Chapter Two
Banquet and Parting
Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan arrived within hours, having flown on sword most of the way to get to Lotus Pier swiftly. Jiang Yanli went straight for Wei Wuxian's room, ignoring everyone including her parents and their guests, where she found him packing.
"So it's true?"
"Shijie?" Wei Wuxian spun around, a well-crafted wooden box in his hands. "What are you doing here?"
"Of course I'm here! A-Cheng sent word of the proposal. Why wouldn't I come?"
He smiled at his elder martial sister. Honestly he was glad to see her. He'd planned to send her a letter before he left, but this was a nice surprise.
She moved further into the room and hugged him. "Do you need help packing?" She tried to take the wooden box from him but he quickly avoided her. She looked at the box again and smiled knowingly. "You're taking the letters with you? Even though you'll be seeing the sender every day?"
Wei Wuxian faked a cough as he set the box inside a trunk and reached for his shijie's hands. "They're important to me, you know that."
"I do," she smiled.
They sat on the sofa and Jiang Yanli brushed a stray hair from Wei Wuxian's face.
"Are you truly okay with this? It's rather sudden."
"I'm okay. And…"
"And?"
"Shijie, have Lan Zhan and I been courting this last year?"
Wei Wuxian could feel his cheeks heating up as he asked. For the last year since leaving Cloud Recesses they'd exchanged letters, met up at night hunts and conferences, and enjoyed the occasional meal together after night hunts. Was that courting? It wasn't too different from what he did with Wen Ning or Nie Huaisang.
"He never accepted any of my invitations to Lotus Pier, but we have seen each other quite a bit," Wei Wuxian mused.
Jiang Yanli laughed softly. "How old are you A-xian?"
"Three," he answered quickly.
"Yes, yes A-xian is only three so how could he possibly know. Maybe Second Master Lan has his reasons for avoiding coming to Lotus Pier. Since he's been here, what have you done?"
Wei Wuxian quickly explained the tour he'd given Lan Wangji, how when Jiang Cheng came looking for them the first time Lan Zhan pulled him away, and how they'd ended up at the tree he'd climbed the first night he arrived.
"And then," Wei Wuxian drifted off, his face heating up again. "Shijie, remember when I asked why someone would like another person?"
"I do. I asked if you had someone in your heart, and you lied to me," she replied sternly.
"You knew?" he gaped at her.
"Of course. All you've done is talk about Second Master Lan since coming home from Gusu. It was obvious."
"How? I didn't even completely realize until…" Again he drifted off not entirely willing to admit to kissing Lan Zhan so soon after being engaged.
"A-xian truly is three years old. Teasing the one he likes."
Wei Wuxian's eyes widened. Was that it? Was his level of flirting really at the level of a young boy pulling at the braid of the little girl he likes?
All the times he'd teased and pranked Lan Zhan raced through his mind and Wei Wuxian wanted to curl into a ball and die of embarrassment. Did Lan Zhan notice? Is that why he never accepted the invitation to visit Yunmeng?
"Shijie, what if Lan Zhan hates me?" he whimpered.
"I highly doubt Second Master Lan hates A-Xian. If he did, why would he go to those night hunts? Or right you letters? Or, agree to this marriage?"
She had a point. Not to mention, Lan Zhan had kissed him back. Wei Wuxian definitely didn't imagine those strong arms holding him tight and the other pressing closer for more.
Wei Wuxian's hand reached up, his fingertips lingering on his lips.
"A-Xian?"
"Hmm? Nothing Shijie, nothing."
"I see Cheng worried for nothing?" They both turned to Wen Qing standing at the open door. "Hello Yanli."
"A-Qing! Should you be up?" Jiang Yanli hurried to their sister in law.
"I'm perfectly fine. I came to see if Wuxian needed help packing as well."
"I'm almost done," Wei Wuxian placed a few more items in the trunk he'd set the box in. He grabbed a black flute, wrapped it in a cloth, and set it inside.
"Did you seriously not realize you've been crushing on Lan Wangji this entire time?"
"Wen Qing!" Wei Wuxian protested.
"Hopeless. But then again you're not the only lovesick hopeless fool I know," she sighed heavily.
Wei Wuxian frowned at that. Was she talking about Lan Zhan? No, she didn't know him well enough. She and Jiang Cheng were already happily married and stupid for each other. Jiang Yanli had also married the peacock recently, and they seemed happy with each other. So… who?
"Y-young M-master Wei!"
Jiang Yanli and Wen Qing quickly stepped aside as Wen Ning came rushing into his room.
"Are y-you tr-truly l-l-leaving?" Wen Ning asked. "M-m-marriage? To Y-young m-m-master Lan?"
He seemed worked up, he was stuttering more than normal.
"I am, but you can always come visit me, with Wen Qing's permission," he quickly added on the last part.
"I-I won't. I'll w-wait for the w-w-wedding."
"Why? Come see me."
Jiang Yanli wanted to laugh. Wen Ning was trying to be considerate. Of course Wei Wuxian wouldn't understand that.
The four of them helped Wei Wuxian pack the last of his things before they headed for the courtyard. The entire sect was busy with preparing for the celebratory banquet.
"Yanli!" Jin Zixuan hurried over as soon as he spotted her.
"Qing, dear, where did you go?" Jiang Cheng joined the group swiftly.
"To make sure our brother was properly prepared for his journey. I know you were worried."
"Was not," Jiang Chenge mumbled.
"It's ok Cheng-cheng, I promise to write."
"You better! What is Father thinking agreeing to this?"
"Agreeing?" Wei Wuxian frowned. "Was it the Lans that proposed the marriage?"
"If not them then who? Father would never send you away otherwise."
Wei Wuxian felt his heart do that weird fluttering again. He wasn't sure why, but he'd thought the proposal came from his side. Oh gods! Had he been courting Lan Zhan this entire year and not noticed it? Was this the natural progression in Lan Zhan's eyes?
"I… I need to find Lan Zhan."
"He's over there," Jin Zixuan indicated to a group to the left of them across the courtyard.
Wei Wuxian nodded and quickly headed toward his fiancé. This was all so weird. He was only now coming to accept that maybe he'd been courting Lan Zhan for this last year, and before he could even call him his boyfriend they were engaged. He'd missed an entire step despite participating in it!
Wait, what about confessions?
Should he confess to having feelings for Lan Zhan?
Was it necessary?
He froze as his gaze met the one causing all this torment on his mind and heart. Those clear eyes, always so straight forward and honest, seemed to soften as they met his own.
"Wei Ying." Was that a smile? It was the smallest upturn of Lan Zhan's lips, but it definitely looked like a smile!
"Lan Zhan, ah," Wei Wuxian felt his face heating up. "Have we been courting this last year?" He shouted causing everyone to pause in what they were doing.
Lan Wangji's ears had turned a bright red, though only his brother noticed, as he moved closer to Wei Wuxian who was obviously in a panicked state. Did the young man seriously just know notice that? He knew Lan Wangji had said Wei Wuxian was a bit oblivious to things, but this was almost painfully so.
"I mean, Lan Zhan the letters? Night hunts? Dinners? Have we?"
"Wei Ying, calm," Lan Wangji grapped Wei Wuxian's hands and pulled him close.
Lan Xichen watched happily. His younger brother was noticeably flustered himself, but he was trying to hold it together to calm the other one down.
"Answer me!" Wei Wuxian pleaded, tears pricking the corners of his eyes.
"Hnn, I thought we were," Lan Wangji whispered.
"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian threw his arms around Lan Wangji's shoulders, hugging him in front of everyone causing quite a few new shocked expressions.
Almost everyone had the same thought: 'He didn't realize that?!'
Everyone except Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian.
Madam Yu seemed genuinely irritated by her ward's outburst.
Fengmian was concerned for what was happening and how he hadn't noticed the relationship between the two men.
Wei Wuxian's panic was gone, replaced by total joy. His bright smile was back in full force as he clung to Lan Wangji's arm as people started milling about again. If it had been anyone else, the scene would've been enough to call the intended purpose of the evening into question. But, this was Wei Wuxian, the world's most oblivious idiot when it came to himself.
Others? He was sharp and usually quick to an accurate assessment.
Night hunts and hauntings? Wei Wuxian was the one to almost always realize what was going on before others, except maybe Lan Wangji.
The first disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang sect was no a fool – except when it came to himself. The man was simply blind when it came to inward reflection.
As soon as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji started exchanging letters, Wei Wuxian initiating the contact, and Wei Wuxian always bragging about Lan Wangji everyone at Lotus Pier just assumed he was lovesick idiot.
To think he hadn't even realize he was courting the Second Master of Lan!
Everyone collectively had another thought: 'Poor Lan Wangji.'
The banquet began with Lan Wanji and Wei Wuxian sitting at the head table, as the banquet was in honor of them. To one side was Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren. Opposite them sat Jiang Fengmian and Madam Yu, with Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing sitting at the table beside them. Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli were place at a table beside the Lans, even though they were technically the "Bride's" family. The Yunmeng Jiang sect wasn't really one for ceremony so it was more as a balance, family on both sides of the happy couple. The rest of the sect was spread out at table creating an informal circle.
Throughout the night people gave their congratulations and well wishes. Most even gave Lan Wangji sympathy for having to deal with Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji ignored such comments, instead he focused on keeping Wei Wuxian at his side.
People kept trying to pull him away and into antics. Every time he went to move away Lan Wangji grabbed his hand, gently reminding him to stay.
"What about betrothal gifts?" Someone asked.
Panic set back in Wei Wuxian! He hadn't even thought of that!
"Those will be exchange back at Cloud Recesses, as I'm sure Wei Wuxian needs to prepare," Lan Xichen announced.
Did that mean Lan Zhan had already prepared one for him?
Determination took the place of panic. He needed to find the perfect gift! But what?
"Wei Ying?"
"What would you like?" Wei Wuxian whispered to him. "As a gift?"
He hadn't expected Wei Wuxian to ask him directly. He had the most irresistible urge to say Wei Ying, but knew that was inappropriate. Plus, Wei Wuxian was already his.
"Sword tassel?" he mumbled something simple.
"Doesn't Bichen already have one?" Wei Wuxian looked between them where both Bichen and Suibian were sitting. He was surprised to not see a tassel on Bichen. "Hmm, okay!"
An idea formed in his mind instantly. Maybe he could get Lan Zhan a tassel that matched the one on Suibian? Not exactly as it would look strange for a black and red tassel to hang from the white and silver Bichen, but one of an identical design in Bichen's colors? Yes! That was perfect.
He wanted to go and make the order instantly, but knew he couldn't. The shops were closed after all, and they were leaving tomorrow. He'd need to find a craftsman in Gusu that could make the tassel.
"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian leaned against his shoulder. "I like you," he whispered so only Lan Wangji could hear him.
He didn't notice Lan Wangji's hand tightening on his cup of tea, or the reddening of his ears.
"Like Wei Ying," Land Wangji replied.
XxXxX
The next morning was both a happy and sad day for the Yunmeng Jiang sect as everyone gathered to see the first disciple off for his future. No one expected a day that Wei Wuxian would leave could come. The master was exceedingly fond of the young man, and the Jiang siblings loved him like one of their own.
Gazes shifted to Madam Yu as she stood silently beside the rest. No, maybe this day had to come.
"Thank you Uncle Fengmian, for everything. I promise to live up to your teachings and not bring shame upon our sect," Wei Wuxian bowed to the man that raised him.
"We will see you at the wedding, and A-Xian remember what I said. Lotus Pier will forever be your home."
"If he's going to marry into another sect he should do it properly and not come back! That would bring shame to us," Madam Yu snapped.
"Thank you, Madam Yu," Wei Wuxian bowed to the woman that was the darkest shadow during his time at Lotus Pier. Still, despite everything she'd said and done, he was grateful she never threw him out.
"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji came to his side.
"I'm fine," he whispered.
"A-xian," Jiang Yanli stepped forward. "Please remember to write and visit me at Carp Tower."
"Of course Shijie."
"You better treat him right," Jiang Cheng warned Lan Wangji. "If I even think you're mistreating him-"
"Cheng-cheng I'll be fine. Lan Zhan wouldn't do that," Wei Wuxian stepped between them.
"Hmph," Jiang Cheng was definitely not convinced. After all, it was only last night that Wei Wuxian even realized they'd been courting! What kind of person was Lan Wangji to not even make his intentions clear to his intended?
Everyone else said their goodbyes and the group departing for Gusu boarded the boats. Normally they'd travel by sword, but since Wei Wuxian had his luggage to bring with him this was far more practical.
Wei Wuxian stood at the back of the boat waving good bye to everyone until they were far out of sight of Lotus Pier. As they rounded a bend in the river he finally lowered his arms and felt the weight of the situation settle over him. He was really leaving Lotus Pier. He'd always thought it would be his home until he died.
"Wei Ying?" Lan Zhan came to his side. "We can visit any time."
He smiled up at his Lan Zhan. "Thanks," he looked back in the direction of Lotus Pier.
Lan Zhan reached out and wrapped his arms around Wei Ying, pulling him close. It hurt to see him so forlorn. This was for the best though.
He'd seen it clearly during their brief stay, Madam Yu held nothing but animosity for his Wei Ying. He couldn't leave him there anymore. It was his job to protect him.
Lan Wangji knew it would be hard for Wei Ying to adjust to Cloud Recesses, but he would be there to help him. After a while he'd come to realize it wasn't so restrictive. Plus, they could night hunt together more frequently. And cultivate together.
He'd waited a year, and honestly he'd been ready to wait longer. He couldn't leave his beloved locked in that place with a woman that hated him though. He wouldn't.
"Lan Zhan? Are you okay?" Wei Ying looked up to him, concern on his face.
"Wei Ying, did she ever hurt you?"
Wei Ying frowned for a moment before realization shone in his eyes. Looking away he laid his arms over Lan Zhan's.
"Lan Zhan, Madam Yu tolerated me being there even though," he drifted off.
"Did she hurt you?" Lan Zhan repeated.
Wei Ying nodded shallowly. He recalled the times she admonished him. Jiang Cheng and Shijie thought it was just kneeling and scolding but there was more. Never enough to permanently injure, but enough to wound.
Lan Zhan's arms tightened around him, almost as if he was trying to protect Wei Ying from the memories plaguing him.
"Never again," he repeated.
Wei Ying laughed. "But I've been punished at Cloud Recesses before."
"Punishment is not the same," Lan Zhan replied coldly. "It's not done out of malice."
He knew Lan Zhan was right and he couldn't argue.
The times he'd been admonished by Madam Yu were often over things that made Jiang Cheng seemed weaker than him. Like when he'd win at kite shooting, or if he out hunted him. Very rarely was he punished by Madam Yu because of a rule he'd broken. It was always because he outshone his brother.
Leaning further into Lan Zhan's chest Wei Ying turned around and looked up to him. Those clear eyes gazed down into his own filled with so much emotion. How did he ever think of Lan Zhan as emotionless?
"Ying," Lan Zhan whispered leaning down.
"Zhan."
Their lips brushed against each other's and before they could take it deeper a cough came from the front of the boat.
Both blushed as they parted. They'd complete forgotten they weren't alone!