It was yet another peaceful and beautiful morning in the Cloud Recesses.
"Wei Wuxiannnnnn!!!"
Alright… alright… If you heard Lan Qiren's stern and furious voice echoing through the lecture hall, you'd probably think otherwise. But for the members of the Lan Clan, this was nothing unusual.
A few seconds after Lan Qiren's voice faded, you could see a tall, graceful young man dressed in white moving swiftly yet elegantly toward the lecture hall.
He halts at the entrance, stepping inside with quiet confidence. The moment he enters, he bows respectfully to Lan Qiren, his uncle.
"Wangji, how many times have I told you not to let him come anywhere near me?"
Lan Qiren gestured toward a young man standing in the middle of the lecture hall. At that moment, Lan Wangji's cold gaze shifted toward the troublemaker.
"Forgive me."
Lan Wangji's icy voice echoed through the hall, sending shivers down the spines of the disciples present. All eyes were fixed on him in awe.
"I'm taking this troublemaker out of here right now."
With that, Lan Wangji grabbed the troublemaker's wrist without sparing him another glance and dragged him out of the hall.
As they reached the entrance of the library pavilion, Lan Wangji's steps slowed down slightly.
"Wangjiiii~~"
The troublemaker called out playfully. Though Lan Wangji's face remained as expressionless as ever, a subtle softness flickered in his golden eyes—just for a brief moment—before his usual coldness took over again. He continued walking in silence.
"Wangjiiii.."
"My Wangji.."
"Lan Zhaaan.."
"My cold Lan Zhan~~"
No matter how much he called, Lan Wangji never responded. Finally, the troublemaker freed himself from Lan Wangji's grasp and blocked his path.
"Wei Wuxian."
Lan Wangji spoke in a firm voice, making Wei Wuxian pout.
"My Lan Zhan is mad at me..."
Wei Wuxian mumbled while looking at the ground, his usual playful demeanor replaced by something softer. Lan Wangji's gaze softened as he reached out, gently grasping Wei Wuxian's chin with his long fingers, lifting his face. When their eyes met, he noticed the faint mist of tears in Wei Wuxian's light gray eyes.
His heart clenched. Any scolding he had planned instantly disappeared.
"Why are you so stubborn, my Wei Ying?"
Lan Wangji's voice held a rare trace of concern. Wei Wuxian didn't answer. Instead, he threw himself into Lan Wangji's broad chest, burying his face there.
"I didn't want you to get hurt. That's why I brought you to the Hanshi. But you never stay put, my love."
Wei Wuxian shivered slightly under Lan Wangji's touch as he ran his fingers gently over the scars on his back—old wounds, painful memories. Lan Wangji let out a quiet sigh before lifting Wei Wuxian into his arms. Wei Wuxian's hands instinctively wrapped around Lan Wangji's neck.
Carefully placing Wei Wuxian on the bed, Lan Wangji turned to leave, but Wei Wuxian grasped his wrist. When Lan Wangji sat down beside him again, Wei Wuxian snuggled closer.
"What is it, my Wei Ying?"
Lan Wangji asked softly.
"This..."
Wei Wuxian grinned mischievously as he flipped Lan Wangji onto the bed and placed a hand on his lower body. A faint blush colored Lan Wangji's ears.
"Not tonight, Wei Ying. You are unwell. You need to rest."
Lan Wangji's tone was firm, but Wei Wuxian's face fell. His lips trembled as he suddenly blurted out:
"Is it true, Lan Zhan? Do you not want me anymore? Am I really that much of a burden? Am I... ugly now? I— I..."
Wei Wuxian's voice cracked as tears spilled down his cheeks. Lan Wangji was momentarily stunned.
Who… Who had planted such awful thoughts in his Wei Ying's mind?
Without hesitation, Lan Wangji captured Wei Wuxian's lips in a deep, searing kiss—one that spoke of all the love and devotion he had held in his heart for years. He only released him when Wei Wuxian was breathless, gasping for air.
Pressing his forehead against Wei Wuxian's, Lan Wangji whispered:
"Who filled your head with such foolish thoughts?"
"But isn't it true?"
"What?"
"That you don't need me anymore. That I'm not as beautiful as before. That I've ruined your future, Lan Zhan. I can't even give you what a woman could—"
Wei Wuxian couldn't finish his sentence as Lan Wangji silenced him with another desperate kiss.
"Have you truly underestimated my love for you this much, Wei Ying?"
Lan Wangji's voice shook with emotion.
"For sixteen years, I searched for you. I combed through cities, night after night, summoning the spirits of the dead, hoping for a single whisper of your name. I kept every single thing of yours, believing you would return. I endured countless punishments, countless trials, just for the hope of seeing you again. I raised A-Yuan like my own son—because he was the last piece of you I had left. I have suffered, bled, and waited for you, and you think I would ever stop loving you?"
Wei Wuxian's breath hitched as fresh tears fell. Lan Wangji gently wiped them away, pressing a lingering kiss to his forehead.
"Forgive me, my love."
"No, Lan Zhan… It's my fault. I hurt you."
"Hush… Let's not talk about it anymore. Hm? Right now, I just want to take care of my Wei Ying."
Lan Wangji hushed him softly before leaning in, capturing his lips once more. Wei Wuxian melted into the kiss, his hands gripping Lan Wangji's robes.
That night, the usually silent Jingshi was filled with soft whispers, quiet sighs, and tender murmurs of love.
—
Three hours later, hurried footsteps approached the Jingshi. A young man with delicate features, dressed in white, stopped in front of the door. He hesitated before knocking gently.
"Father."
"Enter, Sizhui."
Hearing permission, Lan Sizhui stepped inside. Lan Wangji was sitting up in bed, his back against the headboard, while Wei Wuxian slept peacefully with his head resting on Lan Wangji's lap.
"What is it, Sizhui?"
"Ah... Father, Sect Leader Yúnmén has arrived. He... he seems to be asking for something in return. Master Qiren, Uncle Xichen, and Sect Leader Jiang have spoken with him for an hour already. They are asking for you."
Lan Wangji hummed in acknowledgment, his fingers continuing to thread through Wei Wuxian's hair.
"Why do you look so troubled, Sizhui?"
Lan Sizhui hesitated for a moment before looking up, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Father... I'm scared."
A rare smile tugged at the corner of Lan Wangji's lips.
"Come here."
At his father's command, Sizhui sat beside him and rested his head against Lan Wangji's chest. Lan Wangji gently stroked his hair.
"What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid, Father... That Sect Leader Yúnmén has come for Mother."
"Do not be afraid, Sizhui. As long as I am here, no one can take anything from you."
Sizhui nodded, clinging to his father's warmth. Lan Wangji pressed a kiss to the top of his head before carefully shifting Wei Wuxian, making sure he remained comfortable.
"Stay with your mother while I attend to this matter. Try to get him to eat something. I will bring Jiang Cheng back with me."
"Yes, Father."
As Lan Wangji left with Bichen at his side, Sizhui settled next to Wei Wuxian, opening a book while gently running his fingers through his mother's hair.
The night was far from over.
____________________________
Wanji stood in the main hall, his grip on Bichen firm, the tension in his stance making his anger evident.
"I made myself clear, Jiang Cheng. Wei Ying is not leaving."
"He belongs to my sect, Lan Wangji."
"That was in the past."
"And what right do you have to keep him?"
"Jiang Cheng.!"
"Enough, Wanji."
As Wanji reached for his sword, Lan Xichen intervened, stopping him. His piercing gaze met Jiang Cheng's equally fierce one.
"Leader Jiang, please take a moment to calm yourself. We will discuss this and inform you of our decision."
At Xichen's words, Jiang Cheng turned away, his expression clouded with complex emotions—anger, resentment, sorrow, loneliness.
"Mmm…"
Jiang Cheng looked away, his fists clenched. Xichen left the hall, and Wanji followed closely behind.
---
By the cold spring, they stood in silence.
"You will have to send Wei Wuxian back to Yunmeng."
"But, Brother—"
"You have no rightful claim over him, Wanji. He belongs to Yunmeng. And besides…"
"Brother."
"The sect leader is alone, Wanji. He's asking for Wei Wuxian… because he has no one left."
"I still won't let him go."
"Then there is only one way, Wanji."
"Brother?"
"You must marry Wei Wuxian. Legally. Bring him to Gusu not as a guest but as family. Can you do that?"
"For Wei Ying, I will do anything."
"Society will disgrace you for this."
"I lost him once, Brother. I will not lose him again."
"Mmm…"
Wanjie turned to leave but paused.
"Brother."
"Wanji?"
"Is there no room in your heart for anyone else?"
"...No, Wanjie. After everything that happened, I don't think so."
"But he waits for you."
"Ah…"
"The one who watches from afar, who lost everyone—his mother, father, sister, his first love, his closest friend. He's still watching, even now."
"Wanji."
"If you can… give him a chance."
As Wanji walked away, Xichen finally lifted his gaze from the water's reflection. Between the trees, a faint glimpse of violet robes disappeared into the distance.
---
Wuxian stirred, eyes fluttering open. The room was quiet. He slowly sat up, only to find Sishui asleep beside him, a book resting on his lap, his head tilted at an awkward angle.
A small smile touched Wuxian's lips. Gently, he pulled the boy close, cradling him against his chest.
Like a small child seeking his mother's warmth, Sizhui curled up even further, making Wuxian chuckle softly. He ran his fingers through the boy's hair absentmindedly—until he suddenly felt a familiar presence.
"Lan Zhan."
"Mmm…"
"When did you come back?"
"A little while ago."
Their voices were quiet, careful not to wake Sizhui.
Wanjie moved closer, wrapping an arm around Wuxian and the sleeping Sizhui, pulling them both against him. Sizhui's breathing changed slightly, and a moment later, his eyes opened.
He found himself looking up at his father and mother—Wanjie's firm yet gentle gaze, Wuxian's teasing smile.
Yes… Wuxian was his mother. It didn't matter that he was a man. No one else could love and care for him the way Wuxian did. The first time he had called him "Mother," Wuxian had cried for hours out of sheer joy, leaving even Wanjie momentarily speechless. No one had objected. Family was bound not only by blood but by love.
Realizing he had been caught in such a vulnerable position, Sizhui quickly tried to pull away, only to be held firmly in place by two strong arms.
"Is this how you were supposed to take care of your mother, A-Yuan?"
Wanjie's stern voice made Sizhui lower his head in embarrassment, but before he could apologize, Wuxian playfully smacked Wanji's shoulder.
"Don't blame him, Lan Zhan. You're the ones giving him exercises that keep him awake."
"No, no, Mother. It's my fault. I should have been more careful."
At Sizhui's words, Wuxian rolled his eyes. This father-son bond was something he'd never fully understand, but it was undeniably strong.
With a knowing smirk, Wanji gently patted Sizhui's head.
"But your mother is right, my child. You've been working too hard these days. You need to rest too."
As the conversation continued, none of the three realized that someone else was listening. He wiped away the tears in his eyes and left quietly, hearing someone approaching Hanshi.
"Jin Ling. I told you once that you can't go to Hanshi."
"I don't need advice from you, Lan Jingyi."
"But..."
"I'm going to see Sizhui. What's wrong with that-that-that...?"
Jin Ling asked as he opened the door to Hanshi and went inside, but he froze when he saw who was there. Jingyi, who had been chasing after Jin Ling, stopped and hit Jin Ling on the back.
"Lan Gongzi has come to Hanshi. He must be here."
"Couldn't you have told me that a moment ago?"
Jin Ling asked, gritting his teeth, as Jingyi peeked over Jin Ling's shoulder.
'Oh my goodness, we're both finished today.'
Wanji was staring at them sharply, Wuxian was hanging onto his arm and smiling, and Sizhui was looking at the scene, unsure whether to laugh or cry for his friends. It was truly a unique family.
"La-la-Lan Gongzi, we-we'll come back later."
Jingyi said, pulling Jin Ling away, but Wanji's voice stopped them.
"Stop."
Wanji said, and Jingyi and Jin Ling slowly turned back. Wanji gently leaned Wuxian against Sizhui's arm and went back inside, while Wuxian smiled and called them in.
"Come on, both of you."
Jingyi came in with a big smile, and Jin Ling followed, grumbling. Wuxian tried to walk to the table, but he hadn't eaten properly for days and almost fell.
"Mother."
"Wei Gongzi."
Sizhui quickly caught him on one side, and Jingyi caught him on the other, gently helping Wuxian to a seat at the table.
"What did you call him?"
Everyone's attention turned to Jin Ling, who was looking at them in shock. Jin Ling's eyes were fixed on Sizhui.
"What is it, Jin Ling?"
Sizhui asked calmly, and Jin Ling burst out angrily.
"What did you call him?"
"Mother."
"He's a man, Sizhui. How can you call him Mother?"
"You don't need to be angry, Jin Ling."
"Are you crazy?"
"To be a mother or a father, you don't need to be a woman or a man. You just need love. I accept that my parents are the same gender. But it's not a problem for me. My parents are the best parents in the world. Their love is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I'm sorry, Jin Ling, but compared to the actions of your grandfather and your uncle, my parents are pure."
Sizhui said calmly, and Jin Ling was speechless. Wuxian's eyes filled with tears, and he hugged Sizhui tightly. Jingyi was also moved. Wanji, who had been listening without them noticing, wiped away a tear and came forward, acting as if nothing had happened.
"Eat."
Wanjie said, placing bowls of vegetable soup on the table. All the bowls were made in the usual Gusu style, except for one, which was bright red, indicating it was very spicy. Wanjie took the spicy bowl for Wuxian, but Wuxian didn't seem to want to drink his.
"Lan Zhan."
"Mmm..."
"Give me a little of that one."
"Wei Ying."
"Mother."
"Wei Gongzi."
"What?"
Jingyi's mouth was wide open, and Sizhui's eyes were wide. Jin Ling was also staring at Wuxian in disbelief. Wanji was also frozen, staring at him.
"What is it?"
"Are you sure, my love? It isn't spicy."
"Do-do you mean you won't give me some of your soup, Wanji?"
Wuxian suddenly asked, his eyes filling with tears. Wanji panicked and put down his bowl, giving Wuxian some of his own soup. Wuxian drank it like a child.
The other three were still staring, but Wanji's face made them turn back to their own soup.
The library area of the Gusu Lan Sect is a quiet and peaceful place. Jiang Cheng was leaning against a large banyan tree near the library, looking at the distant mountains.
"Sect Leader Jiang."
He was so lost in thought that he wouldn't have noticed Lan Xichen, who had been watching him, if he hadn't spoken.
"Se-Sect Leader Zewu."
"No need for formalities. Just call me Xichen."
"Mmm..."
"Sect Leader, are you sure about your decision?"
"What decision?"
"About taking Wei Gongzi back to Yunmeng."
"Is there a problem with that, Xichen-ge?"
"You've seen how strong their bond is."
"I-I..."
"Hmm... I've seen it. They're inseparable. Don't take away their happiness, A-Cheng."
Jiang Cheng's eyes met Zewu Jun's. As always, Xichen was looking at him with a gentle smile.
"A-Cheng."
"Xichen-ge."
"Give me some time. I'm still finding it hard to accept these things. I promise I'll come to you."
"Xi-Xichen-ge."
"When that day comes, write down what's in your heart for me."
Xichen whispered, pressing his lips to Cheng's forehead.
------------------------------
"A-Cheng? Oh, Lan Zhan, I can't. I can't go to Yunmeng."
"Calm down, Wei Ying."
"Oh, Wanji."
"I won't let anyone take you away from me."
Wuxian was in Wanji's arms. Wanji gently stroked Wuxian's head.
They were on the way to the main hall. After Wuxian told Wanji that Jiang Cheng had come to Gusu, Wuxian wouldn't leave Wanji's side for a moment.
But then something unexpected happened.
"Cough... cough... Lan Cha- cough..."
"Wei Ying."
"Wei Gongzi."
"Wei Wuxian."
Wuxian suddenly collapsed, blood dripping from his nose. Xichen and Jiang Cheng quickly ran over. Wanji picked up Wuxian and carried him back to Hanshi, with the other two following.
"He's been unwell for days."
"I'll take a look. Get the guqin."
After gently placing Wuxian on the bed, Xichen began to examine him, while Wanji played the guqin to calm his spirit. Sizhui wiped Wuxian's face with a damp cloth as Wuxian slowly regained consciousness.
Xichen examined Wuxian several times, looking concerned.
"Everyone, please go outside for a moment. I need to talk to Wei Gongzi alone."
Everyone slowly went outside, except for Wanji, who stayed where he was.
"Wanji, I was talking to you too."
"But, Xichen-ge..."
"It's okay, Lan Zhan. I'm fine. Please wait outside for a moment."
Wuxian said in a dry voice, and Wanji glanced at him and left.
Half an hour later, Xichen came out, and everyone gathered around him.
"Xichen-ge, how is he?"
Wanji asked, and Xichen smiled gently.
"He's fine, Wanji. He fainted because he hasn't been eating properly. His spirit hasn't fully adapted to Mo Xuanyu's body yet. He's weak because he doesn't have a golden core. Play the guqin for him for half an incense stick every day. Give him any nutritious food he wants. But he must stop drinking alcohol completely. I've given him the rest of the instructions."
"Thank you, Xichen-ge."
"Mmm... Congratulations, Wanji."
"Xichen-ge?"
Wanji looked at Xichen questioningly, and Xichen smiled
.
"Go inside, Wanji. He's waiting for you."
Xichen said, and Wanji went inside.
"Child, go to your rooms with Jingyi. Go see your mother tomorrow. Let them be alone for now. You too, come, Sect Leader Jiang. It's almost night."
As Xichen dismissed everyone from Hanshi, Wanji and Wuxian were left alone.
"Love, how are you now?"
"I'm fine, Lan Zhan. Don't worry."
"What did Brother say?"
"Just what he told you, Wanji."
Wuxian said, hugging Wanji tighter. Suddenly, Wuxian lifted his head and kissed Wanji's lips. Though Wanji was momentarily shocked, he returned the kiss with equal passion.
Finally, when Wanji released Wuxian's lips, they were glowing red.
"Lan Zhan, let's go to the cold spring."
"It's too late now, Wei Ying. Let's go tomorrow."
"I want to go now, Wanji."
"You're unwell, Wei Ying."
"Lan Cha-chan..."
"Shhh... Let's go."
Faced with Wuxian's tearful eyes, Wanji surrendered once more.
-----------------------------
The headband that had once accidentally remove from Wanji's forehead was now only allowed to be removed by Wuxian.
Wuxian carefully placed the removed headband on the clothes and then removed all his own clothes, entering the water.
Moving through the water, Wuxian embraced Wanji from behind.
"Come forward, Wei Ying."
"I have something to tell you, Lan Zhan."
"Mmm... Tell me."
"I don't know how you'll take this, Lan Zhan. But I need to tell you."
"Tell me without worrying, treasure."
"I-I-I'm pregnant, Lan Zhan."
"Wei Ying!"
Wanji loosened Wuxian's arms and turned to face him instantly. Wuxian's eyes were lowered.
"What did you say, Wei Ying?"
"Your child is growing inside me, Lan Zhan,"
Wuxian said, placing Wanji's hand on his slightly swollen stomach.
"B-but how? You're a man...?"
"I don't know. But Brother Xichen confirmed that there's someone else here."
Wuxian's voice was already breaking. Wanji's silent response pierced his heart. Suddenly, his eyes widened as Wanji knelt in the water.
Gently stroking the stomach, he looked into Wuxian's eyes, causing Wuxian to tremble. Tears streamed down Wanji's face.
"Is he really here?"
Wanji asked in a trembling voice, and Wuxian nodded, tears falling from his own eyes.
When Wanji's cold lips touched his stomach, Wuxian covered his mouth with his hand to suppress a sob.
Then, Wanji embraced Wuxian, kissing him repeatedly, overwhelmed with joy.
"My Wei Ying. Thank you. Thank you for giving me such joyful news, such a grand gift. Thank you for lighting up my life, my treasure."
"Thank you too, my Lan Zhan. Thank you for always being behind me, giving me strength. For protecting me, for sacrificing for me , my Lan Zhan."