Author Notes: Hello again, everyone! Enjoy the next chapter :)
Beta: JeanGirlMY
- Chapter Start -
Wei Ying wished Lan Ming and Lan Wu had followed Shijie, Jiang Cheng and the others to the Main Hall. The twenty minute wait would have been a lot more pleasant without their nearly unblinking gazes. It made him wonder if they expected the Yiling Patriarch and Lianfang Jun to elope with their almost husbands right under their noses.
Even when they left the Ancestral Hall, the two disciples followed them from behind instead of leading the way. Seeing as XiChen-xiong had no qualms holding GuangYao's hand with both their wrists still tied with the forehead ribbon, Wei Ying reached for Lan Zhan's hand as well.
The butterflies inside his stomach began squirming again once they neared the main buildings and heard the murmur of voices and strains of music. They increased even more when they came within sight of the main courtyard and found it filled with tables and chairs for guests who could not be accommodated inside the Main Hall.
Warm applause broke out when the four grooms stepped inside the courtyard. Wei Ying smiled and nodded at the young disciples and servants clad in different sect colours, and even residents of nearby Caiyi Town. There was the merchant who sold Emperor Smile and the lady who sold seasonal fruits including loquats! He was a bit surprised not to see any of the Wens around and wondered where they were. A-Yuan and Granny had been looking forward to the festivities.
"Proceed to the Main Hall," Lan Ming said and began chivvying the four grooms along as if eager to get this over with. The music from inside the Main Hall grew louder, it sounded like a symphony of a dozen guzhin played in unison.
"Songs of Celebration," Lan Zhan murmured under his breath.
"Right." Wei Ying wrinkled his nose just a bit. Celebration in the Lan Sect, like everything else, was low key. The melody did sound uplifting and positive, yet it still had a calming effect on his nerves.
Possibly to dissuade the listeners from getting too carried away?
"Wait here until we announce your names." With that final admonishment, Lan Ming entered the hall.
Lan Wu followed after giving the four grooms a tight smile and slight bow. He looked nervous. Wei Ying felt a bit sorry for him, but he wasn't going to change his mind. None of them were.
Looking over GuangYao's head with ease, Wei Ying took in the pastel decor inside the hall, so different from the garish reds of Glamour Hall. The round pillars and tables were covered with pale pink fabric while tiny potted ferns decorated each table and bigger potted plants lined the walls. Banners with auspicious sayings hung on the walls, swaying in the slight breeze.
When the music ended, Wei Ying felt butterflies in his stomach start to riot once more.
"Respected Lan Elders, Sect Leaders and honoured guests, we welcome Lan XiChen, Lan WangJi and their cultivation partners." It was Lan Wu who spoke this time.
The four of them, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan two steps behind XiChen-xiong and GuangYao, entered the hall to applause and increased chatter.
"Xian-gege, rich-gege! You two look so pretty! Kind-gege and pretty-gege too!"
A wave of startled laughter broke out at A-Yuan's piping treble. Wei Ying spotted him and the other Wens sitting at a large table near the entrance and felt the tight knot in his chest loosen.
"Thanks, A-Yuan," he called out and grinned, waving his free hand. He turned to see Lan Zhan giving them a small bow. XiChen-xiong and GuangYao waved to them as well, smiling and flushed pink.
A-Yuan was already on his feet, prevented from running to his new parents only by Granny Wen's firm hold on his arm. Sisi, seated on his other side, said something to him and he sat down again. Then he started bouncing in his seat and waving both hands.
Wei Ying's delighted grin faltered when he didn't see his two Wen siblings among them. He was sure he knew where Wen Qing would be, but surely Wen Ning wasn't on guard duty or something like that.
Was he worried that someone would make off with their chickens if they weren't guarded?
Wei Ying only continued walking when Lan Zhan tugged at his hand.
The Main Hall was long enough to accommodate almost two dozen minor sects with two tables each, one behind the other. Wei Ying could feel Sect Leader Su's narrowed eyed stare on him and Lan Zhan. Sect Leader Yao was looking around as if expecting something to happen. Beside him, Sect Leader Ouyang bowed politely as the four grooms walked past.
At the front of the hall were two rows of long tables where the Lan Elders sat, their faces stern and unsmiling except for Chen-yishi who was beaming and Uncle QiRen who gave the impression of being happy without actually smiling.
Wei Ying smiled at them before taking a closer look at the four tables allocated for each of the four Great Sects.
Sect Leader Nie and HuaiSang sat in front of their disciples. The former tore his gaze away from XiChen-xiong and GuangYao just long enough to nod at Wei Ying and Lan Zhan before staring at his sworn brothers again. Wei Ying shrugged before returning HuaiSang's excited wave.
Sitting opposite the Nies was the Jin Sect group. Wei Ying's smile widened at the sight of Shijie with a half eaten pastry on her plate, sitting beside the peacock while Madam Jin and - wait, MianMian? - sat behind them. It looked like Jin ZiXun hadn't been invited. Wei Ying chuckled when Shijie blew him a tiny kiss which he caught with his free hand and pressed it to his heart, hearing the tiny huff of amusement from Lan Zhan beside him and a muffled snort from the Jiang Sect group.
Head Disciple Jiang Long sat beside Jiang Cheng and behind them were Wen Qing and Wen Ning. Grinning, Wei Ying caught Jiang Cheng's eye and nodded his approval before waving at the other three.
The last four tables opposite the Jiang group were for the newlyweds, laid out with auspicious red dishes and utensils. Wei Ying was relieved; sitting with the Lan Elders and presiding over the hall wasn't his idea of fun.
As the four of them stood in a single row before the elders, an increasingly nervous Lan Wu looked at XiChen-xiong who nodded at him.
"Respected Lan Elders, Sect Leaders and honoured guests, I now invite you to witness an additional prostration," he announced.
A murmur of surprise rippled through the audience.
"What?"
"Another prostration?"
"Hah!" Sect Leader Yao sounded triumphant as if he had finally discovered a conspiracy of some sort.
As the Elders frowned at each other in puzzlement, Wei Ying caught sight of Jiang Cheng's 'Uh oh' look and fought down a grin. This time, it wasn't his doing. Fine, he had voiced out what he had seen earlier, but it was entirely up to the Twin Jades whether or not they wanted to do anything about it.
He and GuangYao were pleased when they did.
"Lan Wu, what is the meaning of this?" Elder Zhao demanded. "Did they not perform the required bows at the Ancestral Hall?"
Lan Wu looked a little miserable as he bowed to the elders.
"Yes, they have, Elder Zhao. But Lan XiChen, Lan WangJi and their partners also wish to pay their respects to Elder Lan QiRen."
Uncle QiRen's eyes went round as the murmur of voices grew louder.
"Preposterous!" Sect Leader Yao exclaimed. "The second prostration is for the parents, not the uncle or any other relative!"
"Perhaps Lan QiRen has added a new rule to the famous Wall of Discipline," Sect Leader Su suggested in a rather snide tone.
Lips pressed thin, Wei Ying glared over his shoulder at him.
"We do not deviate from the norm of three prostrations," Elder Zhao insisted.
Wei Ying saw the tiny frowns gathering between Lan Zhan and XiChen-xiong's eyebrows. He raised his own at GuangYao who stepped forward at once. With a deep and very formal bow to the elders and Lan Wu, GuangYao smiled and spoke in honeyed tones.
"Honoured Elders, Sect Leaders and guests, please excuse my boldness. The late Sect Leader, Qingheng-Jun was in seclusion while the late Madame Lan passed away while ZeWu Jun and HanGuang Jun were still very young. It was their uncle, Lan QiRen who single-handedly brought them up, cared for them, educated them and instructed them. He was parent, uncle and teacher rolled into one.
"It would have been inappropriate to pay him respect while in the Ancestral Hall, but his nephews wish to acknowledge his diligent care for almost two decades. Young Master Wei and I are, of course, in full agreement with this. We beg your indulgence to proceed."
He bowed again, low and formal.
"But this is-" Elder Zhao began only to be interrupted.
"An excellent suggestion!" Chen-yishi declared, rising to his feet. "I am glad to see QiRen's nephews and their husbands upholding at least two of our rules, 'Be respectful and humble' and 'Be loyal and filial'. On behalf of all the Lan Elders, please proceed!"
With such a ringing endorsement from the most senior Healer of the Lan Sect, Elder Zhao subsided, frowning and grumbling to himself.
Never underestimate the power of the Lan Sect rules, Wei Ying sing songed to himself. He glanced over his shoulder again to see Sect Leader Ouyang shaking his head at Sect Leader Yao and Sect Leader Su looking... vinegary.
Lan Wu cleared his throat, looking relieved.
"Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi pay their respects to Elder Lan QiRen for his care. Wei WuXian and Jin GuangYao pay their respects as well."
The four of them got down on their knees and, with great ceremony and in perfect unison, bowed low until their foreheads touched the floor, remaining like that for three seconds before straightening up. Uncle QiRen bowed his head in turn, a single tear running down his cheek as a beaming Chen-yishi patted his arm.
As the grooms stood back up, a disciple brought a tray with four red cups to Lan Wu.
"The next step is the wine drinking ceremony... although we have sweet date tea instead," Lan Wu announced. "Lan XiChen and Jin GuangYao, take a cup with your right hand and link your right arms together. Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian, take a cup with your right hand and link your right arms together."
It was awkward to drink like that and in public. Wei Ying was hard pressed not to giggle with Lan Zhan's face so close to his.
"Too bad it's not Emperor Smile," he whispered.
"Mn. There's some in the Jingshi," Lan Zhan replied.
They each drank a small mouthful of the overly sweetened tea, cheeks brushing against each other's. Over Lan Zhan's shoulder, Wei Ying saw XiChen-xiong, bending low to accommodate GuangYao, mouthing '... need more later' and tried not to grimace.
Who would have thought that ZeWu Jun had such a sweet tooth?
Unlinking their arms, they deposited the cups back on the tray.
"The final step is the gifting of the Gusu Lan forehead ribbon. Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi, please put on your own ribbons."
Uncle QiRen placed a wooden box on the table and got to his feet, looking prouder than anyone had ever seen him.
"Lan XiChen and Jin GuangYao, step forward," Lan Wu said.
Taking out a rolled up ribbon, Uncle QiRen shot XiChen-xiong an unreadable look before turning to GuangYao.
"Just this once, I will claim parental privilege and tie this ribbon for GuangYao," he announced.
XiChen-xiong's smile widening in pleased surprise and GuangYao's audible sniff made Wei Ying grin and then he realised what it meant for himself and turned to Lan Zhan.
"Does Wei Ying mind?" Lan Zhan asked in a low voice, gaze warm and steady.
Huffing softly, Wei Ying shook his head and smiled.
"Not at all."
Lan Zhan squeezed his hand and they turned back to see Uncle QiRen tying the ribbon for GuangYao who had bowed so low his forehead was almost resting on the box.
"Gusu Lan accepts Jin GuangYao as a Lan Clan member," Lan Wu announced, his eyes suspiciously shiny.
"I will honour and safeguard this ribbon, Master Lan," GuangYao said in a trembling voice.
"We are family. Uncle QiRen will do."
"Ah. T-thank you, Uncle QiRen."
Beaming, XiChen-xiong drew him to one side and tenderly wiped his face.
"Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian, step forward," Lan Wu said.
Taking out another rolled up ribbon, Uncle QiRen looked at Lan Zhan and received a quick nod before turning to Wei Ying.
"My turn, Uncle QiRen!" Wei Ying chirped.
Uncle QiRen's lips twitched.
"Never did I imagine I would give a forehead ribbon to the notorious Yiling Patriarch," he said. "But there is a first time for everything."
Beaming, Wei Ying bowed his head and felt the cool silk ribbon slide around his forehead and those fingers, sure yet trembling just a bit, tying it for him.
"I will honour and safeguard this ribbon, Uncle QiRen," he promised.
"Gusu Lan accepts Wei WuXian as a Lan Clan member. This concludes the entire wedding ceremony," Lan Wu announced and waited for the applause to die down. "Respected Lan Elders, Sect Leaders and honoured guests, please wait for your cups to be filled before joining us in a toast to the newlyweds."
For a moment, all Wei Ying could see was a blur of faces staring back at him. Then he blinked and everyone came into focus - Sect Leader Yao shaking his head, Sect Leader Su looking even more displeased, and Sect Leader Nie with a rather odd look on his face.
But the Wens were applauding, A-Yuan was cheering, Wen Qing and Wen Ning were smiling and waving, Jiang Cheng looked pleased and Shijie's smile was radiant.
- o -
A couple of hours later...
The feast drew to a close as the sun set completely, the last few rays of golden light fading from the windows facing west. The food was better than Wei Ying had anticipated. A variety of vegetarian dishes of course, but also steamed fish and even chicken in honour of the occasion and important guests. No alcohol was served so everyone toasted the newlyweds and washed down their dinner with tea.
As there was no lavish entertainment planned after the meal, the guests started leaving after bowing to the Lan Elders and Sect Leaders. Those who opted to spend the night were escorted to the guestrooms while those who lived nearby or wanted to return home headed for the main gates.
As soon as the majority of the guests left, the other Lan Elders followed even though Uncle QiRen and Chen-yishi stayed back, along with the newlyweds, the Wens and three Sect Leaders. The stiff formality of the occasion melted away and in its place were laughter and tears as congratulations, hugs and teasing words - not too ribald - were exchanged.
"Rich-gege, are you celebrating anymore with Xian-gege tonight?" A-Yuan asked. He had gotten his share of hugs and kisses and was in Lan Zhan's arms.
The four newlyweds immediately turned bright red to match their robes, Jiang Cheng started choking on nothing while almost everyone else chuckled. Wen Ning had a pained smile on his face. Uncle QiRen, Madam Jin, Jin ZiXuan and Head Disciple Jiang Long pretended deafness. Shijie, Sisi, Mian-Mian and even HuaiSang huddled together, hiding their laughter behind flowing sleeves and a fan. Chen-yishi snickered and knocked Uncle QiRen's arm hard enough to get a 'Tsk!' from him.
Ignoring his fiery blush, Wei Ying lifted A-Yuan into his arms.
"Well, there will be more kisses," he replied as solemnly as he could.
"Mn," Lan Zhan agreed.
"Is that it?" Rolling his eyes, HuaiSang pulled a qiankun pouch from his sleeve and thrust it at Wei Ying. "Read that and don't disappoint me!"
"Ahaha, thanks!" Blushing even deeper, Wei Ying quickly passed A-Yuan to Granny and waved as the Wens left the hall.
"What about us, HuaiSang?" GuangYao asked.
"Not to worry, San-ge. Here's your gift!" HuaiSang thrust another pouch into his hands and winked at XiChen-xiong who looked mortified.
Sect Leader Nie frowned at his younger brother, but didn't say anything. After exchanging a cryptic look with XiChen-xiong and GuangYao, he bowed to the rest and left.
"We will retire as well. Congratulations once again," Madam Jin said with a polite nod of her head. "I will be sure to relay every detail of the festivities to my poor paralysed husband when we return to Koi Tower tomorrow."
Her voice was rich with satisfaction but the others, conscious of the Lan servants clearing up around them, murmured appropriate words of sympathy.
"Enjoy your special night, XianXian," Shijie whispered as she hugged Wei Ying. "ZiXuan and I may not be able to visit again for a while so please come see us instead."
"Of course. Being a sect leader is busy work," Wei Ying quipped and grinned at Jiang Cheng, both of them missing Madam Jin's raised eyebrow and Shijie's indulgent smile.
After they left, Wei Ying turned to Sisi.
"Now that you're discharged from the infirmary, Madam Sisi, where will you be staying?" He asked politely.
"Call me Sisi-Jie like A-Yao does," Sisi replied. "Healer Wen has kindly offered me a bed since it'll be easier to check on my cuts."
"Really?" Wei Ying fought down a smile. "I'm sure you'll be more comfortable in Uncle QiRen's guestroom now that XiChen-xiong and Lan Zhan have moved out."
"Wei WuXian!" Uncle QiRen glared at him before turning to Sisi. "As promised, you are free to stay in any of the guestrooms once our guests have left."
"I am in your debt, Senior Lan," Sisi said with a graceful little bow.
Wei Ying nudged Lan Zhan's arm when he saw the tips of Uncle QiRen's ears turn pink. Apparently, it was a family trait.
Jiang Cheng cleared his throat and stepped closer, clapping a hand on Wei Ying's shoulder.
'If he does anything to hurt you, let me know,' he muttered.
Laughing, Wei Ying pulled him into a hug.
"First times are supposed to hurt."
Jiang Cheng pulled away and glared at him, appalled.
"Don't be so shameless! And who told you that?" He demanded.
"Besides, it could be me hurting Lan Zhan."
"Forget I said anything," Jiang Cheng snapped, turning red.
"Not that I plan to, of course."
"Shut up!"
"Whoever hurts the other will answer to me," Wen Qing stated which made Wei Ying stop smiling at once.
"Well, why are you four still here? Go enjoy your wedding night with my gifts," Chen-yishi urged.
"Gifts?" Wei Ying repeated.
With another 'Tsk!', Uncle QiRen grabbed Chen-yishi's arm and started tugging him towards the entrance.
"We'll meet you all for lunch tomorrow," Chen-yishi threw over his shoulder. "QiRen, do slow down."
Smiling and still rather red in the face, the four newlyweds exited the Main Hall.
"A-Yao and I will see you tomorrow, WangJi, WuXian," XiChen-xiong said with a warm smile. "Congratulations to you both."
"Likewise, xiongzhang," Lan Zhan replied and bowed, getting one in return from both XiChen-xiong and GuangYao while Wei Ying nodded his head.
Then hand in hand, the two couples went their separate ways to the Hanshi and the Jingshi to begin a new chapter in their lives.
- Chapter End -
A/N: Thank you for reading! I've taken liberties with the wedding ceremonies - substituting wine with sweet tea is just one of them - and have likely made other mistakes as well. Anyway, please leave a review if you enjoyed this chapter and take care :)
