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Lan Xichen was standing in the middle of his room. He held a piece of paper gently in his hand. It was the last letter his brother sent him about a month ago. Since then, he has not received one anymore. His eyes swept through Lan Wangji's beautiful calligraphy.
Do not worry, Xiongzhang. All is well.
These two sentences were always in the letter. Their purpose was to calm Lan Xichen down, but they had done nothing as such. He was worried about Lan Wangji. His brother could write all the flowers and rainbows about his life in Burial Mound Palace with Yiling Laozu, but Lan Xichen would still worry. He knew Lan Wangji didn't and wouldn't lie. Lan Wangji just needed to omit the bad things he was enduring. Not a lie, but not the entire truth, so that he would not make Lan Xichen worry.
Lan Xichen sighed.
It had been months since his younger brother entered the bridal palanquin and was flown to Burial Mound Palace to be the spouse of the famous Yiling Laozu. Since then, he hasn't seen his brother in person. He had heard many rumours about his brother's condition inside Yiling Laozu's Palace. Many people thought that marriage was what Yiling Laozu wanted as a bargain for his help in winning the war. It was not. Yiling Laozu indeed asked for something in return for his help, but the marriage proposal from the famous demonic cultivator was not. It was a continuation of the bargain. However, the bargain was only known to Yiling Laozu, Lan Xichen, and Lan Wangji. No one else knew exactly what Yiling Laozu wanted from them. Thus, when the wedding was announced, people thought the marriage was the deal. There were many rumours that emerged, especially when Hanguang-Jun was not spotted or seen anywhere after the wedding. Many were too outrageous to be true, but many were also too believable to be denied.
Today would be the first day of the cultivator conferences at the Koi Tower, and he was told that Yiling Laozu and Hanguang-Jun had accepted the invitation to attend. Today, he would see for himself if those rumours were true.
Lan Xichen dressed in his robes silently. The robes were formal and appropriate enough to attend a conference, but also practical enough in case self-defence was needed. Just in case.
"Sect Leader Lan, good morning." A servant bowed as he walked out of his room.
"Good morning."
"The breakfast will be served in about half an hour, Zewu-Jun. The conference will be held shortly after that." The servant informed him as he bowed his head low.
"Thank you. I'll be there shortly." He gave a nod to the servant before he took a deep breath. Now or nothing.
--
"Do you hear? Yiling Laozu is so cruel to Hanguang Jun. Of all his wealth, he gives Hanguang-Jun really unappealing robes. People say that Yiling Laozu wants Hanguang-Jun to know his place, so he was dressed as plainly as a servant. He wants to know that Hanguang-Jun is just a bargain tool, someone Yiling Laozu can show the world how the cultivation world is scared of him and that they do not mind giving their most precious cultivator to him. A trophy of some sort."
Lan Xichen smiled politely as he listened to the nonsense ramblings of Sect Leader Ji about the current spirit that terrorised some villages in the southeast area of his land. He had a suspicion that the sect leader was trying to bait him into helping him, but he was too arrogant to say it out loud. Lan Xichen didn't quite understand why. Gusu Lan would definitely offer some help if they were asked, especially from smaller sects that didn't have enough resources to handle matters on their own.
'Help those who are unfortunate" was one of their 3000 rules after all. Lan Xichen's ears caught some conversations about how people were very wary about today's conference. Some even expressed their reluctance to attend because Yiling Laozu would be in attendance, but they couldn't refuse the invitation. This conference was the largest ever held. The attendance was not only from those major sects but also from smaller sects as well. After the devastating war, it was important that all sects were involved in a conference since it related to how all sects rebuilt their homes, economies, and populations. They needed their voices to be heard here.
"Yiling Laozu and Hanguang-Jun!" The loud announcement immediately halted all conversation in the room. All heads turned to the large door separating the Lanling Conference Hall from the vast terrace. Lan Xichen himself held his breath when he heard the announcement. He turned around so quickly that he could feel a slight dizziness in his pretty skull.
Yiling Laozu walked into the conference hall as if he owned it. His handsome face was expressionless as his gaze swept the people in the conference hall. He looked so different from Yiling Laozu, who was smirking and taunting the sect leaders when they sought his help to win the Sunshot Campaign. He looked more alert. He wore an expensive black and purple robe with a hint of red. A long black cape covering his back moved along with the wind. His long hair was pulled into a high ponytail with bangs around his face. He looked handsome but intimidating. His left hand was holding his famous flute, Chenqing, while his right hand was around his husband's waist. His husband. Lan Xichen's brother
Lan Wangji walked into the conference hall with a totally different aura from his spouse. He wore multiple layers of pale blue robes. His beautiful white outer robe had a long train that danced elegantly on the floor as he moved around. It was clear that the robe was made from high-quality fabrics. Cloud patterns heavily adorned the robes. His dark blue stash, which was very contrasting with the white and pale blue robe, enhanced his slim waist. The familiar jade pendant dangled there, along with a black jade pendant. His silky black hair was pulled into a simple bun on top of his head. Beautiful, shining jewellery covered all sides of his bun. The lack of Lan Wangji's usual front bangs made him look more mature. His face was as beautiful as before. No flaws, no scars. Nothing. It was just as smooth and flawless as a piece of jade. He looked like a high-ranking member of Gusu's main family instead of the spouse of the powerful and terrifying Demonic Cultivator Yiling Laozu from Burial Mound.
Lan Xichen let out his breath shakily. His brother was glowing under the morning sun. He looked fine. His brother looked extremely fine.
"Hanguang-Jun indeed," the wife of Sect Leader Ji said.
"Oh, sorry for coming late." Yiling Laozu said. His previous expressionless face broke into a cheeky grin.
"Welcome, Yiling Laozu, Hanguang-Jun. It's an honour to have you at this year's conference." Jin Guangyao greeted the couple as he bowed very deeply.
"Nah, the privilege is mine. After all, this is my first time joining your conference. I was never invited before." Yiling Laozu waved his hand carelessly. Lan Xichen could see other sect leaders tense. Yes, no one actually sent any invitations to Yiling Laozu, even when his name became a prominent figure in the cultivation world. The unorthodox cultivation the man practised worried everyone. It was a good thing that Yiling Laozu didn't really care about other sects besides his own. That was a perfect excuse for not inviting him to a conference, even if a new sect should be present at it to gain acknowledgement from others. If Yiling Laozu went rampaging in the event. No one could stop him.
"Apologise, Yiling Laozu. Before, we were not aware that you'd be willing to attend."
"It's alright. I don't really care for the cultivation world at all, but now I have Hanguang-Jun as my beloved spouse. I cannot ignore how important it is for him."
Lan Xichen saw his brother's eyes glance at his husband for a moment before they swept the people into the hall. When his eyes were set on him, they lit up. Not wasting any time, Lan Xichen walked as quickly as possible, pushing the crowd in front of him.
"Xiongzhang." Oh, how Lan Xichen couldn't tell how much he missed hearing that voice. He ignored everyone in the hall and embraced his brother tightly.
'Do not show excessive emotions.' His uncle's voice echoed in his head. He didn't care. His brother was here in the flesh. Lan Xichen felt his brother tense for a moment before hugging him back. Once he broke the hug, his eyes looked straight into his brother's eyes. Lan Wangji's expression softened when he saw an unspoken question in Lan Xichen's eyes. 'Are you alright?' He nodded, and Lan Xichen sighed in relief.
"Zewu-Jun." Lan Xichen's attention moved to his brother's husband, who was grinning at him.
"Yiling Laozu." He bowed. The demonic cultivator folded his hands and bowed back before his hand went back around Lan Wangji's waist. Lan Xichen watched his brother's face, trying to find any reaction. His brother looked fine to the touch. He showed no rejection or disgust towards it. His shoulders relaxed, his hands folded together in front of his stomach, and his eyes looked straight at Lan Xichen.
"Well, since everyone is present, let's begin the annual Cultivator Conference. All sect leaders, the heirs, and the first disciples, please take a seat." Jin Guangyao spoke. Lan Xichen let Yiling Laozu walk in front of him and choose a seat. He deliberately positions himself beside his brother. He needed to be beside his brother.
"One of my men sent our offering to Burial Mound, and he said that he saw Hanguang-Jun there. He was so skinny, he said. He was still beautiful, but he was so pale and unhealthy. His cheeks were sunken. His eyes were red and swollen, as if he had been crying all day. His body was just skin and bone. He believed that Yiling Laozu was starving Hanguang Jun. He didn't want Hanguang-Jun to be in full health, so he wouldn't have enough energy to balance his spiritual energy. That way, he wouldn't even think of escaping."
The debate over the trade between the sects came to a halt when lunch was announced. All guests moved to the dining hall, where several circular tables were already filled with many foods. Lan Xichen frowned. The tables were too small for the guests, and the utensils and food were too many for one or two people. His guess was right. One table was purposely set that way so people had to form their own squads, mostly with about 4–5 people.
"Why?" He asked Jin Guangyao softly. The shorter man glanced around before answering softly.
"Father's request. Under the guise of a more exciting lunch, he doesn't want Yiling Laozu to be left alone, even with Hanguang-Jun by his side. This way, he'll be surrounded by people and forced to socialise. He won't have time to plan anything sinister."
"A-Yao, don't you think this is too much? What your father has in mind might offend Yiling Laozu greatly. We're supposed to treat him as a guest, not as a threat."
"I cannot do anything about it, I'm afraid." Jin Guangyao said, shaking his head.
Lan Xichen looked around and noticed that one table was mostly occupied by one big family, two close families, or close friends, judging by the easy conversations and laughter. He spotted Jiang Wanyin, Jiang Yanli, Jin Zixuan, Jin Guanshang, and Madam Jin sitting together at one table. Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang were sitting together with Sect Leader Ouyang, his wife, and Sect Leader A-Yao. Lan Xichen watched as Nie Mingjue seemed unhappy with the arrangement, but Nie Huaisang seemed to have a very intense dialogue with Sect leader Yao. Lan Xichen's eyes found where his brother was sitting with his husband. The table was only occupied by the couple. He saw Jin Guangyao walk to Nie's table and speak to Nie Mingjue for a while before the taller man sighed and slowly walked to Yiling Laozu's table while the shorter man sat in Nie Mingjue's previous seat. Once he saw that Nie Minguje sat down beside Yiling Laozu, he quickly walked over, eager to join his brother.
"May I join this table?" he asked, smiling. He could see the relief on his brother's face. His brother was clearly looking for him, but he was too polite to demand it.
"Of course, Sect Leader Lan, or should I call you Xiozhang as Lan Zhan does? But it's too formal, and I don't like it. What about Xichen-ge?" Yiling Laozu asked, "You're most welcome here. Lan Zhan was going to ask you, but he was afraid you'd sit with your sworn brother. But look here; Sect Leader Nie is here." Yiling Laozu said cheerfully. Lan Xichen sat down beside his brother and gave him a reassuring smile. His eyes looked at the food on the table, and he remembered something.
"Yiling Laozu can call me whatever he wishes."
"Please don't call me that. Just call me Wei Wuxian, or Wuxian, or A-Xian is okay." Yiling Laozu said, grinning. Lan Xichen smiled, but he was clearly taken aback by how friendly he was. He didn't expect that. Did the infamous and terrifying Demonic Cultivation really permit him to call him A-Xian? Lan Xichen knew his name was Wei Wuxian. People knew his name was Wei Wuxian, but Yiling Laozu was the first name they heard, so it stuck.
"Well, Wuxian it is." He said this, earning a grin from the man. Lan Xichen slowly moved his gaze to Nie Mingjue, who was eyeing the man with clear distrust. He caught his eyes, and their eyes locked for a moment.
"Isn't it nice that we have both your brother and Sect Leader Nie here, Lan Zhan? This table will be famous because of its occupant. "How powerful we are." Wei Wuxian said, cackling gleefully. Lan Wangji just looked at him with a passive expression, but Xichen could see amusement in his eyes.
"Sect Leader Nie, I heard your clan practised sabre, no?"
"Yes, what about it?' Nie Mingjue grunted.
"Oh, tell me about it? I heard your sabre used resentful energy as well. How does that work?"
"Why should I tell you you want to control my sabre with your power?" If this question were asked to other people, Lan Xichen wouldn't be surprised if they were offended. This question was very impolite, as if Yiliing Laozu always had an evil plot in his mind. However, Wei Wuxian just gasped while putting his hand on his chest.
"Sect Leader Nie? Do you think so evil of me?" He said it dramatically.
"Yes, why?" Nie Mingjue said. Instead of being angry, Wei Wuxian laughed.
Lan Xichen ignored the banter between the two men. He turned his head and examined his brother's physical appearance. Lan Wangji looked healthy, which was very different from what the rumour said. There was no trace of starvation at all. Instead of sunken cheeks, Lan Wangji's cheeks were full and round. Chubby, if Lan Xichen could say, his skin was still as pale as jade, but it definitely looked healthier than when he was in Cloud Recesses. Burial Mound was full of sunlight after all, especially during the summer. His beautiful phoenix eyes were not swollen, but they were bright with happiness as he looked at Lan Xichen.
"Xiongzhang?" Lan Wangji looked at him with worry in his eyes. Lan Xichen took one of his brother's hands in his and squeezed it gently.
'Healthy', He thought in relief as he felt his brother's hand. Not just bone and skin. Meat and fat were there.
"Well, let's eat. Oh, look, Lan Zhan, this is your favourite, right? What is this? Is it eggplant? Oh, look, is this Lanling's famous grilled beef? You can eat this, right? We're not in Gusu anyway." Wei Wuxian said excitedly as he grabbed a bowl in front of him. Lan Xichen watched carefully as the demonic cultivator filled the bowl with so much food before putting it in front of Lan Wangji and filling another bowl for himself. Lan Xichen shared a glance with Nie Mingjue. Lan Xichen noticed that Lan Wangji just let Yiling Laozu put everything into his bowl as if this was what usually happened in their household. In exchange, Lan Wangji poured all of them a cup of tea.
"Oh, these are good." Wei Wuxian moaned through a mouthful of rice and grilled beef. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji kept their silence during the meal, but Nie Mingjue could not help but snort at the wondrous childlike expression on Wei Wuxian's face.
"Sect Leader Nie, does Qinghe have its famous food? I'm afraid I don't know this kind of thing since I usually just enter a restaurant and order the spiciest food it offers. I'd like to know in case I have to travel to your territory."
As Lan Xichen left the conversation between the two, his eyes were on Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji's appetite was normal. He ate at a normal pace and with small bites. He ate some bites of grilled beef and roast chicken. Lan Wangji was not tied to their 3000 rules since now he belonged to another sect, so Lan Xichen wouldn't do anything about it. His brother was free to eat whatever he wanted now, but he assumed those bites were just to satisfy his husband, who put them into his bowl. His husband seemed to have a habit of putting food into Lan Wangji's bowl when he noticed that it was gradually decreasing. He smiled in satisfaction every time he saw Lan Wangji take the food and eat it, even though it was just a small bit. He even refilled Lan Wangji's cup of tea.
Lan Xichen didn't know what to feel. It looked like Wei Wuxian was the one who served Lan Wangji instead. Lan Wangji was married to Yiling Laozu's sect, so shouldn't it be the other way around? This was not odd if this happened privately in their own household. This was equivalent to an intimate public display of affection, something people tried to avoid doing during formal events. Lan Xichen hoped that this also happened in their household, not just for an appearance.
"Xiongzhang?" Lan Xichen blinked and noticed his brother was looking at him worriedly, a frown on his forehead. He smiled gently and shook his head.
"Nothing." He said this as he continued eating his food. He didn't know what happened in his brother's household during mealtime, but during this conference, he would make sure he ate well.
"Yiling Laozu always visits the towns in Yiling every week with his loyal Ghost General. They walked through the market as if they owned it. He liked to spend all his money on gambling, drinking, food, and women. I know that he is so rich, but spending money carelessly will just bring down his own sect. Poor Hanguang-Jun has to deal with that behaviour. I heard Gusu Lan Sect forbid excessive spending, especially for unimportant things like what Yiling Laozu does every week."
Lan Xichen rubbed his eyes as the meeting did not run as smoothly as he had hoped. The sun had not set yet, but so many people were clearly restless. Political discussion was always tricky. Bigger sects thought they were above all, eager to show off their wealth, territory, and population to convince everyone that their needs were more important. Smaller sects complained, saying that no matter their sizes, they should get equal treatment. Some leaders from the smaller sects were banging their hands on the table, demanding better treatment from the chief cultivator. Lan Xichen glanced at the couple beside him. He hid a smile when he saw two blank looks. It seemed like Lan Wangji's husband was not fond of politics, just like his brother. Lan Wangji, despite his brilliance, didn't care about political matters. He just did what he thought was right. Big or small, populated or deserted, rich or poor, unfortunate people should be helped. That was Lan Wangji's principle. It was just that simple. Lan Xichen didn't know about Yiling Laozu Wei Wuxian, but the fact that he didn't even go out from his burial mound before the sects asked for his help indicated that he didn't care about matters that didn't involve him. If he didn't marry Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen believed that the demonic cultivator wouldn't even join this conference. Which brought up the question, Why did he marry Lan Wangji? Lan Xichen himself surely didn't know.
Many let out a relieved sigh when Jin Guangyao announced the end of the meeting that day. The sun had not set, but since dinner time was not approaching yet, everyone was welcome to roam the nearby town. The towns had been prepared for the conference after all. Inns were opened, markets were full, and famous brothels were offering their ladies. After all, it was Lanling.
"Lan Zhan, let's walk around the town. Maybe we can find something to amuse ourselves there." Wei Wuxian said, stretching his arms. Lan Xichen caught Jin Guangyao's eyes, and he frowned when he saw him nod at him. He noticed that Sect Leaders Jiang, Jin Zixuan, Jiang Yanli, and Lady Luo Qinyang walked towards them.
"Hanguang-Jun, may I have a moment?" Nie Huaisang asked the Second Jade Lan Wangji to look at his husband for a moment. Yiling Laozu forced a smile but nodded his head. Lan Wangji followed the younger Nie to a more secluded area.
"Let's head to the town, Laozu. I can show you some of our finest stalls and shops." Jin Zixuan said, smiling. Wei Wuxian looked at him for a moment before shrugging.
"Sure. Let us go."
The group walked to the nearby busy town. The town was clearly decorated more elaborately for these events. Some shops even showed off their products openly outside their shops. Lan Xichen walked silently beside his in-law, Jin Zixuan and sometimes Lady Luo described and explained everything they encountered. Lady Luo had just finished her explanation of their famous signature cake when Wei Wuxian stopped in front of a shop. In front of the shop, five young men and women were showing off their beautiful robes and fabrics. Wei Wuxian's face lit up as he touched a very beautiful blue robe.
"Oh, look at these beautiful robes."
"I don't know you're fond of blue, Laozu." Jiang Yanli said, smiling as she ran her hand across the fabric. It was indeed a fine robe.
"I LOVE the blue colour. Lan Zhan looks so beautiful in blue. Don't get me wrong; he looks beautiful in anything. Once he wore my totally plain black robes, and let me tell you, that beautiful jade of skin glowed. I thought it would only happen when he wore white or shimmering robes, but I was totally wrong. Lan Zhan is most beautiful in blue, though. Do you remember the beautiful pale blue robes he is wearing? I chose it. It looks so wonderful on him, right? Right? He looked like an ethereal being." He said it dreamily. Lan Xichen smiled as Jiang Wanyin and Jin Zixuan rolled their eyes. Seeing the powerful and clearly rich cultivator seem interested, a young man stepped forward and offered a full chest of beautiful jewellery.
"This jade comb is so beautiful. Hmm... maybe Lan Zhan can wear it with the robes? Or maybe something more unique. These headpieces and hairpins look good with the robes, too. Should I just buy all of them and let Lan Zhan choose which one he likes?"
"What would he do with the rest?"
"Well, he can do whatever he wants. He can throw them away, resell them, or just give them to others. He likes giving things to someone when he thinks he doesn't need them. Two days ago, I bought him some high-quality and expensive silk. He scolded me; can you believe that? He said I spent money too carelessly and on unimportant things. But spoiling our spouse is an important task, right? Lan Zhan gave those fabrics to one of our servants as a wedding gift. Lan Zhan is just that kind." Wei Wuxian said this with a fond smile on his face. Slowly, warmth spread inside Lan Xichen's heart when he heard that.
"Spoiling our spouse is indeed an important task, Laozu." Lady Luo agreed. Her eyes, however, were narrowing at her master, clearly giving him a clue. Flustered, Jin Zixuan immediately took one of the beautiful hairpins and asked his wife about it.
"And what if he rejects these robes and jewellery you bought for him?" Jiang Wanyin unexpectedly asked.
"Well, Lan Zhan can do whatever he wants. Once I give these to him, they are his. He can keep them, throw them away, or give them to others. I think he will choose one or two of these combs, though. One of the little children in my palace broke his favourite jade comb a week ago. She didn't mean it, of course, because it fell and she accidentally stepped on it. Lan Zhan said it was okay, but he looked sad after we went back to our chamber. It's kind of looking like this one."
"Wangji loves simple but elegant pieces of jewellery, Wei-gongzi. Like this hairpin, for example. It is simple, only white in colour, but the craving is very detailed and wonderful." Lan Xichen said this, holding out a beautiful white hairpin. Wei Wuxian looked at him with a shocked expression.
"Xichen-ge, you are officially my second favourite person in the world." He said, "Please, please tell me what other things Lan Zhan likes."
After buying so many things for Lan Wangji, with the wonderful help of Lan Xichen, they continued their way to the food stalls. Wei Wuxian seemed to gain Lady Luo's friendship as they went from one stall to another, tasting the unique cuisines of Lanling. They managed to drag Jiang Yanli, who was very knowledgeable about food in general.
"Rabbit stew, my Lords and Ladies? This is our newest recipe, and you can taste a spoonful of it for free. It's just for today." A kind-looking man was standing in front of a crowded restaurant with a table with some steaming bowls on it. Wei Wuxian looked at the stew with a longing look for a moment before he forced a smile and shook his head.
"Is Wei-gongzi sure not to buy the stew? You look like you want to have a taste."
"Oh, I love rabbit stew, Zewu-Jun. It is actually one of my favourite foods."
"Then why?"
"If Lan Zhan knows I eat anything with rabbits in it, he'll kick me out of our room." Yiling Laozu said, his hands on his hips. "I'm sure you know that Lan Zan loves rabbits so much; it's so adorable. You know, I have this beautiful garden behind our private quarter, and Lan Zhan uses almost one-quarter of it for his beloved rabbits. It was my fault, though, because I gave him a pair of rabbits, but I didn't expect them to build their own army so quickly. I once joked that I would take a few of them to make a tasty rabbit stew, and Lan Zhan kicked me out of our room for three days. Three days, Zewu-Jun! I was forced to sleep in my study room. It was the longest three days of my life. I have learned my lesson since then."
"Just say you don't eat it. What's so hard about it?" Jiang Wanyin scoffed. Wei Wuxian put on a patient smile as if he were about to talk to a child.
"Sect Leader Jiang, you aren't married yet, are you? Here, let me tell you something. A spouse somehow knows everything. And when I say everything, I mean everything. Do not try to lie to your spouse, because it will end very badly for you. Especially if you have a spouse like Hanguang-Jun. He will give me that look, and I cannot lie to him. It is terrifying."
"Wise advice, My Lord." Jiang Yanli said, smiling brightly. Jin Zixuan looked at her with a horrified look on his face, while Lady Quo giggled at his face.
"Does Cloud Recesses have rabbits, Sect Leader Lan?"
"Yes. There is a meadow full of rabbits at the back of the hill near our biggest waterfall in Cloud Recesses."
"I thought Cloud Recesses forbade pets."
"Indeed. Pets are forbidden, but those rabbits are not pets. When we were about eight years old, Wangji found two little bunnies, and he didn't let go of them when our uncle found out. He didn't want to see Wangji sad, but he didn't want to break one of the rules either, so Uncle brought him to a clearing near the waterfall. He told Wangji that he could put them there as a part of Cloud Recess' nature and that he could visit and feed them during his free time. Since then, they have been raised, fed, and taken care of by Wangji himself. If someone actually complained about their existence, no one dares to say it out loud." Yiling Laozu laughed wholeheartedly when he heard that. He shook his head fondly at the revelation.
"Lan Zhan ah Lan Zhan. He is so adorable. The greatest thing about it is he doesn't even know how adorable he is." Lan Xichen wholeheartedly agreed.
"Chen Yi, the famous prostitute from the southeast brothel of Yiling, said that she was once invited to give special service to Yiling Laozu. She said that Yiling Laozu was so heartless that he would keep the women he hired up until dawn. She also said that even though he gave her and some of his concubines so much affection, he never spared a glance at Hanguang-Jun. He was so cold. No greeting, no hugging, no holding hands—nothing. So cold to the peerless beauty of the cultivation world."
The sun finally set, and the group walked back to Koi Tower, led by Jin Zixuan. Their time in the town was much more enjoyable than Lan Xichen expected. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin kept bickering over small things, and Lan Xichen found it relaxing. Sect Leader Jiang was too young to burden himself with the huge responsibility of being a sect leader. While most of the heirs his age were travelling, courting their significant others, getting married, or just enjoying their peaceful lives after a war, Jiang Wanyin had to rebuild Jiang Sect from scratch. His temperament was also one of the reasons he didn't have many friends. Most people around him were his disciples, servants, or much older sect leaders. Lan Xichen didn't know how old Wei Wuxian was, but he looked the same age as Jiang Wanyin. He even behaved like his equal. Wei Wuxian seemed to enjoy pushing Jiang Wanyin's button. He took pleasure in Jiang Wanyin's quick temper and snarky comeback. He laughed in glee when he managed to make the youngest sect leader go red with anger or embarrassment. Lan Xichen had a suspicion that, despite those angry remarks and weak insults to Wei Wuxian, Jiang Wanyin liked and enjoyed Wei Wuxian's company. Jiang Yanli's soft look and amused smile were enough for him to clarify that.
Once they finally arrived at Koi Tower and entered the dining hall, Lan Xichen's eyes immediately found his brother. Lan Wangji was conversing with Nie Huaisang, who was holding a bright book. However, it was more like the younger young man was talking animatedly while Lan Wangji nodded his head once in a while. Before Lan Xichen could open his mouth to greet the two, Wei Wuxian dragged his feet to where Lan Wangji was. Lan Xichen noticed that his shoulders were slumped, there was a pout on his face, and he looked like a miserable child.
"Lan Zhan~" Yiling Laozu called. Lan Wangji and Nie Huaisang turned around, and both were surprised when the man threw himself into Lan Wangji's arms.
"Lan Zhan, Sect Leader Jiang bullied me." He whined pitifully while burying his face into Lan Wangji's shoulder. Lan Wangji's eyes widened, and his lips parted a little as he hugged his husband back in reflex and looked at where Jiang Wanyin was.
"W-What? No, I did not!" Jiang Wanyin sputtered.
"He did, he did. He said I acted like a three-year-old toddler while we were at the market. I was buying Lan Zhan some cute little rabbits as a gift, but he said it was so childish. No wonder he is still single." The man continued without looking up from Lan Wangji's shoulder. Jiang Waiyin continued to sputter at the accusation. Jiang Yanli and Lady Luo were giggling behind their sleeves, enjoying the banter.
Besides Lan Wangji, Nie Huaisang was looking at him with wide eyes, an open mouth, and a shocked expression. Lan Xichen didn't blame him at all. The man in Lan Wangji's arms was still whining and sniffing fake tears. He acted like an adorable spoiled child instead of a terrifying demonic cultivator who could control resentful energy just by whistling. Lan Xichen winced. Oh dear, that description sounded so wrong.
"Don't spout nonsense! How old are you, speaking like a child like that? Aren't you supposed to be a powerful cultivator?"
"I am a powerful cultivator, but I'm also a husband. I have the right to whine at my husband. You're just jealous because you don't have anyone to cuddle you. I have the most beautiful person in the world to hug, kiss, and cuddle. Oh, I have a wonderful candidate for you, Sect Leader Jiang. I have this fiery doctor in my palace. She'll match you in temperament and attitude. Is that right, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian said, turning to Lan Wangji excitedly.
"I don't need anyone by my side, especially from your palace!"
"Aww, why not? There are many handsome and beautiful people in my palace. Look at me! I'm handsome. My doctor is beautiful. Her brother is such a cutie."
"I don't need one!"
Lan Xichen ignored the useless bickering between the two sect leaders and focused his attention on his brother. Lan Wangji was looking at his husband with a rare, soft smile on his face. His eyes were soft as they gazed at his clingy husband. His left arm was still around Wei Wuxian, while his right hand was on Wei Wuxian's shoulder, patting it softly. Once in a while, his phoenix eyes went to Jiang Wanyin, and there was amusement in them. His brother was clearly enjoying the show. When Wei Wuxian turned to him with a pout on his face, he absentmindedly reached out to touch his bottom lip. The pout transformed into a bright smile, and the small smile on Lan Wangji's lips widened.
Lan Xichen smiled. His brother was in love, and judging from Wei Wuxian's behaviour, it seemed like his feelings were reciprocated.
"Hanguang-Jun is said to be as cold as jade, but I'm sure even Gusu Lan Sect members are taught to respect and love their spouses. Yiling Laozu, though? What kind of man he is. I heard he is a cruel man without any mercy at all. He is heartless and doesn't care about the people around him. I wonder what kind of marriage they have. Maybe it is just a purely political marriage after all. No affection. No love. Nothing."
Lan Xichen slowly and silently walked towards his brother's room. Wei Wuxian was held back by Sect Leader Jiang and his sister after dinner, so he would definitely be late to join his husband. Lan Xichen hoped he could talk to his brother alone. He stopped when he was near his destination. His attention was on a glowing individual standing outside a guest room.
Lan Wangji was standing in front of their room, looking up at the full moon. His brother looked peaceful. His silky hair was free from its bun and expensive headpieces and only tied in a simple knot. He was wearing a simple white robe. It seemed like he was waiting for something, or maybe someone.
Footsteps were heard from Lan Xichen's opposite direction. A figure in black, purple, and red robes made his way to where Lan Wangji was standing. Yiling Laozu Wei Wuxian grinned and quickened his pace when his eyes found his husband standing with his back to him. His arms wrapped around Lan Wangji from behind, and he put his chin on his husband's shoulder. Lan Wangji turned his head around and leaned his forehead against his husband's. The couple closed their eyes as they enjoyed each other's warmth. No word was spoken. No further movement was made.
It was so intimate.
Then he saw it. A full smile on his younger brother's face. Lan Xichen felt he had stopped breathing. How many years had he prayed to see that smile again? It was a smile Lan Wangji showed him when they were about to visit their mother. The smile lit up his face, brightened his eyes, and softened his features. Thus, it enhanced his beautiful face. It made him look so breathtaking.
Lan Xichen smiled and turned around. He would talk to him tomorrow. He didn't want to disturb the sweet moment between his brother and his husband. At least he finally knew that his brother was happy and treated well. That was good. That was very good. Ah, he suddenly felt so single.