OUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER (A WANGXIAN STORY)
Chapter 47
Jin Ling became hostile after their little squabble and only stepped into Jingyi's room to give him food or medicine.
*Loud clinking noise*
Rulan turned sharply and sighed seeing the other was alright." Isn't it against your clan rules to waste food?", he frowned. Jingyi snickered, "First you steal me away without reason. Then you take care of me and say I can leave when I'm better. And now...now you act as if I've done something wrong!". He folded his hands.
"Taking you was a mistake...", Jin Ling exclaimed.
"Fine!...", Lan Jingyi shuffled his way out of bed and paced the room, mumbling to himself. In no time he reached for the new robes Rulan had made for him and roughly draped it over his inner-wear.
"Where do you think you're going?", Jin Ling scurried after him as he stormed out of his room. "What's it to you, I'm just a blunder in your not so great evil plan!", The former tied his belt and straightened his headband.
"Lan Jingyi!...Get back inside!"
"Go to hell Rulan, you said I was free to go. Also, the next time you kidnap someone and call it a mistake, make sure you don't get them poisoned by dead people. I'm getting out of here."
"Lan Jingyi."
"Hmph! Treating your guests like crap, wait till your Uncles hear of this. Then you'll lose both limbs for sure.", Jingyi kept ranting without listening.
"Ok, ok, stop. I'm sorry!"
"Huh?", Jingyi raised a brow at him, scrutinizing his intentions. "You want fresh air, right? The night is still young. I know someplace we could go.", Master Jin Picked up a lantern and drew near. The former sought for words to provoke him but the moment he lifted the lamp, Jingyi went silent; the face of the man beside him made his breath stutter. It was not only because of the soft yellow of the flame and his royal robes illuminating his maturing face. It was everything else.
They journeyed to town on foot. "It's a forgotten place in my sect...", Jin Ling said.
"Looks lively.", Jingyi walked freely, taking note of every nook and cranny. It was like any other town; with industrious shops, eateries, Inns, and so on, only smaller. The first thing Jin Rulan did was get dinner; making sure his company was full before continuing the tour.
"Oh, it's a puppet show!!", Jingyi tugged at Jin Rulan's robe absent-minded. Master Jin turned to him, observing the light in his eyes.
"You like puppet shows?", He asked, asserting his foot toward a wooden structure showcasing moving paper dolls.
"Yes, very much... Sizhui usually takes me to a show when we're less busy.", Jingyi added.
Jin Ling blinked twice and changed direction. He knew his love for Jingyi was a one-way track but he despised being reminded of that. "Let's do something else. Watch a show with your friend when you return home.", His tone was not friendly.
"Sizhui and I are more than friends...We are partners now.", Jingyi stuck his nose up. Rulan bit on his tongue as he was stabbed a billion times by those words in his mind. "Anyway, I don't care if you hate puppet shows. I still want to watch.", Jingyi left him no choice.
The show was quite humorous; Jingyi laughed several times, Jin Ling refused to be amused. The more he sat there stealing glances at his crush, the more he remembered that night he saw his rival kiss him.
"Jin Ling, I want to try that!", Jingyi runs to a different stand with fewer people.
"Try your luck Young Masters, and win amazing prizes...All you have to do is shoot the darts at the small board. The closer your mark the better the reward. You have only three tries; all for a small fee. ", A middle-aged man with a sharp tongue reeled Jingyi in, in no time.
"You're such a child.", Jin Ling rolled his eyes.
"Shut up...You're no fun at all. Hmph! Sizhui would have won a prize for me.", Jingyi pouted.
"Give me that!" Master Jin pulled him aside and made the first payment. He was handed three tiny darts. As his hands got ready to release, Jingyi stepped on his foot and he missed the mark.
"Hey!"
"What, I said Sizhui would win one for me, never said I made it easy.", Jingyi smirked. The owner laughed, already liking Jingyi's mischief.
*Yank* His hair was suddenly pulled in his next aim, he missed again. The Lan whistled like he was innocent.
"Wait!" Jingyi raised his hand. Rulan stopped, "What's it now!"
"I have to even the grounds.", Jingyi grabbed his head and shook it vigorously until he was certain Rulan would be dizzy. He then went behind him and covered Master Jin's eyes with his hands.
"What the..."
"Stop whining and take the shot...Hahaha...."
Hearing Jingyi laugh made Rulan's heart flutter. He wished he could have this a little longer. *Shoot* Rulan was a little nerved when there was no applause.
"Let me see, did I get it..."
"Nope, you hit the old man instead!"
"What! Oh my...Jingyi!" Jin Ling pulled one hand after gasping.
"Hahaha, so gullible for a dangerous kidnaper. Who even convinced you, you could ever be ruthless. Chicken!", Jingyi held his tummy as he cracked up with the owner. "That was a good shot. Here, Young master...Pick one.", The man pointed at a collection.
"Well, which one do you like?"
"That one...", Jingyi eyed a white tassel...
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"Wei Ying...it's time to wake up. You need to eat.", Wangji was extra careful not to startle the other. It would take more time to perfect his role even though he was strong-willed about getting everything right. Wei Wuxian murmured, refusing to open his eyes.
Lan Wangji kept trying. It was almost midday, he could not let his sleeping wife starve his baby. He tilted his head when he finally saw signs of movement on Wei Ying's face. He was still sleeping but Wangji was drawn to something else. Shifting a soft lid with his thumb, he noticed Wei Ying's beautiful grey was circled by a bright gold ring.
Sitting upright, he pulled Wei Ying onto his lap and checked his pulse. It was a little fast, not alarming. "Wangji, you used to wake me up with kisses. Now you're more interested in treating me like a patient.", Wei Ying sounded a little grumpy.
"Mn.", Hanguanjun quickly pecked him on the lips. A smile grew on his wife's sleepy face. "One more... no, three more and another on my neck.", Wangji obeyed before he saw one eye open completely. The golden ring was gone and they were normal again.
After washing up, they sat to eat. Lan Wangji paused when he realized Wei Wuxian was drooling at his bowl of vegetable broth. "Wei Ying, do you want something else. I can go make it."
"No, no, no...Actually, Lan Zhan, I want to try what you're having.", Wei Ying confessed.
"But you hate this kind of food.", Wangji said.
"Yes, yes, yes. It's boring, too healthy and bland and...I want it." He smiled so widely, his eyes seemed to have disappeared. Wangji said no more and placed his bowl of soup in front of his pregnant wife.
"Lan Zhan, I like the way you scoop food better..." Wei Ying complained.
"...", Wangji picked up the bowl and the spoon. The wife kept whining about how plain the food tasted but would pout anytime Wangji suggested getting him something else. At last, he finished a bowl of rice and vegetable broth.
"Are you satisfied?" Wangji asked.
"Yes...But could you get some more? Just a little more should be fine." Wei Ying changed his mind again. When it was finally over, he had consumed more than three bowls.
For the rest of the day, he napped like a cat- tossing and turning in odd sleeping positions that baffled Lan Wangji. Some made the man laugh while others gave him a freight. Yet, he took the time to always change it.
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"Jin Ru-lan!!... Let's go to town again. I want to see how the place looks during the day.", Jingyi stretched himself when he came out. The morning breeze was gentle on his skin and ruffled the leaves of the orange tree right outside- the sweet smell of green and the earth was always welcomed. "I wish it would rain here before I leave. I bet it'll be lovely.", Jingyi took in the smell with delight.
"Jin Rulan!...Young Mistress!...Chicken kidnapper! Where is this Sect Leader.", He yelled in front of Jin Lin's door. He was about opening it when a sturdy voice startled him.
"Aish! Don't creep up on people...Let's go out. "
"No, I have a few things to take care of." Jin Ling climbed up and pulled his door halfway. "What are you doing?" he narrowed his eyes at the Lan following closely behind him.
"I'm coming into your room...Don't tell me you're hiding a maiden in there.", Jingyi was more persistent with Master Jin's stammering.
"So what if there was?... Just wait in your room... I'll come to you." Jin Ling hurriedly went inside and shut the door.
"Really? Was that the best line you could come up with?" A taller man shook his head behind closed doors. "I thought you'd be done with this by now. You should send him home?", Zizhen poured himself a cup of tea and drank up before his friend reached him.
"I told you he's still here on his own accord." Jin Ling slumped onto a mat, signaling Zizhen to pour him a cup as well.
"Doesn't matter, it's gone far enough. Sizhui is out there looking for him. He is my friend as well; I worry it's become unhealthy for him."
"Are you also going to choose Sizhui over me?" Jin Ling glared.
"No, I'm not picking sides. I let you go when you stole Jin Ling that night only because I wanted you to clear all doubts. Looking at things you've not made any good with that chance.",
Jin Rulan took a deep breath, "It's tougher than it looks. All he talks about is my cousin...". Zizhen sympathized with his friend and gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder but he still insisted his friend return Jingyi...
Lan Sizhui was happy his parents were in the clear but his joy was incomplete without Jingyi by his side. Somehow his trails lead him closer to the LanlingJin sect. He thought it would be best to seek help from Jin Ling. Sizhui took a different route and chanced on a small town he was not familiar with.
It was a market day; the place was busy even though it was not crammed with people. He was still sniffing for any information when he heard a familiar laugh. Sizhui traced it to a young man with dark hair spread across his back. "Jingyi!", He recognized the Gusu clan forehead ribbon flying with the wind as this person moved further from him.
Sizhui chased after the mirage in the streets but soon lost track of it at some point. "Maybe it was just my imagination.", He retreated and went the other way.
In an alley nearby, Lan Jingyi was pressed. His mouth covered, eyes peering at the vermillion mark resting between the other's parted bangs. It was an odd situation. Being this close to Sect Leader Jin confused him.
"I saw one of my distant relatives. Didn't want them to report to Uncle Cheng.", Rulan found a good lie. Jingyi just nodded twice and waited for him to let go.
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Lan Xichen paid his brother-in-law a visit. Since Wangji already mentioned Xichen was aware of his condition, Wei Ying didn't need to act differently. ZewuJun had always been an understanding person. Haven experienced fatherhood himself, he resorted to pampering Wei Ying with gifts and sweets. Today he came bearing fruits coated in sugar.
"Brother, don't feed him those things.", Wangji gave a disapproving look.
"Why not? Lan Zhan, please don't ruin a good thing for me.", Wei Ying snapped at him as he ate them. ZewuJun would smile and nod at the two.
Xichen, "When do you plan on telling Uncle?"
Wangji, "In a few months."
"Aish Wangji, let's not tell him at all...It's the perfect way to give him a heart attack." Wei Ying chuckled, nearly choking on the snack. The two Jades were alarmed; Xichen quickly poured tea for him while Wangji rubbed his back. "Is it better?" Xichen asked.
"*Cough* Just a little."
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?", Wangji raised a brow at his wife. Wei Ying became pouty. "Lan Zhan, are you calling me a liar?!"
Lan Xichen quickly shot his brother a look so he would not say anything else. "Brother-in-law, pay no attention to him. Have more snacks."
Wangji, "Brother..."
Wei Ying, "Lan Wangji, you could learn a thing or two from your elder brother...ZewuJun, how's my shidi. He hardly comes here these days."
Lan Xichen, " A'Jiang is now under Uncle's care since Wangji refused to tutor him. He's not allowed to have certain liberties."
"Oh..." Wei Ying's smile turned sad. Wangji didn't like it. "Brother, Wei Ying does not need to be burdened with such news.", He spoke blankly. Although it was unpleasant, Xichen understood.
"Lan Zhan, how could you say such a thing...ZewuJun, forgive me for not asking about this sooner. How is Madam Lan?" Wei Ying was concerned.
"I've not seen her since that day.", Xichen replied. "ZewuJun, Madam Lan was not right to mistreat Lan Jiang. But no one deserves to be alone.", Wei Ying said.
Wangji, "Wei Ying, it's not your problem."
Wei Ying, "Yes, it is. Lan JingFei is my sister In-Law, HuiZhong is my nephew. It's only right Lan Xichen tries to mend things. And you Wangji, you're not going to let your Uncle turn HuiZhong into another Lil Fuddy Duddy, are you?"
Wangji, "It's for the best..."
Wei Ying, "Nope! I won't let that happen...ZewuJun, Wangji will resume lessons with A'Jiang starting tomorrow."
Wangji, "Wei Ying..."
Wei Ying," Hanguanjun, it was not a request " Wangji flinched at the order but said nothing. Xichen smiled at Wei Ying and handed him another bribe of candied fruits.
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They had finished lunch over a few drinks blended with a chat here and there. This was the second time they sat together alone in a civilized manner. All the while, Rulan was constantly admiring the person before him. Jingyi was very loud and opinionative and he'd gotten accustomed to that side of him.
When they brushed over who's cultivational technique was better, Jingyi was quick to side with his sect. Jin Rulan didn't challenge him and listened to his debate. Soon they were on their way home.
"Hey Rulan, you've still not told me why you snatched me? You called it a mistake- such a lousy excuse.", Jingyi kicked a small rock.
" Do you want to go for a night hunt tomorrow before we head to Jinlintai?"
"Don't change the subject..."
Rulan smiled to himself, walking closely beside the other. When their shoulders brushed, his finger's itched to touch Jingyi.
"We're almost home..." He said at the end of the road. Jingyi faced him, grabbing onto an arm. "Jin Ling, you're awfully quiet. Sometimes I think you're becoming more like Sizh...", Jingyi felt a hand over his lips. "You don't need to talk about him." Jin Ling looked him in the eye.
As he slowly lowered it, he gulped at the young man's lips. Bright and raw from their small feast. "You really want to know why I took you away, then don't talk about Lan Sizhui.", He pulled his eyes back up and took a pace forward.
"Lan Jingyi... can I kiss you?"
It was Deja Vu all over again. Jingyi was sure of his memory- about a sultry encounter with Rulan at Jinlintai. His silence once more was all the consent Jin Ling needed.
They kissed. Maybe it was the alcohol or the thrill in recollecting what happened, Jingyi melted into the movement. His heart, beating rapidly, began to slow down as his captor held him, deepening the smooch. His eyes were closed the entire time while his mind accepted the warmth. It felt right.
"This is why I took you, Jingyi. I wanted to keep you by my side...I couldn't stand you loving another who's not me.", In a time where his breath was shallow and his body trembled, Jin Rulan opened his heart to say the truth.
"Jin Ling, I'm..."
"You don't need to say another word. I know you feel nothing for me.", Rulan shut Jingyi out without letting him talk, then painfully let go of him. The latter was still in a trance. Those hands leaving him dampened his mood. But it was not meant to be, he already had someone he cared about. Someone who must be sad over his disappearance...
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Xichen could not sleep, Wei Ying's words had him thinking about his wife. "Brother-in-law is right. I can't punish her forever.", He muttered under his breath. Uneasy, he got dressed and stepped out. Coursing through the layered path, ZewuJun prepared himself for a manipulative wife, strong and vengeful. But that was put aside when he reached the building housing JingFei.
The servants bowed when he got to the gate. "Is she asleep?"
"Yes...", the disciple guarding the door replied and he nodded. One of the maidens inside heard her Master's voice and rushed to the door.
"ZewuJun...Thank heavens you're here. The Mistress...She's unwell.", JingFei's loyal servant fell at his feet. Xichen told her to stand and lead the way.
Indeed JingFei was frail. Her face was pale, her breath shallow and she would not stop sweating. "She's been attended to by a physician but I'm afraid her environment is not helping her.", another maiden, wiping Madam Lan's face spoke.
Lan Xichen, "I'll send extra hands to help with the situation."
"ZewuJun, please take our Mistress away from this place. Every day she gets worse."
Xichen, "..."
"ZewuJun, before you refuse, there's something else you should know... She swore to have our heads if we told you this but we pledged our life to keep her safe.", The first maiden behaved strangely. The other checked to affirm Madam Lan was still unconscious.
"The Mistress is thirteen weeks gone...She's with another child."
Lan Xichen was speechless. He gawked at his wife's dormant frame and guilt usurped. Minutes later, his disciples were stunned to see him carry Madam Lan out; the two maidens running ahead of him- sent to call for another physician.
Thanks for reading. Sorry for any grammatical errors. Guess everyone's getting knocked up these days😳 Smh🤦♀️...See you in the next update.😊❤❤❤
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