Meng's Revenge: Vol.4 of Life Among Clouds WangXian Series

Red Lotus

The last thing that Wei Ying did before they left the Jinshi was rub a thin coat of the ointment Qing and Qinyang had developed to control the lesion curse, into Lan Zhan. Scented with his sandalwood oil, it absorbed completely into his torso, abdomen, upper arms, and face.  It kept them under total control now. He lived with the knowledge that a permanent cure had to be found yet and that every time he woke they could suddenly reappear, but he kept those fears well-controlled and never let them overwhelm him. He looked down as his Wei Ying covered every inch with his gentle fingers and Lan Zhan's heart swelled with love at every stroke of them on his skin. Truly, without this buoyant and light-filled companion of his, he would have been lost forever. He waited until Wei finished and drew him into a wordless embrace as their hearts beat steadily in the same even rhythm. Wei waited patiently for Lan Zhan to release him and he slipped his husband's winter tunic on and secured his belt. Then his outer robe was drawn on. Wei was dressed in a Lan white robe over a pale blue tunic and he wore his red and gold ribbon in his trademark ponytail.  Then they left, arm in arm, to head for the Minshi. 

Once again, the weather was fine. There was not a single cloud in the sky and that allowed the unrelenting, white rays to glint off of the perfect snow. Cloud Recesses shimmered magically and Lan Zhan's heart took flight at this glory before him. The air had a rare crispness at this altitude. It freed the soul and cleared the mind. He loved it here and felt his resolve to protect it intensify in a way that felt stronger than at any time during the Wen Conflict.

.They were greeted by everyone they met on the way and accorded the respect that any married couple received in Cloud Recesses. It was a warm and fulfilling progress through the town. Lan XiChen was just placing papers before each chair around a large table. In the center was a large detailed model of a dwelling and Lan Zhan drew a deep breath. It was of Meng Shi's Keep. So this was where she was going to in the spring,. Smart and vicious woman. No other place could have upset him more. He hated that she knew him so well. He turned his back to the table and walked around, looking anywhere else until he settled down. Wei Ying looked at Lan XiChen and the two men who loved him the most busied themselves at the table as the Lan Sect Leader calmed. Then he looked and smiled at his Brother and Brother-in-law.

Lan XiChen threw a sly wink at Wei. It was one of his, "Go along with me on this one!" looks. Wei nodded slightly.

"Good Morning! We all hoped you rested well after you disappeared last evening. How was it, sleeping at home once more?"

"It was very peaceful and needed."

"He slept like a baby, Sect Master, and did not wake until 7:00!"

"Tell me, Wei, when he sleeps like that does his bottom lip still poke out?"

Wei laughed as Lan Zhan threw a narrowed side-glance at his brother.

"Lan Sect Master, there are certain things I must keep confidential. But, as I said, he did sleep like an infant!"

The side-eye moved towards his husband this time, and XiChen joined in with Wei's chuckles.

The was a firm knock on the door and  Wei's back stiffened a small bit as his brother, resplendent in purple, strode in.  Wei Ying was still not fully relaxed around his unpredictable brother, although things had improved somewhat due to Qing's influence. To his surprise, his brother walked up and stood politely before him.

" Wei Wuxiun, I have something I would like to give you, if I may. I would like to present you with a welcome home gift." As Wei stood there, stunned, Jiang Cheng removed a rosewood box, thin and narrow from his billowing sleeve. 

"Sect Master Lan XiChen approved this design before I had this made. I hope it is to your liking."

Wei slowly opened the box and inside was a Lan Sect headband. Not the pure white of an accepted spouse or adoptee, but an ice-blue Lan Sect ribbon meant for those of Lan blood. And the slide was stunningly unique. The same length as the usual headband slide, with the traditional billowing clouds, carved deeply into the silver, but set in the center was a lotus. In full bloom, carved from the most flawless and blood-red carnelian, it floated in it's singular glory, among the clouds that protectively embraced it. 

"I want you to know, that I watched as Lan Sect took you in and sheltered you when I did not. I had no ability or pathway to do so because I was locked in hate and blindness. I am deeply shamed by how I have treated you. I wanted to honor what they had the courage to do and to show you that you will also, always, be a part of Lotus Pier as well. Please, begin to forgive my actions. I will not fail you again."

He bowed deeply, in shame as well as self-blame. Wei's eyes began to glow in a soft shade of antique silver and the tears stood within them. He reached over and took his brother's arms in each hand and raised him up and stared into the maroon eyes opposite him.

"Lan Zhan, Please bring the headband over. I am honored to accept my brother's gift and will wear it always."

Lan Zhan moved behind his husband and slid the headband around Wei's forehead, tying the ribbon behind his head. He caught Jiang Cheng's eyes, giving him an approving nod. Then the two estranged brothers hugged one another as the Lan brothers moved from the room to give them some much-needed privacy,

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