Chapter Text
"What kind of gentleman playing a foul like this! What kind of Zewu-Jun! Come here, You! Let's go out and fight!"
Wei Wuxian swore loudly while hitting the innocent door for who knew how many times in his rage.
Perhaps Lan Xichen was inspired by the array that had trapped him in Jinlintai that night, but he actually set a similar one in his own residence. It wasn't meant to be a form of detention originally, but just in case, considering the young man's rebellious temper, he couldn't have Wei Wuxian running away before they finished talking about things. Now this array did really come in handy.
Knowing that there's a restrictive formation holding him in, Wei Wuxian smacked the bamboo mesh decoration for the last time in frustration.
He left the front entrance and began to circle around, inspecting the room he was put in.
The room was a standard private courtyard. It was exceptionally clean, every corner was neat and tidy. Every screen used as a partition was painted with landscape painting, as well as other decorations in hanging scrolls. They either feature a complex scenery of Rivers and Mountains, or specific nature images such as a quiet bamboo garden and its rockery.
In Danqing, every painter had their own style. Although all landscape paintings looked the same at first glance, they embodied the manner in which the artist portrayed their subject matter and how they expressed their vision. While it might be hard for any person to notice it at all, but Wei Wuxian also excelled in Danqing. In just one look he recognized the painting style as Lan Xichen's. He'd seen his other work before, so, as expected, when he drifted his gaze to the corner, it was signed under his name.
At first, Wei Wuxian planned to rummage around the house and see what could he get, but when he realized this might be Lan Xichen's private chamber, he had to stop his impulse. This was a Sect Leader's residence. Even his own Clan member would be prohibited from entering casually, let alone outsiders like him.
To put it simply, even for a married couple, they had to respect each other's privacy. Not to mention that he had no such relationship at all with Lan Xichen. At most, Wei Wuxian was just someone who had an ambiguous affair with him. What did it look like for someone whom you just slept with once, to dig all over your room?
If it were Lan Wangji's...Wei Wuxian thought he might have no scruples if it were his. But if it's Lan Xichen...for some reason he always had more restraint when it came to the older person. Perhaps he had deemed Lan Xichen as a respected Senior for so long. This cognition had been engraved to the bone, and subconsciously affecting his regard.
Wei Wuxian walked back to the inner side of the room where the bed was placed.
Even if the bedroom might be considered something private, but he had been sleeping there for a month. It's too late, maybe the bed was permeated by his scent already.
Wei Wuxian noticed a low cabinet on the other side of the bed. He strode around and opened the drawer. A black robe was folded neatly inside along with the red sash. Taking it out from the cabinet, Wei Wuxian realized what was left was just his outer robe.
He looked around and found no black boot of his to match the outfit.
Wei Wuxian inadvertently wondered,
'What happened in Jinlintai that morning...how much haste Lan Xichen must have been to flee from the scene...'
Even fetching his outer robe before leaving was already good enough. He probably forgot the boots that had been kicked out to the corner of the room.
The black robe had obviously been washed clean here in the Cloud Recesses. Wei Wuxian put them on and smelled a distinct scent on the fabric.
Afterward, he put his focus on a small Qiankun pouch. It was placed on top of the robe in the same drawer previously. Wei Wuxian reached out and groped his hand inside.
As expected.
In his palm lay an ebony colored flute, and a piece of cold iron shaped in a Tally.
It was Wei Wuxian noticing the ominous aura of Yin Tiger Tally that prompted him to check up on the cabinet.
Looking at his 2 weapons, Wei Wuxian felt somewhat complicated in his heart.
Speaking about who abhorred improper things the most, it was Lan Qiren. As for which Sect had the most disapproval over the unorthodox path, it should be GusuLan. This was the reason why Wei Wuxian was extremely resistant to Lan Wangji's repeated proposal to bring him to Gusu.
Putting aside ChenQing, but Yin Tiger Tally...
If it were anyone else or anywhere else, let alone Wei Wuxian being knocked out for a month and basically leaving the Tally completely ownerless, but if there's even a minute of chance to snatch it, the Tally would definitely have been stolen. By the time he woke up, who knew how many thousands of miles away the Tally would be from him.
'It's really...GusuLan Clan. The only one who will maintain their integrity.'
Not just about snatching someone else's weapon, but also doing other things, like, for example, destroying such a sinister artifact.
Otherwise, even if Yin Tiger Tally might not be destroyed, given the character of GusuLan Sect that advocated themselves to meander away from any wickedness, the Tally would have been confiscated at the very least. Wei Wuxian knew the reason nothing happened must have been due to Lan Xichen's consideration.
Twirling ChenQing back to his hand, Wei Wuxian looked around once more but found nothing in particular.
Snorting, he went back to sit in front of the jade table on the other side of the screen.
This was where Lan Xichen had been sitting before Wei Wuxian's awakening. Aside from the jugs and small pots filled with drinks he was given earlier, there was another tray on the table. One porcelain bowl filled with assorted fruits. Wei Wuxian picked out a fragrant loquat from the bowl and gnawed on the flesh directly.
Perhaps it was fate, the last time he came as a guest student in the Cloud Recesses was during the Spring season of his 15, and this time, it's also precisely the same Spring season of his 20th year. Even the seasonal fruit was exactly the same, Loquat.
Wei Wuxian swallowed the last chunk of the Loquat and habitually wiped his hand on his robe.
What should he do now? Where the hell did that Lan Xichen run to? He wouldn't lock him inside and leave this newly awakened patient to pass out once again from starvation, right? In this case, whether it's Lan Xichen himself, or other disciple he ordered, someone ought to come here later to deliver his meal.
It'd be better if it's Lan Xichen.
Even if Wei Wuxian was afraid that he would be so reckless to do exactly what he said before, but making an announcement couldn't be accomplished in just a few hours. That meant he would still have a chance to persuade Lan Xichen and prevent him from going on a path of no return.
Wei Wuxian couldn't possibly watch the other man ruin himself and bear all the accusations on his own.
Lan Xichen did what he did to protect Wei Wuxian's reputation in the first place. He could have walked away and refused to acknowledge any kind of accident happening between them. Moreover, given the sworn brotherhood he had with Jin Guangyao, LanlingJin would also help him to stay clear of the matter.
In that case, only the unconscious Wei Wuxian would be left to whatever charge he would need to be imposed with. The passed-out him couldn't defend himself anyway.
However, Lan Xichen didn't do that. He preserved both of their reputation intact and chose to go against the Jin Clan instead. Perhaps it's because he couldn't tolerate falling in a scheme regardless it wasn't intended for him in the first place. But also, his own character wouldn't have let himself be an irresponsible person.
Likewise, Wei Wuxian couldn't let other people bear the infamy for him. Besides, if Lan Xichen were to shoulder all the consequences, it's not just going to be him who would be implicated. As a Sect Leader, his Sect, and his Clan, would all have to be disgraced.
The Lan Clan was the only Clan among the hundreds of others that Wei Wuxian viewed in high regard. He had no hostility to their Clan, and it's inconceivable to let them be ruined. This was Lan Wangji's Sect, and Zewu-Jun was his family.
How sad would Lan Wangji be if such a thing happened...
'How could I, Wei Wuxian, be indifferent to the people whom Lan Zhan cherishes in his heart?'
In the early evening, the entrance of the Hanshi finally slid open.
Someone noiselessly slipped inside the room.
His light steps faltered for a moment, noticing the dark interior. But he continued to walk forward flawlessly as if the dark didn't impede his sight. He put a tray he was bringing in his hand and arranged it precisely on top of the jade table. Afterward, waving his hand slightly, a faint stream of energy flowed smoothly to every lantern in the room, igniting them alight.
It was the moment when the room was finally brightened that a gust of wind darted from an inconspicuous corner and rushed toward him in the blink of an eye.
It was Wei Wuxian.
And the intruder he was currently pinning to the door frame was, Lan Xichen.
Wei Wuxian grinned playfully, lifting Lan Xichen's chin with ChenQing, and greeted him, "So, Zewu-Jun still remembers not to starve me to death here after all."
Lan Xichen didn't look surprised at the sudden assault. "How could I? Wei-Gongzi, now if you may, I will set the dinner for you."
"Setting the dinner? Are you sure you just want to set my dinner? It's night already, don't you want to 'set' on something else?"
Lan Xichen responded calmly, "Wei-Gongzi, please pay attention to your words. Just now you were apologizing for your lack of courtesy, have you forgotten your manner once again?"
Wei Wuxian raised his brow. "Oh-ho, speaking about forgotten, I thought you were hellbent on marrying me before. Why? You've changed your mind so quickly? Have you sent your 'truthful clarification' to other sects?"
Lan Xichen replied, "Not yet. Preparing an official announcement can't be done in just 1 day, Wei-Gongzi should have known it himself."
"I figured." Wei Wuxian nodded.
"But you don't have to feel this anxious. At most, the day after tomorrow, everything can be resolved." Lan Xichen promised him kindly.
His reassurance triggered some kind of switch in Wei Wuxian instead.
He threw the other man to the sliding door and yanked his front collar, yelling in anger, "Are you crazy?! Do you think I won't dare to hit you right now? Lan Xichen, do you still want your reputation!?"
Lan Xichen calmly grabbed his hands back and replied, "What kind of reputation do I want?"
Wei Wuxian, "If you tell them such a thing, how do you expect people to think about you? How are you going to arrange your future marriage?!"
Lan Xichen gently pried Wei Wuxian's hold on his collar and put his hands back to his side. He said, "If you're that worried about my reputation, then I can also follow your arrangement earlier. Let us keep this known relationship as long as it's necessary. And likewise, if someday Wei-Gongzi finds someone he really likes and wishes to marry, I will then think of a way, so that you can marry that person in an upright manner." He smiled at the end.
"...Then what about you?"
"Hmm? What about me?" Lan Xichen laughed softly. "You don't have to worry about me. I will not be able to marry someone else either way."
Wei Wuxian's expression distorted.
He complained, in a low voice, sounding like a helpless child, "Wouldn't that...wouldn't that have been so unfair to you..."
Lan Xichen raised his brow in amusement. "It is unfair to me, but if it's you it becomes fair?"
Wei Wuxian became quiet.
The stalemate on the Hanshi door remained for quite a long time.
Neither of the room occupants moved. They stayed in the same position, standing while facing each other just inches away. One person had a strangely eerie stillness in his expression. The other had a serene smile plastered on his face.
Wei Wuxian suddenly opened his mouth, asking calmly, "Are you sure this is what you want?"
Lan Xichen looked back at him and simply replied, "I have 1 month not only to talk with my family but also think for myself."
Wei Wuxian sighed. "...I understand."
Lan Xichen smiled. "Hmm?"
Wei Wuxian said, "I said, so be it!" He yanked Lan Xichen's front robes once again, but with less force, and suddenly raised his lip in a teasing smile, "Isn't it just getting married? Since the person who should worry more about their future doesn't care much, why should I be the one to feel distress over it? Let's just do it!"
Who's afraid of whom?
It should be GusuLan who need to increase their prayer after getting such a son-in-law!
If someday Lan Xichen regretted his decision, the one whose intestine would turn green from lamentation would be him anyway! Wei Wuxian could just laugh at the man's youthful imprudence, and said, 'I told you so!'
Lan Xichen kindly repeated his own words prior, "Wei-Gongzi, don't be too hasty. Marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime matter. Don't do it out of guilt or due to self-reproach."
Wei Wuxian, "..."
"...I am not doing it out of guilt. I'm doing it to take responsibility."
Lan Xichen, "Responsibility?"
"That's right." Wei Wuxian locked his gaze with him and said seriously. "Since I have defiled one of Lan DoubleJade, I should be responsible. We did what we did together. The action was done by the two of us. If there's any consequence, it should also be accepted together!"
Regardless of who took charge of what, in everyone's eyes, between the two of them, the accident must have been a defilement to Lan Xichen.
What a pity, an unattainable gentleman, with ineffable purity and exquisiteness like jade, had to be defiled by someone in the likes of Wei Wuxian! The whole world must have been weeping blood and tears in their sorrow!
On the other hand, hearing his declaration, Lan Xichen's eyes suddenly crinkled in the corners as a warm smile spread across his face.
It was exceptionally warm and refreshing, so much that Wei Wuxian couldn't help but think in his mind: the gentleness of the morning sun.
He said, "It is what it is, then. I am glad to hear that. Since Wei-Gongzi has no more objections, then let us proceed with my initial arrangement."
Wei Wuxian was still being dazzled by the Beauty's smile unfurling inches away from his face. His reaction was rather vague, and he merely hummed, "Oh, umm...that's it."
Lan Xichen generously maintained his smile as it was.
Perhaps it's a skill he had accidentally picked up during that passionate night, as he kept paying close attention to the young man's every reaction. But just now, being in close proximity once again, he was able to catch every change in Wei Wuxian's expression. And he noticed how Wei Wuxian seemed to be fascinated by his face.
He felt...quite proud.
To tell the truth, what he did today was quite a psychological warfare.
He used himself and his Clan's reputation as a bargain.
And what he bet about was Wei Wuxian's conscience and the nature of his heart.
If Wei Wuxian was an apathetic person, then he wouldn't care about whatever happened to Lan Xichen. He'd think it's just right, since Lan Xichen was willing to bear the infamy by himself, why should he bother? So what did it matter to him if GusuLan lost their grace, and Lan Xichen was riddled with opprobrium?
This bet was also a test.
If Wei Wuxian could truly look on coldly from the side as others took the consequence as long as it didn't concern his own affair, then Lan Xichen wouldn't marry such a person!
Being a Cultivation Partner meant they would support each other through thick and thin. If Wei Wuxian could remain indifferent to his predicament today, then he could also steer clear of his future plights on another day.
Marrying a man was already cutting off his descendant, but if he couldn't even marry a reliable man, wouldn't that be too awful?
Fortunately, Wei Wuxian lived up to his expectations.
Lan Xichen felt he couldn't be more relieved.
His and his Clan's reputation could be saved. To add more to the good news was his soon-to-be spouse proved to be a worthy person. He would have less worry in this case.
He took off Wei Wuxian's hands from his front robes once again. This time he didn't put them down but held both his wrists.
In such a posture, Lan Xichen suddenly asked, "Wei-Gongzi, I don't know why you were expecting me to marry before. But there's a thing that I can't understand. In your mind, do you think after what happened that night, I can still look at you the same way?"
Wei Wuxian looked down at their entangled hands and answered in a low voice, "...It may be difficult, but maybe, if some time has passed, you may...?"
As if hearing an amusing joke, Lan Xichen laughed instead.
"Is that what you think? Then, Wei-Gongzi, do you think I can still build a relationship with someone else normally? Do you expect me to have no thought at all and won't be reminded of you? Have you never thought I may inevitably compare that person with you?"
"..."
Wei Wuxian didn't expect this kind of admission from him.
But it reminded him of the hazy memory he had that night.
If people were to compile the Bed KungFu available in this era, there's no style that wouldn't remind them of that night.
Thinking about the whole series of 18 Styles of Martial Arts they had performed meticulously the whole night, it's really...
It's really hard to describe in one word.