Chapter Text
Their morning carried through with a calm easiness to it, although the black curtains in Lotus Pier had been pulled away the Jiang disciples still avoiding the areas where they once hung, as if still uncertain about where they could and couldn’t go. It wasn’t until the afternoon was closer to evening then morning when Jiang Wanyin and Lan Xichen had finally left the sect leader bedroom and made their way into the office to make a start on their wedding plans
Jiang Wanyin hadn't realized how much work really went into planning a wedding. As they sat down Lan Xichen had shown him a list he’d prepared, of all things that would need to be organised, and when asked by his betrothed how he knew all this information Lan Xichen didn’t answer.
With so many details -both small and large- to consider it didn’t take long for the Jiang sect leader to become overwhelmed by it all. He tried to call back to his sister’s wedding, had hers involved all of this planning? Probably more he supposed, after all it was the Jin clan she had married into. Jiang Wanyin was just thankful the Lan sect was not a clan interested in large parties.
Or so he’d thought.
“This is too much,” he frowned after he’d finally finished reading Lan Xichen’s list. “Really Lan Huan, don’t you think this is too much?”
“It’s a lot, yes. But it’s a wedding, aren’t weddings supposed to be grand?”
“You spoke to sect leader Jin about all this didn’t you?”
“If A-Cheng really wishes we can remove some of the celebrations.” Lan Xichen offered, once again avoiding the question of how he got this information.
“We’re removing all of them. It’s just a wedding, why would we need all this?” Jiang Wanyin’s frustrations were growing, big groups of people were still an unwelcome thought to him, and the fear that something would go wrong and he would once again expose his dark secret was strong. “We don’t need these parties, or this many people!”
Lan Xichen sighed, he could understand what Jiang Wanyin was saying, even he had some reservations about it all, but when he’d spoken to Jin Guangyao about it all, his friend had seemed insistent
“But this is how it’s all done,” Lan Xichen replied softly, yet unsure.
“That doesn’t mean we have to do it. You wouldn’t be here right now if you did everything how they were supposed to be done,” Jiang Wanyin reasoned. “We can do it another way. Our way.”
Our way. They were only two words but they were enough to spark confidence in both men, it was a shared moment of clarity between them, whatever happened from now, they were going to be together and nothing felt more important than that. With a new drive Lan Xichen and Jiang Wanyin looked over the list once again, discussing each thing with a new view of it all, by the end of the discussion the list had almost been halved and Jiang Wanyin felt the heavy weight of his fears lifted greatly.
From there on the rest of the planning was handled by Lan Xichen. Jiang Wanyin still had his sect to run and now wanted to work harder then before to regain the Jiang sect's strength and reputation, no longer just for him and his disciples but for Lan Xichen as well. He wanted his betrothed to share the pride and love he felt for his sect
Because the two both had much on their plate, wanting to work their hardest for each other the husbands-to-be barely shared any time together. There were even some days when the only time Jiang Wanyin would see Lan Xichen was when the man was already fast asleep.
His bedroom had turned into their bedroom with Lan Xichen slowly taking over his usually empty table with a mixture of books of the Jiang sects history and customs as well as various items to do with their wedding, from fabric offcuts to tea sets.
“I thought we agreed, we’re not having a large celebration,” Jiang Wanyin had stated early on in Lan Xichen’s preparations. If he was completely honest - which he often was - Jiang Wanyin was more than happy with a ceremony of just the two of them, afterall it was their wedding wasn’t it? He couldn’t understand why every single person in the world had to be invited.
“I know A-Cheng, but my heart, I was discussing it with Jiang Fan and well, a wedding such as ours doesn’t have much of a choice,” Lan Xichen had attempted to reason, “Look at who we are, a sect leader who no one has seen for the last three years marrying a man who was also once a sect leader but chose a new path for himself. You know how people talk, if we don’t show them ourselves openly who knows what sort of things they will say.”
“Who cares what they have to say.” Jiang Cheng muttered.
“My love, come here,” Lan Xichen beckoned to his betrothed, silently Jiang Wanyin obeyed, placing himself into Lan Xichen’s arms. The elder pressed his lips against the other’s forehead softly before meeting his eyes. “It’s normal to be anxious about weddings, I’m nervous about it too. However, I have something that keeps me grounded,”
“What do you have?”
“You.” Lan Xichen smiled softly
Jiang Wanyin rolled his eyes, but there was no mistaking the smile sneaking past his lips, betraying him. “You’re an idiot.”
“I believe the term is fool in love,”
“Get back to your planning. You’ve got a large celebration to plan now,” Jiang Wanyin mumbled pulling away, but before he could get too far Lan Xichen drew him back in, tightening his arms around his lover.
“Soon, stay with me a moment. It’s rare I get to hold you these days,”
Jiang Wanyin couldn’t deny that, and he’d missed Lan Xichen’s touch so he relaxed himself into the other’s arms and closed his eyes. Both silently agreeing the work they had could wait until another day.
A few weeks had moved into a few months and their wedding day had finally approached, everything had been prepared exactly as Lan Xichen had arranged and all of Yunmeng was buzzing as the wedding excitement swept over everyone. For not only was this a highly talked about wedding but finally after years excluded. Lotus Pier was no longer locked away from them
Almost everyone who had received an invitation to the wedding had arrived at Yunmeng early, all were eager to not only see Lotus Pier and the hidden sect leader, but also the new couple with their own eyes. So many had questioned if it were all real, there were few who even refused to show up, believing that it was all a hoax put on by someone else, after all there had been so much talk and rumours of Jiang Wanyin and Lan Xichen most had believed the wedding was also just another made up story, and the invitations were just a trick being played on them.
Lotus Pier was bustling with people as soon as the gates were opened. Cultivators from all over entered the Jiang sect home, their eyes wide with surprise as they eagerly looked around, studying their surroundings. The elder cultivators who had visited Yunmeng often in their youth murmured in amazement at how it felt like nothing had changed, the buildings looked untouched and the Jiang disciples acted no different to those of their past. The elders spoke of Jiang Wanyin, impressed by the young man’s accomplishments while those who weren't as familiar with the sect still nodded in agreement, acting as if they two knew all along what their elders would say.
Jiang Wanyin was beginning to feel nervous, more than nervous he was utterly terrified, he knew a big ceremony would be an awful idea, but all those around him had insisted, months had passed since he and Lan Xichen had become betrothed and he found himself rarely slipping back to his horrible reptilian form, and even when he did the changes were only minor, few scales etched on his hands and cheekbones, he found that now that was something he could manage.
But rare or not Jianh Wanyin knew that it didn't mean the cursed form was gone and nothing could stop it from returning and destroying everything he and Lan Xichen had worked so hard to build. He didn't tell Lan Xichen of his worries, nor did he tell Jiang Shao or Jiang Fan, he knew they would just tell him to just relax, that everything would be okay and he was overthinking it all, but that wouldn't change anything. They had no clue what would happen and neither did he, even if they refused to see it Jiang Wanyin knew that was the truth.
Whether Jiang Wanyin spoke or not, Lan Xichen could still tell that his betrothed was nervous. He wished that he could do something, anything to prove to Jiang Wanyin that there was no need for all the worry. That even if the worst was to happen Lan Xichen would still love him with all of his heart, that after all they had endured not only together but on their own the worst of it was over now, and today would officially mark the start of the rest of their lives together.
When the day of the ceremonies had come both had wished they could have the other in their arms, but the morning was full of racing around and so many small tasks that the first time they saw each other was dressed in their traditional wedding robes at the ceremony.
But for now there was no chance to talk. All the guests gathered as the wedding ceremonies commenced, all the couple could do was exchange small smiles to one another as they performed their wedding tasks with great care and detail. For Lan Xichen it was easy to forget the onlookers, his mind solely focused on what was at hand, and of Jiang Wanyin, who seemed unable to lose focus on the crowd around them, his eyes flicking between them and Lan Xichen
From across the small table between them Lan Xichen looked so calm to Jiang Wanyin, he wore his robes as if they were no different then his everyday ones, his movements were steady as he leaned down to pick up the small teacup, slowly lifting it to his lips, just like Jiang Wanyin was doing himself. A soft smile graced Lan Xichen’s face as he made eye contact with the man who would soon officially be his husband, his heart swelled with joy as he looked into Jiang Wanyin’s ~ eyes
Following their wedding was the one single party Jiang Wanyin had allowed. All through their planning he had been so determined to hate the party, complaining about it any time it had been mentioned, yet now they were standing together husband with husband, Jiang Wanyin couldn’t find it within him to care. Lan Xichen was beside him, would always be beside him and he felt a happiness that burst through him like a whirlwind, the emotions within him so powerful and strong he could barely contain it.
All the guests who caught site of the two men hurried over to wish the new couple well, Jiang Wanyin soon found himself forgetting his worries being completely swept away in the joy of the day, never had he imagined anything like this for himself
With so much going on it wasn't hard for the two newly Weds to lose sight of each other. Constant crowds had swarmed the great Sandu Shengshou as people anxiously tried to get there time in with the man who had become so mysterious to them. All were hoping to discover how Jiang Wanyin had managed to capture the heart of the cultivation worlds most sought after bachelor despite disappearing from the world.
Lan Xichen had spent the better part of an hour looking for his husband, what had first been a simple wish to be at his husband's side was growing into urgency. When he'd last seen Jiang Wanyin he'd been circled by a handful of people Lan Xichen could just recognize, and while he could see his husband looked somewhat uncomfortsble with the attention he also could tell that it wasn't entirely unwelcome
But that all passed a while ago now, and since then Lan Xichen had done circles around Lotus Pier, nodding with a polite smile to the well-wishers who passed him. even so his smile was beginning to falter and once he had caught sight of Jiang Shao he hurried over to the second in command.
"Jiang Furen,"
hen he heard shouting coming from nearby.
Sure enough he found Jiang Wanyin scolding Jin Ling along with some children he had never seen.
“A-Cheng!”
Jiang Wanyin was still frowning as he turned to see Lan Xichen standing there, in his neat red robes. This was the man who was now his husband, who had saved him and loved him and even left his sect behind just to be with him. Looking at Lan Xichen was almost enough to melt the anger within him, almost.
Without warning Lan Xichen started laughing, a warm honeyed laugh. Jiang Wanyin’s brows furrowed with confusion, as far as he knew there was no reason for Lan Xichen to be looking at him so happily, especially after Jin Ling had almost pulled apart their wedding tent.
“A-Huan. What are you laughing at? Don’t you realise this brat almost tore this while thing apart!”
“My heart, that doesn’t matter, we’re already wed. Come here” Lan Xichen’s outstretched palm waited for him, Jiang “What do you see?”
“It’s us.” Jiang Wanyin frowned, not catching on to what Lan Xichen meant. He looked once again into the mirror, at Lan Xichen first, his warm and smiling husband. He took the time to admire how everything he wore complimented him so perfectly, the thin embroidered clouds woven into the fabric brought out his refined elegance even further.
Then he looked back to himself. Red wasn’t as nice a colour on him, especially now with his deepend frown lies and face slightly red from when he had shouted at Jin Ling, looking at himself now he felt almost ashamed at being so angry on his wedding day. Finally it clicked. “Oh. It’s us, it’s me.”
“It’s you,” Lan Xichen nodded, snaking his arms around Jiang Wanyin’s waist and leaning in to press a soft kiss against Jiang Wanyin’s cheek. “It’s my very grouchy husband. No scales, no fangs no claws. Just you.”
“You think I’m very grouchy?”
“Well I did just walk in to see you shouting at a four year old.”
“He could have gotten himself hurt.” Jiang Wanyin mumbled. He looked up and down at his own figure, studying his face, where instead of what he usually saw were now frown lines, he could see the faintest hint of his mother’s face in them. “What do you think fixed it?”
“Maybe it was our marriage?”
“Don’t be so soft Lan Xichen,” Jiang Wanyin blushed, he took a step to move out of his husband’s arms but was pulled back immediately, and the hold around his waist was tightened.
“Why not? It’s our wedding day, and your curse has lifted. Wouldn’t you agree that it’s the perfect day for my sentiments?” Lips were pressed gently to his cheek. Jiang Wanyin squirmed in the arms that held him as his face was assaulted with small pecks, each one he felt the gentle smile of his husband.
“Pardon me sect leader.” A voice by the doorway was heard, Jiang Wanyin jumped out of his husband’s arms, creating what he deemed a respectable distance between them. Only to have said husband step in and close the gap immediately afterwards.
“What is it?” He snapped at the disciple who let himself in upon hearing his sect leader’s question.
“Well. It’s someone who wants to speak with you sect leader, he’s just outside.”
“Alright send him in.” Jiang Wanyin nodded. The disciple bowed and left quickly, soon after another figure stepped into the room, one Jiang Wanyin recognised immediately. The all black robes and hair swept in a high ponytail, he smirked as he entered in, a small sway to his steps that exuded confidence. “You!”
“Hello again sect leader Jiang.” The rogue cultivator grinned, Jiang Wanyin’s teeth gritted, his blood boiling with each step closer to the other man took. “No need to look like that sect leader. This is your wedding day isn’t it? I had thought that after finding love you would have gotten a better grip on that temper of yours. Looks like there’s still more work for you to do their Lan Xichen. Lans are known for their patience right? I hope so.”
“What do you want?”
“Well I was coming to share your wedding gift.” The cultivator answered, his eyes focusing on the mirror. “Although it seems you’ve already discovered it”
“You knew what it was all along. Why not tell him earlier.” Lan Xichen frowned
“But why would I do that? You might not know this Zewu Jun but your dear husband here was close to having me killed and while I’m being honest I must say I never imagined the great Sandu Shengshou would have actually found love.”
"Found love?" Jiang Wanting repeated, "you mean this is what all this was about?"
“Well yes. I told you didn’t I? That night I said _____, see you knew the solution all along sect leader Jiang” The cultivator smirked. “you haven't gotten smarter now have you. Well now I've said my piece, I give my blessings to your lives together. May your future be a happy one. So long,"
The cultivator turned and stepped out into the crowed seemingly disappearing immediately
“Leave him,” Jiang Wanyin said, grabbing a hold of Lan Xichen’s hand before he could begin to chase the rogue cultivator. “It doesn’t matter anymore”
“A-Cheng? Are you really sure?”
“Yes. Someone once told me there was no use looking back at the past. I think it's time I follow what he said."
Lan Xichen felt his smile grow as pride swelled in his chest, he looked at the man he now got to call his husband, admiring how much Jiang Wanyin had changed since he had stumbled upon him on that day that now felt like a distant memory. His appearance was dark and twisted but paled in comparison to the state of the mans mind. Now none of that lingered. No longer was Jiang Wanyin held back by his past or his own insecurities, even if he himself didn’t notice Lan Xichen saw it. He saw it in everything his husband did.
“Jiang Cheng?”
“What is it?”
“I love you,”