Author Notes: Hello again, everyone! We are down to the last 2 chapters of this story which will be two mini epilogues with a small time skip in each one, to tie up whatever loose ends are left. I honestly didn't expect this story to continue for so long until I started going 'Wait, I want to rescue this person! And that person! Oh, and this one too! And I want all of them to enjoy a long and happy life filled with family and friends!'

Well, that's more or less achieved by now so enjoy this penultimate chapter :)

Beta: JeanGirlMY

- Chapter Start -

Two months later...

On a lush, grassy field in a corner of the Cloud Recesses, a meditation session was in progress. The sun had been up for a while, but the grass was still damp with dew so the children sat on long straw mats to keep their white robes pristine. Their ages ranged from five to eight, and they all looked adorable with their small straight backs and solemn little faces.

Each time he saw them, Wei Ying was hard pressed to not go down the rows of chubby cheeks and pinch them two at a time. His place was a few feet behind, together with Wen Ning, GuangYao and Aunt Sisi. Wei Ying was sure it was because Uncle QiRen wanted to keep them from disrupting the class rather than spare them the embarrassment at joining the children. Of course, Wei Ying was more than happy to sit at the back. He could roll his shoulders, slump a bit and even peek around, at least until he saw Uncle QiRen's frown. Wei Ying caught Aunt Sisi doing the same things a few times only she was never glared at.

Teacher's pet.

Fine, teacher's wife but still!

Wei Ying ignored the fact that when Lan Zhan led the class, he got away with nothing more than the tiny raise of an elegant eyebrow and a look more fond than exasperated. Biting back a sappy smile, he glanced at Aunt Sisi with her eyes closed and the carriage of her head more graceful than strictly correct. She was down to earth, warm, generous and funny. The Twin Jades treated her with deep respect, but Wei Ying and GuangYao treated her more like an older sister which pleased her since she was only ten years older than them.

She had joined the meditation class at her husband's behest despite protesting she was too old to awaken any spiritual pathways that may exist in her body, let alone grow a golden core. She had laughed when she said that so they all pretended not to see her smile dimming immediately after.

Wei Ying glanced at the Ghost General sharing his mat. Wen Qing had told Wen Ning to join the class. She had started her golden core research a week after her wedding while learning how to manage Lotus Pier, take over the infirmary and juggle a million other things the mistress of a sect needed to handle. No doubt she had the full support of everyone there. She had pretty much run things in the Burial Mounds too, but taking care of twenty people on next to nothing was a far cry from managing a few hundred with the substantial amount of money, material and manpower at her disposal.

Just like Jiang Cheng who looked like he was about to burst with pride every time he looked at her, Wei Ying thought she was amazing, a sister-in-law as wonderful as his Shijie, if in a very different way. For one thing, Shijie wasn't scary and for another, she thought he was cute when he pretended to be three years old.

Anyway, Wei Ying was test subject number one (donated his powerful golden core and unexpectedly grew another with the assistance of the recipient). Wen Ning was test subject number two (possessed a weak golden core buried under waves of resentful energy). Wen Qing had insisted on a strict regimen of meditation and calming music for her brother, hoping it would strengthen his core enough to reduce the amount of resentful energy without... well, ending him for good. It was no secret she hoped his core would eventually grow to be powerful enough to sustain him on its own.

When Wen Ning had started to object, Wei Ying quickly declared it was the perfect 'Achieving the Impossible' challenge for Wen Qing even if she had already achieved that by transferring his core to Jiang Cheng.

Wei Ying's own core had improved fast enough that he could already wield Suibian for a few minutes. He looked forward to the day he could fly on her once more beside Lan Zhan, and maybe even duel with him.

Wei Ying's gaze then traveled to the only two five year old disciples sitting in the front row, on the far right. One of them was A-Yuan, his little radish who had been formally adopted as his and Lan Zhan's son two months ago. He was given the courtesy name Lan SiZhui which translated to 'yearning for but cannot chase after you, longing for someday when you will return'.

Uncle QiRen had objected, asking why had they chosen a name that invoked sadness and pining. Lan Zhan had explained it was a reminder of the almost physical pain he felt upon leaving Yiling after reuniting with Wei Ying and meeting A-Yuan for the first time. It was a reminder to never forget how heavy his heart and spirit had been, knowing he would be punished upon his return - Uncle QiRen had twitched at that - and how he hadn't known if he would ever see either of them again.

Wei Ying had added it was the same pain he had felt when A-Yuan asked why Rich-gege couldn't stay for dinner and enjoy the food they had prepared. He hadn't known if he would ever see Lan Zhan again, and that had hurt more than knowing he would never be welcomed back into the cultivation world. It was also a reminder to be grateful for every single day he got to spend with his husband and son.

"WuXian," Uncle QiRen had begun and Wei Ying shook his head.

"Don't apologise, please. You came all the way to the Burial Mounds to find me and took me back to see Lan Zhan. It's thanks to you and XiChen-xiong that we're all here today."

When A-Yuan had patted his arm and asked why they both looked so sad with his new name, Wei Ying had smiled and kissed his forehead, just above the brand new forehead ribbon.

"We're just recalling the past, A-Yuan, but we'll never forget you're our precious love letter. Right, Lan Zhan?"

"Mn," Lan Zhan agreed with a serene smile.

- o -

Nie MingJue and Nie HuaiSang reached Gusu at sunset and flew on to Cloud Recesses, landing outside the entrance gates just before curfew. Of course they would still be welcomed in afterward, but it was the principle of the matter.

They were brought to the Yashi where Lan XiChen and Jin GuangYao waited.

MingJue's face split into a grin when he saw them. He couldn't embrace them the way he wanted, not with HuaiSang just a step behind, so he bowed instead. Then he quickly went to arrest their bows just so he could touch their hands.

A warmer welcome would have to wait until later.

"Sect Leader Nie, in what universe does a man bow to his two lovers?" A familiar voice drawled in amusement before the Yiling Patriarch and HanGuang Jun stepped out from behind a screen.

MingJue's heart skipped a beat while XiChen and GuangYao's faces turned pale. The three of them turned to Wei WuXian who raised an eyebrow at them, like he was surprised at their reaction, like there was nothing wrong with his words.

It would be a grave insult if it weren't true. But it wasn't the whole truth. They weren't just sworn brothers and lovers.

They were cultivation partners.

Spouses.

Husbands.

Still reeling in shock - and subconsciously waiting for GuangYao to rescue or deflect the situation - MingJue felt HuaiSang stepping up beside him with the sound of his fan flicking open. Initial shock gave way to a grim flicker of amusement. Very well, he would let his didi tear Wei WuXian a new one. Firm friends they might be, but blood was still thicker than water.

"In what universe? Why, none that I know of, Wei-xiong," HuaiSang replied with laughter in his voice.

MingJue's head swung to him so fast he almost gave himself whiplash.

"You too?" He growled. Traitor!

HuaiSang huffed and even gave a small roll of his eyes.

"Da-ge, a blind man couldn't have missed the clues you've been leaving around. When Wei-xiong and I finally compared notes, everything just fell into place!"

"Clues?"

HuaiSang just rolled his eyes again, snapping his fan closed against his palm and wincing at the resultant sting. Then he raised free hand and started ticking off his fingers.

"One, your eagerness to attend Er-ge and San-ge's wedding. Two, your constant pacing in the days leading up to their marriage. Three, you being so distracted I had to double check all your correspondence going out. Four, your tossing and turning the night before, keeping me awake. Five, your eagerness to welcome them each time they visited QingHe."

Pausing to tuck his fan in his sash, he held up his other hand and kept counting.

"Six, your purchasing matching gifts for them each visit. And...!"

As MingJue's face cycled through nine shades of red, HuaisSang pulled out his fan again, tossed it in the air and caught it - he had always had a flair for drama - and slammed the final nail in the coffin.

"Seven, ZhongHui and I found out about you three sleeping in the same bed! Your bed, Da-ge!"

It was hard to tell which of the venerated trio's faces was redder. Or perhaps it was Wei Wuxian's since he looked like he was about to suffer an aneurysm with how hard he was holding in his laughter, one hand pressed to his mouth, the other to his middle. HanGuang Jun looked less shocked at the revelations and more concerned for his husband... which could only mean that he knew too.

"HuaiSang, w-what are you saying?" GuangYao finally spoke up, but he sounded anxious rather than indulgent. "I-It's nothing like-"

"Oh? What about the numerous times you had to cover for XiChen-xiong's slip ups?" Wei WuXian interrupted him, eyes dancing.

A pin drop silence descended upon the Yashi.

"Besides, I saw Er-ge and San-ge sneaking into Da-ge's room during your last visit," HuaiSang accused. "ZhongHui refused to believe me so we peeped in half an hour later and... suffice to say I was greatly inspired to paint while he ended up downing two bottles of liquor that night. Do you remember me saying he was unwell the next morning?"

The silence grew so heavy it was a miracle they weren't all lying flat on the floor.

"Paint?" XiChen echoed faintly.

"It's a surprise," HuaiSang told him in a matter of fact voice.

"Nie-xiong, you didn't tell me about peeping in on them!" Wei WuXian looked betrayed.

"Sorry, Wei-xiong," HuaiSang replied and sighed. "But really, this has gone on long enough."

Snapping shut his fan again, he turned to MingJue and placed his fists on his hips.

"When are you going to make honest men out of Er-ge and San-ge?" He demanded. "And when were you going to tell me about it? I'm your didi!"

"A moment, Nie-xiong," Wei WuXian stepped forward and turned to the trio, looking solemn again. "We just want you to know that your affair is not a secret from us, and that we're fine with it."

"Mn. As long as no one is hurt," Lan WangJi added.

"Exactly," WuXian continued. "We also know it's none of our business except that... well, you three haven't been subtle."

The sworn brothers exchanged looks before XiChen stepped forward, looking both resigned and worried.

"WangJi, WuXian, HuaiSang. I admit we - or rather, I - haven't been careful as we should have. Please allow me to explain. Da-ge isn't just our sworn brother, he's our husband too. A-Yao's and mine."

"I am glad to hear that." Lan QiRen and Sisi stepped inside the Yashi, causing the venerated trio to whirl around and look alarmed all over again.

"Uncle! Aunt Sisi!" XiChen bowed low. "Please allow me to explain."

"That would be good," Lan QiRen replied dryly, "since I don't recall seeing Sect Leader Nie prostrating to anyone."

"We exchanged bows on our wedding night," GuangYao said, wetting his lips, eyes darting between his two husbands, before he bowed low as well. "Our apologies, it was never our intention to mislead anyone."

"So the three of you are in agreement?" Lan QiRen wanted to know.

"We are," XiChen confirmed, one hand closing over GuangYao's, the other reaching for MingJue's.

Lan QiRen glanced at Sisi who smiled and nodded before he turned back to MingJue.

"In that case, I expect you to serve tea to Sisi and I."

"Tea?" MingJue repeated.

"Allow me, uncle," Xichen quickly said. "I was going to make some anyway."

"Da-ge, Er-ge," GuangYao's voice was soft and he was smiling, "I believe Uncle QiRen and Aunt Sisi wish to acknowledge Da-ge."

"In private and among family," QiRen confirmed.

"Like now. Right, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian said.

"Mn."

"I would be honoured," MingJue replied with a smile of relief.

They all gathered around the low table in the Yashi. When the tea was ready, MingJue picked up a filled cup and offered it to Lan QiRen with a bow.

"Uncle QiRen."

Lan QiRen accepted the cup and drank it before putting it on the table.

MingJue picked up the other cup and offered it to Sisi.

"Aunt Sisi."

Sisi accepted the tea with a sweet smile and drank from it.

"However, there is still the concern of you and XiChen being sect leaders," Lan QiRen said.

"The three of us have discussed it, uncle," XiChen replied. "I plan to hand over sect leadership to WangJi in a few months."

"Xiongzhang?"

XiChen turned to his brother with a reassuring smile.

"Do not worry, WangJi. You are more than capable. Uncle and I will take over your teaching duties and provide any support you need."

- o -

The next day, all seven of them sat down to a family lunch in a private room at the main hall. QiRen noted that the venerated trio in particular looked very pleased with themselves even though GuangYao gave a tiny grimace when he sat down.

Wei WuXian eyed the fare of tofu soup and stir fried noodles with vegetables before turning to WangJi who offered him a small bottle of pickled peppers.

"Oh, try these, Wei-xiong, San-ge!" Nie HuaiSang brought out another bottle of peppers from his sleeve. "The seller said they're sour and spicy!"

As soon as he opened the bottle, Sisi brought a hand to her nose, forehead wrinkling in distress at the pungent aroma.

"Sisi," Master Lan noticed at once. "Are you-"

"Ah. My apologies, everyone." Sisi's voice was muffled as she got up with more haste than grace with a hand on her husband's shoulder. She retched. "Please start eating and don't... don't wait for me."

She hurried away with her hand still pressed to her mouth.

Staring at her retreating back, QiRen half got up before sitting sat back down again. When he turned back, he was met with five pairs of questioning eyes.

"Uncle QiRen," Wei WuXian's wide grin was filled with delight. "Is Aunt Sisi pregnant?"

It wasn't the words, but the way he said it that made QiRen's face burn. He nodded, a jerky movement of his head.

"We meant to keep it secret for a little while longer," he admitted.

WangJi and XiChen both put down their chopsticks at once, but they were the only ones.

"Congratulations, Uncle QiRen," MingJue said and started eating.

"That's great news!" HuaiSang said and started eating as well.

"My congratulations to you and Aunt Sisi," GuangYao said with a smile.

"It's the best news I've heard today," WuXian declared, eyes gleaming.

QiRen felt his own eye twitch. This news would be all over Cloud Recesses by nightfall, he was sure of it. Maybe even by dinnertime if he didn't put a stop to it right now.

"Wei WuXian. Don't you dare breathe a word about this to anyone!"

"Ah, it's too bad Wen Qing isn't here this week," WuXian remarked as if he hadn't heard him. "But Granny Wen should know. She would have useful advice to impart, I'm sure."

"Hmm. You may inform her," QiRen allowed. "But only her."

"Don't worry, Uncle QiRen!" Wei WuXian placed three straightened fingers at his temple and nodded. "I won't say a word about Aunt Sisi being pregnant."

That promise didn't reassure QiRen in the slightest. He fretted about it the whole afternoon until Sisi coaxed him to take a nap with her which ended up with the sort of enjoyable activity that had led to her being pregnant in the first place.

It wasn't until the next morning that QiRen realised the Yiling Patriarch had outsmarted him after all. Everyone from Chen-yishi to Lan JiaYing, the Head Librarian, greeted him with wide smiles and words of congratulations for him and Sisi. Even Elder Zhao made a vague allusion to it while not quite meeting his eyes.

It turned out that Wei WuXian had spent yesterday afternoon and evening going around Cloud Recesses and dropping so many hints about an impending happy occasion, the pitter patter of tiny feet, the firm belief that Uncle QiRen and Aunt Sisi would make excellent parents, and the like until even Wen Ning - as clueless in death as he was in life - bowed and offered shy congratulations to QiRen before hastening away, looking like he would blush if he could.

- Chapter End -

A/N: Thank you for reading! Perhaps A-Yuan should have a different courtesy name since the 16 year pining didn't happen. But I love the name Lan SiZhui and decided to go with it. The translation of his courtesy name and him being WangXian's love letter were borrowed from skadiseven's Tumblr blog.

Please leave a review if you enjoyed this chapter and take care :)