OUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER (A WANGXIAN STORY)
Chapter 83
Author's note🙈:
Aww, I can't believe it's finally done. This journey has been amazing and I'm glad you made it with me. There were ups and downs along the way but I had wonderful readers and people I dare call friends who encouraged me to the end.
Thank you @Jasmineinthesummer for staying up with me so many nights, holding up the fire, guiding me when I broke down or missed a step. And to think that I may have never found you without this story makes me overwhelmed. I love you so much, my Silvery Moon.
To @edzooc8r, and other amazing readers and writers I've not mentioned, I would like to say thank you for being that guardian staying with me from the very beginning and motivating me with comments and votes even when I felt I didnt deserve them. You're a gem.
There are many more incredible readers who deserve my thanks. I may not have mentioned names but know that you made this story a success.
We're already past 148 K reads and 7k votes.
Feel free to ask questions, and don't forget to comment and vote.
Now...off we go to the fun Extra Chapters! I'll be updating as often as I can so keep an eye out for them. Yay! 🙈😍❤😆🥰🤭
Enjoy...
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As the groom's best friend, Jin Rulan had to be at Ouyang Baling two weeks before the wedding. Zizhen would nag him if he came later.
Jin Rulan started his trip earlier, renting an entire Inn for the night whenever he had to rest along the way.
He was heavily guarded and didn't mind stepping out for fresh air.
The night was exceptionally sombre this evening. A plain sky with few stars and no moon. The wind was kind and gentle on his face, tingling the small hairs on his skin.
Jin Rulan sighed; a hand fixed behind him as he took an evening stroll within the confines of the Inn. The crickets were loud and the lanterns swayed brightly. It was peaceful and beautiful but the man's mind wasn't at peace. There was someone out there he yearned for, someone who had still not been found.
'Where the hell are you Jingyi?', Rulan tried to change his thoughts but it was no use: his heart needed that person so bad. He wondered if the Lan disciple would ever come back and how long he had to wait.
Master Jin had lowered his head, staring at the dark greens hidden under the nightshade when a sack fell over his head.
Jin Ling sprung to action immediately, going in for his sword, but a kick on the back of his knee sends him to the ground. Yet he found a way to push his weight up and head-butt the assailant. Hearing light footsteps fall two steps back, Jin Ling threw his fist and he didn't miss.
"There's an intruder!", one disciple sounded the alarm. Soon Rulan's men came pouring in like ants to apprehend the masked person.
Jin Ling pulled the sack off his head and rose to his feet, panting. His men helped him dust his robes and gave him his sword.
Jin Ling knits his brow," Who sent you?", his voice was low, yet bustling with anger when he turned to the man in a black outfit. The person was silent, breathing when he was propped on his knees rashly, a sword pointing at his neck.
"...", With a nod from their Master, they yanked off the cloth around the attacker's face.
*Dudum!*
Jin Ling's heart exploded in his chest. He stood there, gawking at the person.
" Leave us.", Two words came out after the long stare.
"Huh? But Master Jin this person wanted to abduct you?"
Rulan glared at the disciple for questioning his order. The latter quickly bowed and apologized. Thus the men fell back, keeping their eyes peeled from a distance.
Rulan went on his knees, cursing himself for the wound he probably inflicted with the head butting or his fist. "Jingyi...", he was wary until he touched the other's face. " What were you thinking, my men could have stabbed you back there.", he said.
Lan Jingyi just sat there, barely keeping a straight face with his busted lip. He looks up at Rulan, peering softly as he finds his voice, "What do you think?..."
Master Jin was taken aback by the reply but he sure was flattered when he read meaning into Jingyi's intentions.
" Jin Ling..."
"Hush.", Rulan pressed a finger on his lip, " You do not need to do abduct me to gain my attention. You've always had it Jingyi."
"No Rulan, let me speak.", Jingyi gently pushed aside the other's finger.
Jin Ling sat upright to listen. He had some concerns about what Jingyi had to say to him but hoped it would not be bad for his heart.
"I lied to someone I care about and it cost me more than just a friend.", Jingyi started. He stuttered at some point, nervous about what he wished to relay. " I've lied to you as well Rulan, so I want to come clean."
Jin Jing lowered his eyes, now feeling afraid of where the dialogue was heading.
"I want you by my side, Jin Ling...", That statement changed everything. "...more than I thought I did. Staying away did not help. Somehow I couldn't get your annoying voice out of my head and your shadow keeps chasing me wherever I go. At first, I didn't wish to see you but then it got worse and I missed you most...But I'm scared I might cause you pain like Sizhui, that you'd also resent me."
"Never...", Jin Ling's lips curved.
" No Rulan, you don't understand...Im filthy, I was unfaithful...I..."
"Did Sizhui say that to you?", Rulan frowned.
" No.", Jingyi shook his head as he looked down.
Leaning forward Jin Ling sandwiched his face with warm hands, drawing it up tenderly so the other would have look at him.
" Lan Jingyi, I don't care who you are, or what you did in the past. I dont mind that you knew someone else before me... Even if you were afflicted with a million flaws, I'd only need just one reason to stay. And if you would have me, then I don't mind getting my heart broken a hundred times."
"Bullshit.", Jingyi smirked.
" Pfft! Ahh, was it corny?", Jin Ling drew closer.
"Very corny if you ask me...", Jingyi snickered before the tight embrace.
Jin Ling chuckled, heated with love.
"Dont ever hide from me again.", Master Jin caressed the cultivator's face. "Okay, Little Princess.", Jingyi nodded as Rulan took his hand and helped him up...
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Gusu Lan...
The Cloud Recesses became lively. Surprisingly it was not because Hanguanjun's Wei Wuxian was around, but because of the tenacious Lan Qiren.
The Senior's laughter cut through the defeating silence, coupled with the giggling sounds of two joy givers in the person of Lan YongMing and Lan YongZhen.
Their charm did not conform with the organized nature of their current environment, but Qiren did not mind this at all. He let the little boys play and jump and climb him like a tree, not losing the fun even when Xing kept yanking his delicate goatee out of interest.
Xiang's reserved nature disappeared when the dignified Qiren won him over with a piggyback ride.
The children brought out the youthful side Lan Qiren had suffocated with norms and rules. The young ones were very sharp for their age and Qiren couldn't wait to have them as students regardless of what his nephew would decide.
After all, he did work hard to squash his beef with Wei Ying.
Outside Qiren's window, Wei Wuxian was biting his nails away, looking out for when his boys would finally piss Qiren off. Lan Wangji had to save his fingers from time to time.
"Lan Zhan, is Uncle broken?"
Lan Wangji spied on his wife with a smile. This is the first time Wei Ying referred to Qiren as an Uncle, rather than 'Old Rat hair' or 'Old Fuddy Duddy.'
"They are comfortable with Uncle... Why dont we stop peeping and head to the Jingshi.", Wangji said, wanting to seize his chance.
"No, let's wait a little longer. I should get Lan Huizhong in there? Uncle won't act out of character if the future sect leader is around.", Wei Ying concluded, flicking the tip of his nose with a suspicious look across his face...
A few unbelievable moments later...
Wei Ying succeeded in dragging Xichen and Huizhong away from their private lessons just to disrupt the children's playtime. But it didn't work, Qiren sat the young ones on his lap and sang to them.
Lan Jiang offered to play a tune while Xichen sang along cheerfully. It was ridiculous and Wei Ying refused to accept it even when the little one clapped and danced to their Grandfather's amusement.
Lan Wangji on the other hand began grunting about losing precious time to be alone. Fed up, he hauled the other over his shoulders and headed for the Jingshi. Wei Ying protested but it was useless when Wangji was being this grumpy...
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The next morning Wangji discovered that Wei Ying was not in the Jingshi after having breakfast with the other disciples. Judiciously, he searched for his partner and his sons. The jade had the chance to ask along the way but he got different answers. Some said Wei Ying was at the library, another pointed to the ancestral hall, then there was the classroom block and the gate.
Nevertheless, Lan Wangji spotted his better half standing in a tower after going round in circles.
Down below, Lan Wangji could not hear what Wei Ying was telling Xing and Xiang but that cheerful look on his face and the constant laughter made him swoon. His beloved was an ever-glow no matter the time of day. Wangji told himself that this is how Wei Ying ought to live every day, basking in the sunlight, happy.
"Daddy!", Xiang saw Wangji first.
Wei Wuxian's grin grew wider watching the jade approach. His heart swelled as Wangji's image drew closer. How far they had come, where they were going...mostly began on these very grounds. Wei Ying thought of all the versions of this person coming their way.
From the stoic sixteen-year-old who opposed him from every angle to the twenty-three-year-old who saved him at the nightless city. The burning image of the adult who stuck to him like glue when he returned from the dead...To the anti-ageing husband who gave him a family.
"Mama...", Xing touched his cheek after seeing water.
Wei Ying sniffed and looked at his first radish gleefully. "It's okay, your mother is just overexcited.", he pecked the boy on the forehead. Wei Ying turned at the sound of footsteps climbing up the interior staircase and propped the boys up, waiting patiently for Lan Wangji to appear in all his splendour.
The jade took in the view of the mountains and greens before gearing toward his family. "My love, we leave at midday.", Lan Wangji leans over to kiss Wei Ying, but Xing wouldn't allow it- not on his watch...so Wangji had to settle for a peck on the cheeks, and everyone else had to get one to make it fair.
"I was showing them the places that mean a lot to me... I wanted to tell them about how I met their father.", Wei Ying could not get enough of those light coloured eyes. "Haha...This place is quite special, don't you think?", he turned and drew closer to the wooden balustrade.
Wei Ying inclined his head, gazing at the tall wall he climbed on his first day at the Cloud Recesses.
"Lan Zhan, we had our first duel here...on that wall."
Lan Wangji recalled it as Wei Ying narrated, seeing it play out in the said spot.
The tale of the stubborn rule breaker ticking him off during night watch, the sly youth that challenged his authority by bringing two jars of emperor smile and having the guts to finish one in front of him.
"Isn't it lovely? How time unfolded our future together, after weaving painful trists and turns to create this... masterpiece.", Wei Ying let out a sigh. 'You were always the one, Lan Zhan. ', He left that bit to his thoughts
"Mn", Wangji smiled at the two young men fighting on the rooftop.
"Lan Zhan, you still owe me a jar of emperor smile.", Wei Ying croaked, pushing back the excess joy that wished to come out of him by other means. He took another breath and laughed it off.
"Mn.", Wangji tall stood beside him.
The jade took the youngest and wrapped an arm around Wei Ying's waist. "My love, there is one place I want you to show the little ones...", he turned away from the memories.
"Is that so?", Wei Ying raised a brow, thinking of where that could be.
"Yes...they're gentle enough not to hurt the furry ones.", Wangji stole a kiss when Xing lost focus for a second.
"Hihihi, I know they are.", Wei Ying pinched his cheek when he got the location.
"Let's go then, we should be back on time and head to Wen Ning's."
"Alright, let's go.", Wei Ying let his husband guide him the rest of the way...
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Wen Ning and his family were more than welcome to Zizhen's wedding. They agreed to leave with the Lans as well, but they did not expect Hanguanjun and Wei Ying to be there earlier with their children.
"Shidi, I thought we set off after midday?", Jiayi joined them after showing the servants what to serve.
"Wei Gongzi, should we add these to the luggage?", Wen Ning referred to numerous gifts parked at a corner of the meeting room. The twins were more interested in sitting on their Uncle Ning than paying attention to their mother's signal to come over.
"Wen Ning, Jie... these are not for Zizhen's wedding, they are yours.", Wei Ying pursed his lips, hoping the couple would accept the gifts.
"What? But what for?...", Jiayi looked to Lan Wangji and Sizhui for an explanation.
"Pst! YongMing, YongZhen.", Wei Ying finally got his generals into order. They left their Uncle and run to Lan Sizhui in their little clan uniforms, looking like snowballs. Wangji was a pro for not laughing seeing that the boys were sure to mess up on what they rehearsed.
It took some effort to get Xing and Xiang on their knees as their elder brother shifted the table to the side but Wei Ying was patient. They sat still after finding their place beside Sizhui. Jiayi and Ning were puzzled until Lan Wangji sat up straight with his hands on his lap respectfully.
"Xiao Jiayi... Wen Qionglin.", The jade began. "My family and I have come to offer thanks for the doors you opened and the blessings that came our way through it."
Jiayi, "Hanguangjun..."
"Wen Qionglin, your bravery and loyalty kept you by Wei Ying's side in two lifetimes. You were there when I couldn't protect him and comforted him in my absence and ignorance. Without you, he would have truly been alone... I have no way to repay you for the sacrifices you, Wen Qing and the rest of your family made, but to give these humble gifts, my thanks and my support. Thank you.", Lan Wangji spoke passionately, reflecting on each word in spirit. He then turned to Jiayi and continued. "Xiao Jiayi, you not only filled the space in Wen Ning's life but saved mine as well. I couldn't have had two additional strong men in my life if you had not intervened from the onset. You are the senior sister I never had and Im grateful Wei Ying and the children have you to guide them. Thank You...Please accept our small gratitude.", Lan Wangji said.
On that note, he stood up. The kids copied action when Wei Ying and Sizhui did the same.
Wen Ning and Jiayi were overwhelmed when the family of five kotowed before them twice. It was a heartwarming moment. Well, factoring out that the twins had Jiayi holding her mouth to muffle the laugh when they tried so hard to perfect the bow. It was too adorable to complain. It was perfect.
Jiayi and Ning got up from their seats to stop the Lans from performing any more bows." Hanguangjun, there is no need for thanks. We are family after all, and family sticks together.", she said.
"My wife is right. Wei Gongzi treated me like family when the clans were against my people. And you took raised Lan Yuan as your own, regardless of his origin. Not to mention how helpful you were to our Wen Li. There is no debt to pay.", Wen Ning explained.
"Mn...", Lan Wangji hummed with a soft grin.
They spend the rest of the afternoon together and set off when it was time. It would take some days to get to Ouyang Baling...But no journey seems far when travelling with the people you love, and those that make your life better.
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Days Later...
Wei Wuxian/ Lan Wangji P.O.V
Wei Wuxian:
Zizhen's wedding was quite lavish if you ask me. I heard one guest comment that the Ouyang Baling Sect leader took a queue from Lan Xichen's union. Pffft, these gossip mongers dont know when to shut up.
Nothing was out of place and the celebration left a good impression on the couple. I even got to see his excellency, the head-shaker. Nie Huaisang had a lot of explaining to do for missing the children's naming ceremony, but he blamed it all on Lan Wangji for not sending him an invite. Hahaha.
"Wei Ying, would you like to review our vows? I didn't give you a grand wedding.", Lan Wangji said to me while I was sipping a drink in peace.
"What are you talking about, my wedding was spectacular. You gave little apple quite a freight, remember?", I teased him shamelessly, knowing it was sure to land me in trouble. My husband did well in restraining himself from being overly affectionate in front of prying eyes. There were still many who challenged the story of the Yiling Lauzu becoming a mother of two.
It was nice seeing Jiang Cheng and Xichen walk together to the occasion. Lan Qiren was pretty much the only Senior who understood their relationship so it didn't raise much attention when they sat together. But I'm glad HuiZhong is taking it easy with them.
I did get worried when Jin Ling surprised us by showing up with Lan Jingyi. I missed that kid, however, there was no telling if Lan Yuan was really okay about it. On the other hand, Jiang Cheng finding out he raised a cut sleeve should be quite interesting to watch...But that time would surely be another day. I hope he doesn't get a heart attack, hahaha.
Lan Wangji:
Wei Ying's reply as to if we should renew our vows gave me goosebumps. I won't give in to his temptations now. *Dying internally* I wonder if he will like the surprise when it's ready. The constant movement and greetings made the little ones tired. I enjoyed carrying them while watching Wei Ying mingle. People were worried that he may summon an army of the dead at the least provocation. Luckily Wei Ying made no silly jokes about it.
There was no hesitation in his words, no hidden frown or fake smiles. In the past, I was wary of those but it's different now. We've learnt the importance of communicating. Wei Ying is happy with who he has become. He is happier being by my side.
This is it, Wei Ying. The fabric of time you spoke of the other day. It's complete.
Third Person P.OV
They drowned out the noise around them... then the people began to disappear. Soon they saw no one but each other in the grand hall. Lan Wangji did not know when his feet chased after his beloved but he was before Wei Ying in no time.
It was like gazing at his very soul...his reflection. And it glowed bright red and blue with a touch of gold.
"Lan Zhan, must you stare at me so lovingly? How can I laugh and talk to others without blushing under your watchful gaze? The more you stare, the hotter this feeling inside me grows and I see just how much you need me. ", Wei Ying felt Wangji's face, caressing him tenderly.
"Mn..."
"Do you want to ditch this party and sit on the roof with me?"
Lan Wangji chuckled beneath his breath, "Mn, very much."
"Great, then let's put the little ones in bed, I'll grab some drinks afterwards.", Wei Ying leaned on Wangji's shoulder as they turned toward the entrance. The couple walked side by side, glancing at each other now and then. They were good to each other, floating in reality- living a life many would kill for... and that was pure euphoria. Love without end.
See you in the extra chapters dear WangXian Babies🥰❤🤧
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