[[忘羡 | WangXian 3]] : Our Flesh And Bones

[117.] The Hunt!

Lan Sizhui trudged to the Jingshi,  upset and sorry. He kneeled in front of the door, waiting for his dads to come out. It happened soon enough, and Wei Wuxian almost stumbled and fell over him, as, even upon exiting the room, he was turning back and kissing his husband. A-Yuan had lowered his eyes, and now bowed deeply.

- Hanguang-Jun, Wei Qianbei, I am begging you to forgive my behavior from yesterday. It was inexcusable and disrespectful. I will strive to be better in the future. I hope you are both well-rested.

Wei Ying gaped and turned to look at Lan Wangji.

- Did you do that, Lan Zhan?  –  he grinned.

- Mmmmm, no. But I approve. Rise, son.

He did, and he was happy to feel the embrace of both his dads almost immediately.

- Do you want to join us for the hunt, my love? –  Wei Ying asked him gently.

- No, thank you, Papa. I'd rather stay here with the Mistress; we must discuss her dreams. Uncle Ning can take care of you, I won't be worrying when he is there.  –  he bowed again.

- Wei Ying, I think our son has grown up. What do you say we start treating him as an adult?  –  Lan Wangji smiled.

- I agree, husband. –  Wei Wuxian nodded, pleased.  –  He is the best son anyone could ever wish for; he makes us so proud.

They both bowed to the amazed Lan Sizhui, who was so speechless that he let them hug him, and kiss him, and lead him to the hall for breakfast. They were just getting settled when Sandu Shengshou and Zewu-Jun barged in too, flushed and in a hurry.

- We apologize, Brother, Wei Qianbei, we... overslept.  –  Lan Xichen bowed, embarrassed.

Jiang Cheng only huffed – he would never apologize to his brother openly. Wei Ying was grinning and making small talk, but Lan Sizhui was silent and observed them closely. His uncles' clothes and hair were far from tidy and perfect, probably put on in a hurry. Wei Qianbei's eyes were puffy, and he looked tired, but happy. Hanguang-Jun's face was a stone mask again, but his sobs were still in his head  –  awful, heartbreaking weeping, full of so much pain that it broke his own heart too.

He clenched his teeth and swallowed his own tears. His parents wanted to treat him as an adult, and he wanted it too, but how exhausting, how painful was it to wear a mask every day, all the time? He bit his lips and lowered his eyes. 

A strong, intense love was happiness and pleasure, but it also was hurt and sorrow, anguish, sacrifice. Perhaps it was better just to marry anyone his parents would choose for him  –  he wasn't sure he was going to be able to survive such a love.

- Bai Li has informed us that most servants should be returning today. We will be able to finally show you a proper welcome, Sandu Shengshou, Zewu-Jun.  –  Wei Ying said officially, bowing a little.  –  Do you wish to celebrate your engagement with guests and a reception? We could dispatch invitations. Although, most Clans are probably still celebrating New Year's.

- We are most obliged, Wei Qianbei. –  Zewu-Jun was smiling, pleased by the tone and formality. – We realize that now is not the best time for a reception. We are among family and this is enough for us, we are happy and content. Sandu Shengshou and I have discussed it... last night...  -  he blushed slightly, literally hearing Jiang Cheng swallow hard next to him.  –  We will probably postpone everything for after midsummer, after the baby has been born. And also... One spectacular wedding is enough for the Cloud Recesses. We will celebrate ours at Yunmeng.