OUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER (A WANGXIAN STORY)
Extra 8: A Lan's Little Wei
Months Later...
"Grandmaaa, Mother is crying again!" Wei Ying squeezed Lan YongMing's reliable hand when the contractions became worse.
"Ge, she won't hear you from here," Lan Xiang patted Wei Ying's back judiciously. Things were not supposed to be like this but seeing his daughter in law in so much distress triggered him. Now his little one wanted out of the womb when Wangji was out of town. Sizhui was burdened with seeing that both parties were doing fine but Wei Ying ceased him from coming so the twins took charge. "A'Xing, bring me that table for support. I'm worried I might break your fingers."
"Oh Mother, how can you think this way. I'm a Lan remember? I have iron fists," The kid showed his perfectly white teeth in a charming smile.
"Pfft! You little rascal. You brag like your Mother!" Wei Ying was pushed into a laugh.
Xing, "Ehn, you think I act like you? Wow, I must be an awesome person then. Have no fears Mother, I will keep you laughing like this till my baby brother gets here."
"How do you know it's a boy?" Lan Xiang was his calm self, keeping Wei Ying's breathing in check by studying his pulse like a professional physician.
"I dreamt about this YongZheng, it's a boy- trust me," Xing stroke Wei Ying's head affectionately.
Xiang, "Dreams are not definite Lan Xing, it's only a figment of your imagination."
Xing, "Wanna bet on it? Ten stones of silver."
"Gambling is against the rules," the younger kept his eye on Wei Ying.
"That's poor people talk," Xing smirked.
"Says the disciple exploiting people at the Cloud Recesses," YongZheng narrowed his gaze as a warning.
"Wait... What do you mean by exploiting people?" Wei Ying did get distracted by their conversation.
"It's nothing, Mother. My brother is just jealous because he cannot talk to some girl without my help," Xing tilted his head at the other.
Xiang acted indifferent, a sign that he did not like where the conversation was heading, "That's utter nonsense, I never said I liked her."
"Lan Xiang likes a girl!" Wei Ying's jaw dropped. He always assumed Xing would be the first to exhibit such traits but this was getting scary. "Alright then Master righteousness, do you like LinQiu or not!" Lan Xing pushed further.
"Well, I most certainly... do not have to answer that ridiculous question," Xiang would rather not look at the two people in the room.
"Aha! See mother, he likes her," Xing's grin was clearly evil and it gave Wei Ying more chills.
"Oh crap, you two are growing too fast. Lan Xiang, I'm super proud to know you have a first crush but could you wait till a few more years. I'm not ready to talk about the birds and the bees," Wei Ying did not know which was more daunting. Giving birth or learning one of his boys had a potential love life.
"What's the birds and the bees?" Xing looks at Wei Ying curiously. He did miss hearing his mother's absurd tales. The question however did make Wei Ying so uneasy he wished to pass this baton to Wangji, "Well...Uhmm..."
"Okay! How are we doing here?" Xiao Jiayi entered the room just on time. "Lan Xing likes a girl Jie!" Wei Ying seemed to have forgotten about the labour cramps. "LinQiu? Xing won't stop yapping about it. It's funny knowing this when Xiang acts so cold towards her."
"Well, that's Wangji's blood for you. I do hope it's nothing serious."
"They are kids Wei Ying, I bet it's just friendship he seeks. I can't say the same for Lan HuiZhong. He is a lot more open around her sister," Jiayi grinned as he checked on the pregnant man.
"Would you look at that, my shidi is all grown up. I taught him well didnt I?" Wei Ying suddenly felt proud. Lan Xing shook his head, shocked by his mother's double standard.
"You taught him too well Wei Ying," Jiayi lay him on his side.
Wei Ying, "How is Suyin?"
"She's coping well. It won't be long till you meet your grandchild," Jiayi beamed.
Wei Ying, "Sizhui must be so excited. Lan Zhan should have been here with him."
"And you? Don't you need him in this room?" Jiayi asked the obvious.
Wei Ying did not mind. He had gotten used to the phenomenon of childbirth, "Lan Zhan has seen a fair share of delivery with me. It's okay if he misses the last one."
"If you say so. The Grandmaster will be here anytime soon so hang on a little longer. I'll send a signal to Hanguangjun just in case you change your mind," Jiayi fed Wei Ying a pill. "You're doing a good job boys, keep it up till I get back," She said to the boys before going back to Suyin.
Lan Wangji arrived the following day. By then Suyin had been delivered of a baby girl which he didn't hesitate to meet. He thought this was the reason why a signal had been sent but something clicked in his head when he did not see his partner and many others there. "Where is Wei Ying?" He asked after handing the newborn over...
Lan Wangji barged into his quarters not long after he was told. There was of course some reason to be worried, his partner was two and a half weeks early. In a way, it reminded him of the day MingXia was born. "Lan Zhan, you're just in time." Wei Ying beamed.
The baby was still latched to the umbilical cord. "I'd say barely on time," Baoshan Sanren nipped the chord and handed the baby to Jiayi, glaring at Wangji.
"May I hold her?" Wangji was ecstatic.
"Her?... Yours is a him," Baoshan Sanren sounded grouchy in that reply.
"Apologies, may I hold him?" Wangji bowed. Jiayi looked to the Grandmaster for approval. "You can let him hold the baby, I need him out anyway," Saren waved her hand. Lan Wangji's arms were the perfect place for his newborn son. But there was an aorta of worry that came from the Grandmaster's statement. "Is something wrong with Wei Ying?"
"Let's just say there won't be any more accidents from now on. And I better not hear or see any of you nag about wanting children after this," Sanren shooed her in-law away.
Lan Wangji watched as the baby got cleaned in another room. He was already giddy about the name this boy would have in days to come. Right now his mind was filled with fresh zeal and imagination.
"Father...," Three people suddenly found him, asking to see who had won a bet. Of course, Xiang did not agree to the terms and they could not tell their father about it but they still needed to know. "Ha! I told you it's a boy!" Lan Xing gloated in his brother's face.
Lan Wangji, "Lan Xing, what did I say about noise-making?"
"I'm sorry Father," Xing lowered his head remorsefully. Mingxia was allowed to touch the baby, trusting her gentle nature. Lan Xiang followed, then the noisiest of them all. Overall it was a beautiful family moment before the twins returned to Gusu with their Aunt.
Every day was sunny in WangXian estate with two new beams to take care of. Lan Sizhui and Suyin did fall under the pressure because they got a fussy girl but Wei Ying was allowed to sleep like a log all thanks to Lan Wangji. Although his bundle of joy was still growing a clear face, Wangji was over the moon to discover his little sunshine hand crystal grey pupils. It took time for the jade to finally get a glimpse of this since the baby was a heavy sleeper. Once his stomach was full he had no business with the world around him. At last, Lan Wangji had a child that took much resemblance to his spouse.
Wei Ying felt different again. A little glum that he could no longer make children like a woman but at least he could focus on his blessings. Baoshan Sanren chose to stay with them for a few more months. These days the world needed a little less saving.
"Good morning Grandma," Wei Ying went to see her alone.
"Why are you here empty-handed?" Baoshan Sanren stared at him as if he were crazy. "The baby Wei Ying, where is he?"
"Oh, he's asleep. Lan Zhan is watching him?"
"Lan Wangji is watching the baby sleep? Doesn't he have work to do?"
"He says he's taking a break. I haven't seen him this obsessed in a while. Pfft! Don't get me wrong, it's adorable the way he looks at our last born but it gets funny watching him purr like a kitten," Wei Ying chuckled. His grandmother however did not see the humour in that. I should remind him he's a grown man, she thinks to herself.
***
Lan Huizhong sat in the presence of his father and Lan Qiren, surrounded by other juniors his age, playing his instrument with finesse. Over the years he developed an ear for spiritual tunes and his findings were truly remarkable. His dream of healing his mother never faltered and JingFei making huge progress in her mental health did not make him slow down either.
After the incident of finding a stalker in JingFei's home, HuiZhong did a lot of poking into his mother's life. That included allowing another to win her love and forcing his father's hand to have her remarry years later. Now Lan JingFei was constantly showered with the love of a new family.
Lan HuiZhong visited her at the slightest chance. JingFei was still spoiled by him with letters and gifts. Looking back, she could boldly say she was now a happy woman.
When the melody stops, Lan Xichen is the first to applaud. This is not noise-making, this was showing everyone how proud he was of his crown jewel. After the session was over, Lan Jiang joined Qiren and Xichen alone for tea.
Xichen, "You've gotten clever at creating music son."
"Not yet, Father. I want to make pieces that speak to all life forms; man, beast, clean or unclean spirits. Most especially those who are tormented in the mind," Huizhong explained with a faint grin. Xichen understood where that desire stemmed from and it was all the more reason to support it.
Huizhong, "Father, I want to visit mother three days from now."
Qiren, "Lan HuiZhong, your cousin and your niece's naming ceremony is in two weeks, can't you go after?"
"I know Grandfather but my mother's birthday is also around the corner. If I leave sooner I can make it to the naming ceremony," Lan Huizhong said.
"Alright, take some men with you. Be sure to greet your mother for me," Xichen did not drag the issue.
"Mn," Huizhong bowed. When the young man leaves, Qiren turns to Xichen with a narrowed gaze. "You're letting him see Jingfei by himself?"
"Lan Jiang is not wrong to want to see his mother, Uncle."
"Not in this case. It's bad enough you allowed her to remarry, must your son witness his mother being affectionate with another man?"
Lan Xichen smiled, "Huizhong also sees me get affectionate with Jiang Cheng, there's nothing odd about it."
"Speaking of that," Old Lan stroke his goatee. "It is highly inappropriate to let your teenage son see you in that light. I don't want him thinking it's a normal thing to be a cut sleeve."
"Uncle...," Lan Xichen massaged his temple, a little amused. These days Qiren's words did not bother him at all.
"Lan Huizhong grew up seeing Wei Wuxian make babies, what if he thinks every man out there can also do that? Dont get me wrong, I let you have Sect Leader Lan but that does not mean HuiZhong should be like you in that light."
"My son is not ignorant of the difference between a man and a woman. I understand your worries but this is not the time to be thinking of this," Xichen brushed his theories aside.
"If you ask me I say we get him engaged before it's too late," Qiren jumped the gun and Lan Xichen did not smile about this, "Not this again, Uncle. Lan HuiZhong is only fifteen."
"Think this through Xichen. All the men in this family can't possibly like men!" Qiren exclaimed. This was a sensitive issue he would not stop preaching. Xichen only nods to save the man from getting a heart attack.
***********
Days Later, WangXian Estate.
Wei Ying did not get why Lan Wangji and Sizhui chose to name the babies in their home and not Gusu, but after seeing his husband talk to his Grandmother one too many times, he assumed she ordered it.
Having the family all in one place was gold. The twins came home in the company of their paternal family, Jiang Cheng and his children, Jin Ling, and the others were around. It was a full house before the guests arrived. Wei Ying was also eager to know the name Wangji picked for the children since Sizhui insisted on it. The jade hid that info no matter how many times he asked. Sure it would have his Grandmother written all over it but Wei Ying could not wait.
Lan Huizhong did catch up on time and was Wei Ying's right-hand man. They had a lot of catching up to do.
Sizhui received a round of congratulatory messages and red packets filled with treasures for his little one. Jin Ling outdid himself, showing his support with extravagant gifts.
"Jiang Cheng, more like Jin Ling," Wei Ying stared at the small box his brother had wrapped up.
"It's a gift for my nephew, not your broke behinds," Jiang Cheng scowled.
"Jiang Wanyin! I'll have you know that this entire manor is mine, I'm not broke. You should be ashamed of yourself for gifting your nephew a trinket!" Wei Ying barked.
"Maybe if you opened the gift you would know it is not a trinket," Jiang Cheng would have wrung his brother's ungrateful neck had they been alone. HuiZhong and Lan Xichen cautiously pulled the brothers apart before their harmless squabbles turned into something real.
Although she was many years older, Yuelian and MingXia were like two peas in a pod, acting prim and perfect only to play tea time and gossip about family affairs. Muyun was less reckless but hit it off with Xing looking up to him as a big brother. Xiang tagged along only to make sure his brother did not break a limb due to peer pressure.
Wen Li did not fancy girly things but at least she could get a break from her rowdy brother by pushing him over to the boys. After peeping on Yuelian and MingXia she decided maybe little girls could be more fun.
The ceremony was shifted to the afternoon the next day. Lan Qiren handed Wangji the baby's ceremonial Lan robes but when the child was revealed there was a blended red and black material covering the Lan robes. Wei Ying considered it odd but he didnt question this because Baoshan Sanren was all smiles. 'Yup, it was definitely her idea,' Wei Ying nodded thoughtfully.
Sanren's identity was kept a secret from the guests but no one got answers when questions were tossed around. She took up the role of offering prayers and helped the fathers reveal the children's names. Sizhui's little girl was named Lan Chunhua, a compliment to her father's prayers for her. Lan Wangji's newest son was called Wei Yulong by courtesy, with Wei Tian being his first name.
"What!" Wei Ying craned his neck at his husband like a confused ostrich, completely thrown off.
Lan Wangji was pulled out of the hall for acting oblivious of his crime, leaving the baby with the grandparents and the well-wishers.
"Wei?... You named our son WEI!" Wei Ying fumed!
"There is a simple explanation for this," Lan Wangji was calm but Wei Ying wasn't.
"What explanation could you possibly give for this, I made it clear why I don't want any of our children to bear my family name. Did my Grandmother put you up to this? How could you do this to me Lan Wangji!"
"Grandmother did not put me up to this, you gave your word Wei Ying," Wangji's stoic expression returned in a split second.
"What? When did I give my word for this? Go back to that hall and tell them it was a mistake, change that name Lan Wangji or I swear...,"
"You swore to give me a little Wei, Wei Ying."
"Huh?"
" You said it when we went for a hunt at QingheNie two years ago," Lan Wangji pulled the 'promise' card on his mate and that was a hard check-mate. Wei Ying lost it, surprisingly recalling that eventful night in a flash. "Wh...I... but you were drunk that day, there is no way you could have...," He fumbled away his defence.
"Yes I was drunk but a promise is a promise, my love," Wangji said with a slightly devious grin.
Wei Ying lay his hands above his head, wailing, "Oh God, what do I do with you, Lan Zhan. I was drunk- we were both drunk!" It bothered him but Lan Wangji was determined to get away with it.
"Doesn't matter, you gave your word. No one will look down on our son Wei Ying, so stop worrying so much. He's going to do greater things," Lan Wangji cajoled his way closer to Wei Ying, rubbing his shoulders seductively.
"Are you implying he will be worse than the Yiling Louzu?!" Wei Ying frowned.
"No. He will bring glory to that name and make you proud," Wangji gave Wei Ying a snappy pecked on the lips. "The guests must be wondering where we are, let us go back hm?" he gently pulls his partner by the hand but Wei Ying drags his feet childishly, walking lackadaisically with a pout on his face.
Lan Wangji looks at him and asks, "Do you want me to carry you?"
"Tch, I have legs," Wei Ying growled.
"That was something," Jiang Cheng approached Wei Ying a while later when his brother was busy giving Wangji the stink eye.
"Look at him Wanyin, he completely ruined this for me," Wei Ying folded his hands, trying so hard to hold a smile for the guests.
"You can't dispute the fact that this one looks a lot like you," Jiang Cheng knew Wei Ying hated the idea, but it was funny seeing him act up.
"Do not start with me Jiang Cheng, Im very upset. Sure I thought Wangji was just being cute when he swaddled that baby in red and black but now I can't even look at him."
"He means well. Look on the bright side, at least you're not the only Wei left hehehe."
"Eat shit, Jiang Cheng," Wei Ying steals a jar when the servants pass with drinks.
"Wei Ying, wait, let me fix something," Jiang Cheng snatches the jar and gulps down the content. "You're not allowed to drink."
That pretty much made the Yiling Patriarch turn red...
Lan Wangji enjoyed his baby every day after that, much to Wei Ying's annoyance. It took a long time for Wei Ying to accept defeat with Lan Wangji constantly calling out the child's name, spoiling him rotten with affection.
Months later Wangji's behaviour only got worse. "Freaken unbelievable," Wei Ying grumbled each time Lan Wangji had his little Wei Yulong dressed in a classic Yiling Louzu costume- not forgetting the red ribbon.
Thanks for reading, sorry for any grammatical errors. In the next update, we'll get a short side story about our old friend the Rabbit Demon. I know some of you miss ZhiHao...I miss him too. Dont forget to let me know if you have a scene or plot you want to share for the extra chapters. Only a few more to go so hurry.
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