Chapter Text
Lan Wangji’s eyes had shone in astonishment since meeting Wei Ying again. As he moved to the docks at sunset, the look on his face hadn’t faded in the slightest, and Lan Wangji knew his brother could tell, as a frown marred his normally smiling face.
“Wangji?” Lan Xichen said. “What happened.”
“I found him again.” Lan Wangji simply answered. There was no need to say which him it was. There could only be one person who could put the light back in his eyes.
“You found your Wei Ying?” Lan Xichen’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
“I found Wei Ying again.” Lan Wangji smiled slightly. “I have finally found him...after centuries of waiting, I found him again.”
“Was he a townsfolk?”
Lan Wangji stayed silent, glancing away.
Lan Xichen stepped towards his line of vision, frowning again. “Wangji.”
“He is...a cultivator.”
“A cultivator?! Wangji, you know that he—”
“You don’t know that.” Lan Wangji looked at Lan Xichen. “You don’t know if he will—”
“Wangji, I can tolerate you looking for him, but not if it puts your life in danger!” Lan Xichen snapped. “If he finds out what you are, do you think that he will accept you?”
“I need to try. I need to try.” Lan Wangji pleaded. “Please, brother, if anything happens, I will stay away, but I have to try.”
“This is a foolish endeavour.” Lan Xichen hissed. “But I cannot stop you. Do what you will, but do not endanger yourself, you understand?”
“Yes, brother.”
Lan Wangji agonized by how to interact with Wei Wuxian, as he wandered the outskirts of Lotus Pier. He needed to speak with him, needed to know if he was anything like his previous incarnation.
Wondered if this was the same kind heart he had fallen in love with, all those years ago, on the shores of a snow-buried West Lake.
It seemed fate was kind to him, and destined for them to meet, as Wei Wuxian barrelled down the streets of Lotus Pier towards the docks where he was standing, as if the demons of the underworld had come after him. In close pursuit of him was a dog, large and white, as Wei Wuxian screamed as he charged away from the dog. The scenery would have been comical, had Lan Wangji not been busy anticipating his arrival with more hope in his heart than ever.
“Please, help me!” Wei Wuxian whimpered, as he dove behind Lan Wangji, eyes shut, and suddenly gripped his waist with vigour, as if clinging for his life. Lan Wangji’s breath left him—both from the hold and the fact Wei Wuxian’s arms were around him—but glared resolutely at the dog, as it whimpered and scurried away with its tail between its legs.
Lan Wangji, growing aware of the man still clutching at his waist, basked at first in the warmth, but then laid his own hand atop of Wei Wuxian’s. “Are you alright?” He asked softly.
“Is it gone?” Wei Wuxian continued to whimper.
“The dog has ran off.”
Only then, did Wei Wuxian loosen his grip, and peak at him from beneath his bangs as Lan Wangji turned his head to meet his eyes. As if embarrassed, he quickly relinquished his hold, as Lan Wangji mourned for the loss of contact.
“I-I’m so sorry!” He bowed quickly, glancing at his shoes. “I’m sorry to have grabbed you so suddenly—”
Lan Wangji laid a hand on his shoulder, and eased him up. “No need for apologies.”
“Oh, you sure are a nice young master!” Wei Wuxian grinned. The expression was still the same, still brighter than the sun. “What’s your name? Oh wait, I should introduce myself! My name is Wei Ying, courtesy name Wuxian, of the Yunmeng Jiang clan! What cultivation sect are you from?”
Lan Wangji nearly smiled at the many topics his mouth had raced through. “My name is Lan Zhan, courtesy name Wangji...I am from no cultivation sect.”
“Oh, a rogue cultivator, is it? So young master Lan—”
“Lan Zhan.”
“Eh?”
“You can call me Lan Zhan.” Lan Wangji stated. He knew that calling people by their given names were intimate to humans, but that was exactly what he wanted.
“Alright, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian grinned, thinking nothing of it. “Would you like it if I showed you Lotus Pier, in repayment for squeezing you to death.”
“I would like that.” Lan Wangji smiled, and noted in delight Wei Wuxian’s dazzled smile in return.
Yes, they were off to a great start.
Days later, Lan Wangji found Wei Wuxian at the edge of the pier, dangling his bare feet into the water, sighing as he looked towards the sunset. His shoulders were slumped, posture caved in, more akin to a withered flower than the proud lotus that bloomed in the waters. Something was wrong. Anyone could see. Wei Wuxian displayed all of his emotions, painting them across his body like the red clouds smeared across the sunset.
“Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji called out, in a quiet voice. Since he had been dragged around Lotus Pier, they had talked a few times, and Wei Wuxian had rejected being called anything by his birth name.
“Lan Zhan?” Wei Ying smiled sweetly, yet his eyes still held sorrow, as he turned around. “Why don’t you sit with me?”
“Mm.” Lan Wangji sat down, legs folded underneath him, beside where Wei Ying was. “What is bothering Wei Ying?”
“Nothing, nothing.” He waved his hands. “Just a little disagreement. Back home.”
“Is it your brother?” Lan Wangji asked. He had met Jiang Wanyin, the heir to Lotus Pier. He was a handsome young man as well, however, the permanent scowl on his face could only distract from his good looks. He had done nothing aggressive to Lan Wangji as Wei Ying introduced them, and was polite as expected from a sect heir. There was an annoyance Lan Wangji sensed, towards Wei Ying, but he did not know why.
“It’s not Jiang Cheng.” Wei Wuxian shook his head. “It was his mother.”
“Madam...Jiang?”
“Madam Yu, but close enough.” Wei Wuxian propped his head on his hands as he slumped forward on them. “If I were to go home right now, I would definitely be scolded. I mean, this would be fine if I was a child right? But I’m already twenty.”
“Why does she scold you?”
“Ugh, don’t remind me. I beat Jiang Cheng in practice again, and Sect Leader Jiang praised me but criticized Jiang Cheng, and I already got a tongue lashing. I don’t want to go back for more. I don’t think I want to get yelled at. Oh, look at me, unloading this to you, don’t mind me.”
“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji frowned as he sought his gaze. “Why?”
“Let’s just say things haven’t been stable since the Wen sect fell.” Wei Wuxian said. “The Wen sect was full of infighting and eventually it destroyed itself, and Wen Qing—a friend of mine, took over leadership, but now there’s a power imbalance. Lanling Jin sect really wants to be the next big sect like the Wen sect, and my shijie was supposed to marry into the sect, but let’s just say I ruined that engagement. Obviously, Madam Yu isn’t happy, and she wants to convince the Jin sect this is still a valuable marriage, but that means Jiang Cheng needs to be stronger, but then he could never beat me, and everyone’s angry because I don’t really seem serious about my cultivation studies. There’s been so many fights at home, I’ve been out on nighthunts most days so I have a chance to get away.”
“Alone?”
“Alone on nighthunts? Yeah.”
“Not acceptable.” Lan Wangji shook his head. “You take me with you.”
“Promise me one thing, whatever happens there, will be a secret to us, okay?” Wei Wuxian smiled.
“I promise. Just us two.”
The reports of walking corpses came from a village nearby. It was not an endangerment to living humans, but Wei Ying took every opportunity to stay away from Lotus Pier, so he went, and Lan Wangji with. The evening was cool for autumn, as the night air and lack of sun chilled the atmosphere.
There were reports of these corpses moaning at night, trying to get into the village gates, but failing, and walking away. Wei Wuxian took his sword, some provisions in case he needed to stay the night, and bizarrely, a flute, for whatever reason. Maybe to play a tune for destressing.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian waited at the edge of the gates, as the fierce corpse stumbled towards the village gates, knocking on the outside. Lan Wangji instinctively drew his sword, but Wei Wuxian motioned it back, as he picked up his flute, playing a calming song.
As if hearing, the corpse started moving towards them, and stopped a few feet away from them, dropped to its knees, and started clutching its face in an imitation of sobbing.
Wei Wuxian put his flute down, eyes impossibly gentle as it looked at the corpse in front of them. It was grotesque in appearance, probably already a week or two old in decomposition, wearing tatters of clothing. From the shape of the body, it seemed to be a man.
“Are you saying that you want to see your son one last time?” Wei Wuxian asked. “That you didn’t get to before you died on your way here?”
Lan Wangji gave a startled glance to Wei Wuxian. As a yao , he was more sensitive to spirits, but even he could not have understood what the corpse was saying. Wei Wuxian went still for a moment, breathing even, eyes closed. After a few minutes, they opened again, once again smiling.
“I understand. Wait here, alright? I’ll find your son.” Wei Wuxian said as the fierce corpse kneeled where it was, still. “Come on, Lan Zhan.”
Lan Wangji took one last glance at the fierce corpse, and followed Wei Wuxian
“That was demonic cultivation.”
Wei Wuxian nodded. “It was.”
“That is dangerous!” Lan Wangji said, walking closer. “Wei Ying, too much and that will harm the body.”
“That wasn’t a lot though.” Wei Wuxian argued. “I just needed to find out what he was saying, otherwise, this case would’ve taken longer. Now, his son got to see him one last time, and he has a proper burial. This was for the betterment of everyone.”
“This is still dangerous. If an aggressive ghost were to take control of you, what then?” Lan Wangji asked.
“Then I wouldn’t use Empathy with them.” Wei Wuxian frowned. “Lan Zhan, don’t worry, you knew that this corpse wasn’t harmful.”
Lan Wangji, in fact, did know. His senses far exceeded a human, being somewhat closer to a spirit than human cultivators, and there was only longing from the corpse. “What if you have met something that wasn’t harmless tonight?”
“Then I have you.” Wei Wuxian said simply. “You’re here.”
“Wei Ying...demonic cultivation, should not be practiced.” Lan Wangji stated. This sort of behaviour of cultivating resentful energy was also something Lan Wangji and his brother avoided, as it tainted their spiritual energy, and corrupted the mind. “Promise me, no more.”
“I can’t.” Wei Wuxian shook his head. “But I promise, nothing beyond these low-level spells and the compass of evil. Just to make our lives easier, but I won’t go further, okay?”
“Okay.” Lan Wangji pressed his lips in displeasure, but did not want to push Wei Ying further.
“You have to promise to tell no one else.” Wei Wuxian warned. “No sect would want me if they found out what I was experimenting on. Especially not Madam Yu.”
“I promise.”
“It’s funny.” Wei Wuxian suddenly smiled. “I feel like I can trust you, and you’re so familiar to me, even though I’m sure we’ve never met until two weeks ago.”
“Maybe in a past life.”
“Maybe!”
Wei Wuxian seemed amused to think of the idea that they had known each other in a past life. But Lan Wangji could not forget how they met on the shores of the West Lake, all those centuries ago, buried under snow. A crane and a young fisherman, two entities that met by chance, yet the heavens willed for them to meet. Wei Ying did not remember, but Lan Wangji did, and that was enough. He remembered.
Oh, how he remembered.
Lan Wangji remembered how Wei Ying had saved his life, and he could never forgive a life debt. So he went with Wei Wuxian on every one of his night hunts. True to his word, none of these were particularly frightening or dangerous, if anything, they were rather dull, but Wei Wuxian wanted to get away from Lotus Pier.
It hurt to see Wei Wuxian hurt. Whatever had come between the family, it was clear that Wei Wuxian loved them. From how fondly he spoke of Jiang Yanli, to the pranks he pulled off with Jiang Cheng, to the sword he received from Jiang Fengmian. Even Madam Yu, despite the differences between them, had admiration on her strength and will. Despite tensions, Lan Wangji thought that someone as bright and kind as Wei Wuxian could only have been raised in a household full of love, but he was just not sure where they lost sight of that love.
“When are you leaving?” Wei Wuxian asked, as he sprawled onto the ground. They were on a night hunt further away from Lotus Pier, and far enough from an inn that they camped in a quiet forest clearing.
“You mean Lotus Pier?” Lan Wangji said. “Brother and I are planning to spend the winter here.”
The winters were mild in Lotus Pier, but Lan Wangji was loathe to leave Wei Wuxian too soon. Lan Xichen sighed but agreed, allowing them to stay. It was approaching Mid-Autumn, and it was dangerous for Lan Wangji and his brother to linger for too long. However, at this point, they had managed to suppress their auras well enough to blend in as cultivators. Some cultivators might notice their unusual amount of spiritual energy, but Lan Wangji thanked the heavens Wei Wuxian was a bit dense.
“That means I can show you all the winter treats.” Wei Wuxian smiled. “Yunmeng doesn’t get a lot of snow, so you’re in luck!
“Mm.”
“Mid-Autumn is also really pretty here! And the lotus bloom really far into the autumn, I’m so glad you can see them with me!”
Lan Wangji smiled. “I am glad to be here with you, Wei Ying.”
“You will have to tell him one day.” Lan Xichen said privately, in the house they were staying out on the outskirts of Lotus Pier. “You cannot keep this from him forever.”
“I cannot.” Lan Wangji admitted. “But right now, as our relationship is still beginning to—”
“To what, Wangji?” Lan Xichen sighed. “He is a cultivator, a human. Even if he were to return your feelings, would he still feel the same way if he knew what you were? Wangji, we are not humans. They cannot understand us.”
“But still I…” Lan Wangji clenched his fists at his sides. “I can’t just…”
“Think of what I said.” Lan Xichen warned. “I need to buy supplies. I will be back in the afternoon. We are leaving tomorrow.”
Lan Wangji sighed. The beginnings of spring were coming back to Lotus Pier. Lotus Pier did not snow in, much like the West Lake, but grasses sprang from the shores. Plum blossoms had bloomed in a few gardens, and the Spring Festival had come and gone. The wind had become warmer, blowing from the southern lands. He knew this was coming...despite becoming closer to Wei Wuxian during these months.
Lan Wangji made his daily trek to the docks, when he barely stepped out of his home, when he saw Wei Wuxian standing in front of him, face pale and looking to the distance.
“Wei Ying?” He called.
Wei Ying said nothing, only running towards Lan Wangji, and launched himself forward, grasping Lan Wangji in a hug. “Lan Zhan.”
Lan Wangji, a bit surprised, slowly hugged Wei Ying back. “Wei Ying?”
Wei Ying lifted himself off of his chest, and looked him the eye. “When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow.”
Wei Wuxian placed his head on Lan Wangji’s shoulders. “When you leave...please take me with you.”
“Wei Ying?”
Lan Wangji felt Wei Wuxian shake, and then, tears stained the outer layer of Lan Wangji’s outer coat.
Wei Wuxian was crying.
“Please…” Wei Wuxian pleaded. “Don’t say anything for now.”
Lan Wangji said nothing, as he wrapped Wei Wuxian tighter, one hand moving to the back of his head to at comfortingly. Anyone could tell he was upset, but especially Lan Wangji, who felt wave after wave of sorrow crash into his heart.
They remained like that for a while, with Lan Wangji just rubbing on the back of Wei Wuxian’s head, his cloak getting slightly more stained with tears, until Wei Wuxian detached himself, and wiped at his red eyes.
“Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji called again.
“We...we had a fight.” Wei Wuxian said. “I thought things would get better when shijie and Jin Zixuan got married but…”
Lan Wangji stepped forward again, and lifted Wei Wuxian’s face, and wiped a stray tear. “I’m here, Wei Ying.”
“I don’t think I can stay at Lotus Pier anymore.” Wei Wuxian blurted out. “Either I’m kicked out, or I leave on my own volition. Those are the two options I have left.”
“But why? I know you fight, but does your brother and sect leader not care?”
“Of course they do, but that’s not it.” Wei Wuxian shook his head. “They care. Even Madam Yu cares. But they said...some things about you, about me. They also found my experiments with demonic cultivation and I...I couldn’t take what they said anymore.”
“Mm.”
Lan Wangji was again hugged by Wei Wuxian, but this time at a distance, as he looked earnestly up to meet his eyes.
“I’ve realized a lot of things. About myself. A part of me that I might have been avoiding. But Lan Zhan, meeting you...I can’t deny it. I like you, a lot.”
“Wei Ying…”
“So Lan Zhan, will you take me with you?” Wei Wuxian squeezed him harder, head resting again on his shoulder. “Do you want me to be with you?”
“Wei Ying...I want that more than anything.” Lan Zhan hugged back. “I’m so sorry things with your family turned out this way, but I am happy you want to be with me.”
“As long as I can, Lan Zhan. I want to be with you.”
“I do too, Wei Ying.”
Lan Xichen had only sighed in exasperation as Lan Wangji told him that Wei Wuxian was coming with them. Lan Wangji had supposed his brother had given up, and taking Wei Wuxian with them was still safer than staying around an entire sect of cultivators, and Lan Xichen, unwilling to argue, just permitted Wei Wuxian to come.
Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen were waiting on the edge of the docks for Wei Wuxian. He was a little late, no doubt still trying to leave Lotus Pier. He told Jiang Fengmian that he wanted to leave the sect at the end of yesterday, but it was impossible to leave the Jiang sect with a clean break between them. Their emotions ran deep, no matter how poisoned they became, it was hard to say farewell.
Soon enough, Wei Wuxian stepped out into view, a grim expression on his face. He packed lightly, with one bag slung across his shoulders, and his sword at his waist. His eyes were red, and tears lingered in their corners, and he had clearly been crying before coming to meet Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen.
Lan Xichen gave a small smile, and walked to another edge of the dock, back turned against them to give them some semblance of privacy. However, Lan Wangji knew that his brother’s senses far exceeded those of humans and even cultivators, so he knew he was pretending not to hear.
“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji walked up to Wei Wuxian, laying a hand on his bicep, and peering at his face. “Are you alright?”
“Not right now.” Wei Wuxian shook his head. “We fought a lot...and Jiang Cheng was trying to convince me to stay, but I made my choice. I’m going with you...hopefully that will help smooth things out in Lotus Pier.”
“Are you sure?” Lan Wangji murmured. As much as he had wanted Wei Wuxian with him, seeing him in pain was worse.
“I’ve made my choice.” Wei Wuxian said. “I’m going with you.”
“If that’s what you wish.” Lan Wangji said.
“It is. I want to follow you everywhere, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian looked earnestly at him, brightness coming back into his eyes.
“I don’t mean to interrupt,” Lan Xichen smiled, fully meaning to do exactly that. “But our boat is here, shall we go?”
“We should.” Wei Wuxian nodded. “Thank you for allowing me to accompany the two of you.”
“It’s no trouble, young master Wei.” Lan Xichen said, eyes softening. “I’m glad to see both you and Wangji relaxed.”
“Shall we go?” Lan Wangji asked.
“It’s time to leave Lotus Pier.” Wei Wuxian murmured, casting one glance back, as both Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen descended onto the boat docked on the edge of the pier.
“Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji inquired, looking at him.
“I’m coming.” Wei Wuxian turned around, a smile on his face. It was tinged in a bit of sadness, and shaky, but a genuine smile that lit up his eyes.
Lan Wangji reached out a hand, and with a smile, Wei Wuxian reached across the distance.
And put his hand in Lan Wangji’s.
“Wangji...how long can you keep this farce?” Lan Xichen asked one night, as Wei Wuxian retired to bed in the inn that they were staying in, and Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen had elected to wander the edge of the town.
Besides the two of them, they were only accompanied by the song of cicadas and chirping of crickets by the edge of the town. The hour was not quite late, and people still bustled in the town, although most had receded into the town gates. Only the forest, the moon, and the two crane brothers were there to witness the conversation.
“I do not mean to lie to him…” Lan Wangji protested.
“I know, Wangji, but he will learn of this one day, and he will either accept, or hate you.” Lan Xichen said. “How would you feel if he lied to you this whole time?”
“This I understand...however...I am not ready.” Lan Wangji said. “I cannot face him like this. I am too afraid.”
“The sooner he knows, the better. The shorter you have lied to him.” Lan Xichen warned. “Think of it, would you rather lose the trust you two have built?”
“I…”
“We have journeyed across the country. The seasons have passed into summer, Wangji, you should tell him soon.”
Lan Wangji only glanced back on the town. “All this I know, but I can’t find the courage to tell him. What if he leaves me, brother?”
“Then we will live as we always have.” Lan Xichen set his jaw. “Sorry to be blunt, Wangji, but you have lived hundreds of years without him, and you’ll live hundreds of years more.”
“Brother…”
“That’s all I have to say on the matter. Think of it, Wangji.”
Lan Xichen’s receding shadow stretched as he walked farther away, leaving Lan Wangji in solitude. He gazed at the moon, as if it would have any answers to his predicament.
He thought of Wei Wuxian’s sleeping face, more relaxed than ever before. Could he lose that trust?
Could he lose Wei Wuxian?
They had stopped, after journeying, on the banks of the rivers of Caiyi Town. The town was in the much larger region of Gusu, famed for its waterways. Both Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji had been before, and liked to spend the summer there, as the weather was pleasant and not too hot, cooled by the banks of the great river and the farther reaching winds of the ocean breeze.
Both Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen liked the region of Gusu enough that they had purchased a plot of land, and a house by the edge of Caiyi Town, where they could enjoy the offerings of the town, but far away enough from the prying eyes of humans.
“Are we really staying here for the summer?” Wei Wuxian gaped at the town, picturesque with its streams and colourful market stalls.
“Yes, brother and I have a house here, and it’s cool here in the summer.” Lan Wangji said. “In the mountains especially, we won’t feel too hot.”
“Not like Yunmeng! I die in the heat every year!” Wei Wuxian grinned. “Is that why the two of you spend the summer here?”
“It is indeed. Warm enough to feel the summer, but cool enough to not melt.” Lan Xichen said. “The water is clean, we are high up in the mountains, and we feel some effects from the ocean breeze. It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?”
“Definitely...are you okay with me staying with you though?” Wei Wuxian asked, suddenly hesitant.
“We’ve been travelling together all this time, and you and Wangji are so close.” Lan Xichen smiled brightly and genuinely. “It would be wrong for us not to invite you to stay with us.”
Wei Wuxian, despite his shamelessness, actually had a hint of a blush on his cheeks. “O-oh, of course…”
“Have you ever been to this area?”
“Not really.” Wei Wuxian shook his head. “I don’t travel too much unless it’s for night hunts, and while I’ve been around here, I’ve never really stopped at Gusu. We passed by it when we were in Lanling for shijie’s wedding, and we normally skip by it when we go to Qinghe.”
“We can explore the town together!” Wei Wuxian grinned at Lan Wangji. “You’ll show me around, won’t you? You know everything about this place, right?”
“Of course.” Lan Wangji smiled. “I’ll show you everything.”
“It’s a date!” Wei Wuxian laughed, not knowing all the sorts of things that did to Lan Wangji.
“How about I give you two some privacy?” Lan Xichen said. “I’ll put our things in our home, and you two wander the markets? I’m sure you have things to show Wuxian.”
“I don’t want to keep you away, Xichen.” Wei Wuxian protested.
“And I don’t want to be awkwardly hanging around the two of you.” Lan Xichen chuckled. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be happy to leave you two to whatever it is you’re doing.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Lan Xichen gave a sly smile. “Enjoy your time!”
Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Wangji. “Where should we go, my dear Lan Zhan?”
“Market.” Lan Wangji choked out, trying to hide the fact his face was also rushing red in blood. “This way.”
Wei Wuxian had the grace to not say anything, but still chuckled at the sight of Lan Wangji hurrying faster along so Wei Wuxian couldn’t see his face.
“What food do you have here?”
“Braised spare ribs. Xiaolongbao. Fish.”
“Can we get them at the market?”
“Of course. Whatever you want.”
“Ha! So generous, young master Lan! How about liquor? I heard Emperor’s Smile was famous here!”
“Never tried it.”
Wei Wuxian stopped, mouth gaping, as they were walking across the bridge. There were very little people around, but still some grumbled as the two of them took up all the space. “Seriously? You’ve never had Emperor’s Smile?”
“Brother forbids alcohol.” Lan Wangji shook his head. “We have terrible tolerance.”
“That’s a shame.” Wei Wuxian pouted.
“We can still get some for you.” Lan Wangji offered.
“That would be great, but I don’t want to enjoy it without you!” Wei Wuxian said. “Oh, what’s this, Lan Zhan?”
Ahead of them stood a temple, not grand, but homely, its steps swept clean of leaves and debris. The walls were painted a muted red, eaves decorated with patterned tiles of black. Ahead of the main entrance stood two maple trees, each hanging full of red ribbons and cords tied to the branches. The charms and ribbons hung down, swaying in the light breeze.
“It’s a temple.” Lan Zhan answered. “To Yue Lao. Lots of youth nearby pray here in hopes of finding their match.”
Lan Zhan himself had come to pray himself to find Wei Ying. He knew if fate led them together once, it would again. He believed in the thread that tied the two together.
“Have you been here before, Lan Zhan?”
“Mm.”
“I think...we should make a prayer for us.” Wei Wuxian stilled, looking at Lan Wangji straight in the eye.
“Wei Ying?”
“Lan Zhan, I wanted to ask you this...but there’s no better time than now.” Wei Wuxian breathed. “Lan Zhan...would you be my cultivation partner?”
As if the breath was stolen from him, Lan Zhan could only nod furiously. He took a deep breath to regain it, but only sputtered over his words. “Yes. Yes, Wei Ying, of course.”
Wei Wuxian gave him a shaky smile, then laughed, brighter peals than the sounds of the bells that rang around them, as he launched himself into Lan Wangji’s arms.
Lan Wangji caught Wei Wuxian, and wrapped his arms around him.
Five centuries, and all he wanted was this moment.
Wei Wuxian wandered the markets of Caiyi Town, looking for suitable sticky rice. The Duanwu festival was arriving soon, and Caiyi Town was also well known for its dragon boat racing, considering its numerous waterways, and how everyone knew how to swim from birth.
Wei Wuxian adjusted the basket on his back. He already had bought the bamboo leaves. While both of the Lan brothers were insistent on making zongzi themselves, Wei Wuxian also wanted to make some, Yunmeng style. Yunmeng had sweeter ones, and he also eyed some red bean he planned on making into a paste. He wanted to show his husband things he loved as well.
His husband. His cultivation partner. It almost made him giddy just to think of it. He was a married man now.
The wedding was simple. They borrowed red robes from the tailor, and bowed three times in the Yue Lao temple. Neither of them had parents, so they bowed to Lan Xichen and plaques of Wei Wuxian’s parents, as they said their vows in front of them. Not lavish at all, but with Wei Wuxian as a rogue cultivator with no family, who could he invite? He had made it clear he ended his ties with Yunmeng, no matter how hard it was, so now he was just a boat adrift with no shore to bank on.
“Young master Wei, is that you?” A voice pulled Wei Wuxian from his thoughts.
Wei Wuxian glanced up, seeing the familiar yellow robes of the Jin clan, an average-looking face, and a tall hat. “Oh, second young master Jin?”
“What a coincidence.” Jin Guangyao smiled. “I never expected to see you here.”
“Neither did I, well met.” Wei Wuxian returned a smile and small bow. “What brings you here?”
“I am just investigating, I heard complaints about corpses disturbing the surrounding villages here.” Jin Guangyao said. “But it seems those have been cleared up, by you, and the two brothers you travel with, I assume?”
“Oh yes, just last night, you were just a little late.” Wei Wuxian grinned.
“So, is it true that you have cut ties with Yunmeng?” Jin Guangyao’s eyes softened as he asked, pity in his voice.
Wei Wuxian’s grin faltered. “It’s indeed true. I bet people everywhere are spreading about what an unfilial scourge I am.”
“Not so, not at all.” Jin Guangyao shook his head. “Just that you had cut ties and gone as a rogue cultivator, following the path of your parents. We all know there was tension in the Jiang clan for a while.”
“Are...they doing well?”
“The Jiang clan? From what I heard from your shijie, yes, things are going alright, but they do miss you.”
Wei Wuxian glanced down. “Ah. I knew that would happen.”
“Enough of this, are you enjoying it here in Caiyi?” Jin Guangyao waved a hand. “The Duanwu festival is especially wonderful this time of year. I heard the zongzi were very good, and especially the realgar wine.”
“What’s Duanwu without the realgar wine and zongzi, right?” Wei Wuxian agreed.
“You should definitely bring some back to those brothers, if you don’t drink realgar wine, it’s said to be inauspicious.” Jin Guangyao suggested. “I have bought some that I know is good, you can have one. You should cleanse yourself of poison in the spring.”
“Oh, I can’t possibly take this.” Wei Wuxian said. “I have enough money, really.”
“Let’s just say it’s a gift of congratulations on your new marriage.” Jin Guangyao insisted.
“How’d you know?!” Wei Wuxian shrieked.
“Let’s just say, Miss Jiang told young master Jiang, who talked about it within my earshot.” Jin Guangyao smiled. “Please, take it as a gift. We are sort of family after all. This is my wish for good luck for you and your partner.”
Wei Wuxian, caving under that, took the wine hesitantly. “Seriously...you didn’t have to.”
“I really do have to. Make sure you have some of that wine.”
“Thank you.”
Lan Wangji sat in the comfort of his own home, some pots and pans clanging in the kitchen area. Lan Xichen had conveniently gone for a walk, an effort on his brother’s part to give him some privacy for their married life. Wei Wuxian was insisted that he show off his own cooking to the two brothers, and learning of such, Lan Xichen balked and made excuses to get out of the house.
Despite loving Wei Wuxian very much, Lan Wangji had to admit his cooking was nightmarish.
“I’m done!” Wei Wuxian announced, holding a steam basket that was fresh out from the kitchen. “Zongzi, made by yours truly!”
Lan Wangji peered as steam escaped the basket’s lid. Inside were perfectly made zongzi, wrapped carefully in bamboo leaves, and a fragrant scent wafted from them. “Are these spicy?” Lan Wangji asked, hesitantly.
“How rude! These are sweet!” Wei Wuxian pouted, clearly acting offended when he wasn’t. “I wanted to make something for you since you and Xichen wouldn’t let me help with yours.”
“It’s really fine.” Lan Wangji said. It’s honestly better if you didn’t cook at all, Wei Ying.
“Well, try some!” Wei Wuxian put one on Lan Wangji’s hand, who carefully unwrapped the bamboo leaf and took a bite. “How is it.”
“Very good. I like that it’s sweet.”
“See, I’m not terrible at cooking!” Wei Wuxian winked. “I bet you want to try something new, right?”
“Mm.” Lan Wangji chewed in silence as Wei Wuxian gazed at him.
“Lan Zhan...can you look at me?”
Lan Wangji raised his head to meet Wei Wuxian’s eyes, and was surprised at the solemn gaze he saw. “What’s wrong?”
Wei Wuxian fidgeted. “Remember the day before I left Lotus Pier, I said I had a fight with everyone?”
“I do recall.”
“I...I think I want to tell you. I don’t want to keep things from you.” Wei Wuxian whispered.
Lan Wangji’s breath caught, not only because Wei Wuxian trusted him enough to speak of upsetting things, but because…
...he had never told Wei Wuxian his secret.
“I...was accused of not caring enough of the sect.” Wei Wuxian said. “That I was spending too much time away. They also found my secret stash of the demonic cultivation items and demanded to know what was happening. They said if anyone else found out, there would be no place left for me in the cultivation world...and they said...things about you.
“I was becoming closer with you, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian went on. “They noticed. They said that I was spending too much time with you, and that this behaviour of mine was unsightly. They then demanded I stop contact with you, and I refused. I didn’t want to, Lan Zhan. I love Lotus Pier and everyone in it, but I just felt like I was staying out of obligation, and I needed my own freedom from it. I felt stifled, I couldn’t be myself without everyone getting into an argument...but you’re not the same. I felt like I could be myself with you.”
“Wei Ying...I’m glad you’re here…” Lan Wangji reached out a hand and took one in his own. “But do you not regret leaving?”
“No.” Wei Wuxian shook his head. “If you asked me if I missed everyone, Id o, but if you ask me if I regret coming here and marrying you, that’s a no, and I promise that.”
“I love you, Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji took both hands and clasped Wei Wuxian’s, as they both gave each other shy smiles.
“I’m...glad you told me this. I know it must be hard.”
“It kinda was. Hey, Lan Zhan, how come you never talk about your parents?”
Lan Wangji leaned back. “I...I don’t remember them.”
“Oh.” Wei Wuxian’s eyes opened in understanding. “I’m so sorry...Lan Zhan…”
“Don’t worry.” Lan Wangji said. “I...I do have something to say but…”
“You can tell me when you’re ready, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian soothed. “I know it must be hard for you because your brows are furrowed so much.”
“Thank you….I...I’ll tell you. But I need time.” Lan Wangji did need time, but how would he reveal he was a crane spirit?
How could he?
“How was the zongzi?” Wei Wuxian asked, breaking the awkward silence.
“Delicious. Really.”
“Well, I know that you don’t drink wine...but…” Wei Wuxian reached under the table to bring out a vat of realgar wine. “Can you please make an exception? I ran into an old friend today at the market, and he gave us these to wish us happiness to our marriage. It’s supposed to be auspicious if we drink it, so could you, at least this one time? I really want to start off our year well!”
“Mm. Just one cup.” Lan Wangji relented, not being able to say no to Wei Wuxian, as usual. He had drank the realgar wine at Caiyi, and their wine was not very strong, and he could handle it to a certain degree, and one cup was fine.
“Alright, let me pour a cup out!” Wei Wuxian cheered as he brought up cups, and filled Lan Wangji’s halfway. “Just a little bit for you. To us!”
“To us.” Lan Wangji raised his cup, and downed the wine.
He didn’t feel anything immediately, but the burn of alcohol stung the back of his throat. “Wei Ying...the wine…”
“It’s a bit stronger than usual?” Wei Wuxian frowned. “Do you want some tea?”
“That would be...good…” Lan Wangji’s vision went blurry, as he heard Wei Wuxian call his name, but the sound was as if cotton was stuffed into his ears.
Then everything went black.
When Wei Wuxian saw his husband slump over, he quickly ran over and laid him down on the cushions nearby. Oh no, he wasn’t expecting this to happen. Lan Wangji never drank wine, and this was the result of his mistakes.
“Oh, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, what am I to do with you?” Wei Wuxian laughed quietly. “I’ll go get you some water when you wake up. Xichen’s going to kill me for doing this to you.”
Making sure Lan Wangji was stable on his cushions, Wei Wuxian went out to the well near the front of the house, and pulled out a bucket of water. The night wasn’t quiet, as fireworks still shot off in the distance, and laughter from the town drifted over to where they were.
Wei Wuxian looked around. No sign of Lan Xichen returning. Wei Wuxian then returned, leaving the bucket at the front door, and took a bowl and filled it with water.
When he pushed open the door, he frowned in confusion. Where was Lan Zhan? He left him by the table, but he wasn’t there anymore. Did he move? But wouldn’t he had heard him move around from outside?
Wei Wuxian saw a bit of white from the cushions. Maybe it was his outer robe? He walked closer, since the table was obstructing his view.
The sound of a bowl shattering against the ground filled the silence.
Wei Wuxian dropped the bowl out of shock. Where Lan Wangji should be, lied a crane.
The crane was beautiful no doubt, pure white feathers, with neck and wings tinged in black, and a crimson crown. But how’d that get in here? How was it possible to sneak in here when Wei Wuxian watched the front door the entire time? There was no way that an animal this big could have slipped past his notice.
Was it possible...this crane was his husband?
Wei Wuxian walked closer, edging slowly as to not disturb the crane. It did not budge, as I'd deeply asleep...as if in a drunken sleep.
There was a steady flow of spiritual energy. A lot of spiritual energy, much more than his own, flowing from the crane.
Animals didn't have that much spiritual energy. It was only yao that did.
Lan Wangji was this crane.
Wei Wuxian, not knowing what to do, fled from the household, and ran blindly into the night, no sword at his side.
He ran far away from the house, as he stopped by the edge of the town. He didn't have time to think of what he saw, as swords were pressed against his neck.
If this was any other day, he would have sensed the cultivators waiting in ambush, but in shock, without weapon in hand, he fell straight into a trap.
"Young master Wei," Jin Guangyao said, stepping out of the shadows, smiling. "I'll need you to come with me."
“Wangji! Wangji, wake up!” Lan Wangji felt a firm but gentle hand shoving at his feathers—
Feathers?
“Wangji!” Lan Xichen’s voice was laced with panic, as he finally raised his head— in crane form — to look at his brother.
He wanted to say something, but only gave a quiet honk. His brain was muddled, and he struggled to focus as he shifted to human form. “Brother…?”
“Wangji, what happened?” Lan Xichen asked.
“I drank some of the wine that Wei Ying brought back…”
Lan Xichen’s eyes burned in anger. “Didn’t I tell you not to touch alcohol?”
“But the realgar wine has never caused me trouble before…”
Lan Xichen looked at the jar of wine still on the floor. “That wine is much stronger than usual. It also seems to be laced with a sleeping draught.”
“But Wei Ying also drank it…” Lan Wangji said. “Wait...where is Wei Ying?”
“I saw this bowl shattered on the floor when I walked in.” Lan Xichen pointed at the white shards of porcelain that laid on the ground. “Wangji...he’s ran from us.”
“No...no, I don’t believe it. His sword is still there.” Lan Wangji shook his head. “If he ran away, he would take his sword. Everything he has...it’s still there.”
Understanding lit in Lan Xichen’s eyes, as he helped Lan Wangji stumble outside. There were footprints in the dirt, which he assumed were Wei Wuxian’s, until it stopped, several footprints surrounding the trail, and disappearing altogether.
“He was taken.” Lan Xichen gasped. “The footprints end here...it has to be cultivators who had flown on their swords.”
“But where…? Where is he?” Lan Wangji spun wildly around, panic growing.
“Wangji, look!” Lan Xichen took a hand and pointed to the sky, where silhouettes of people were outlined by the bright moon. It was too far away for humans to see, but Lan Wangji could make out the yellow robes of the cultivators, and on the back of one, was Wei Wuxian with his dark robes. Lanling Jin cultivators.
He was being taken to Koi Tower.
Before Lan Wangji could launch into the sky after them, Lan Xichen gripped his arm tightly. “Wangji, no, not right now. The wine still is imbalancing your spiritual energy. You can’t go after him. You can’t save him right now. You have to wait until you recover.”
“But…” Lan Wangji gritted his teeth.
“If they took him alive, then they need him alive.” Lan Xichen reasoned. “He won’t be killed, but I won’t let you get yourself killed by going after several cultivators. You have to recover first. I promise you, then we can go after the cultivators, Wangji, but you can’t right now!” Lan Xichen’s voice had risen steadily, and cracked at the last sentence.
“You’re right brother...but once I recover…” Lan Wangji narrowed at the retreating cultivators, becoming nothing more than a speck against the night sky.
“Koi Tower will fall.”