
Two years.
How Wei Wuxian longed for the day they would finally be married.