Beyond Control

Chapter 1

"Zewu-Jun?!"

His voice was cheerful and he had a smile on his face. Even standing from afar I can see it. His eyes spoke of pain and his smile held many secrets.

I smiled warmly at him, trying to hide my worry, "Master-Wei," I greeted warmly, "It's pleasant to see you!"

I saw his current smile change to a joyful one. Almost as if he was more than excited to have seen me, "What a coincidence!" He chuckled, "How come Zewu-Jun has free time to be in Yunmeng? If you're not in a rush, let's have a drink together!"

I let out a little chuckle, shaking my head but then he spoke again, "A-Ah! Zewu-Jun I apologize, I forget the Lan aren't permitted to drink." He pursed his lips.

I could tell he had things on his mind and he wanted a distraction, "Not quite!" I grinned.

He let out a pleasant giggle and met me down at the entrance, "come, I'll get a table," he told me.

He got a table that was more secluded and didn't have many others around. I took a couple drinks and he looked at me with a bit of surprise.

"Zewu-Jun," He began, "You can really drink! Compared to Lan Zhan you're so composed!"

I smirked, "I get rid of the alcohol with my golden core, so this can't be considered drinking."

His facial expression changed a bit when I said golden core. Almost as if that was something he desired. I got curious about it but I held my tongue.

Wei Gongzi giggled, entirely amused, "Zewu-Jun, you truly are so capable!" He commented, making me chuckle a little and bow his head as thanks, "Er, but, Zewu-Jun," he stammered, "Cleansing resentment should be the interest of Lan Zhan, why didn't he come?" He asked, trying his hardest to keep the disappointment out of his tone.

Why can't you two just talk about how you feel? I questioned.

I sighed softly, "He has been ordered to stay home and mend our family disciplines."

Wei Gongzi choked on his drink, "More than three thousand disciplines! Zewu-Jun! That's such an unbearable task, he might be confined for three years."

I loved that he had such an interest in my brother in such a way. Worrying about him and thinking of him as he should be a bit more free. I wish so much for my Didi, but Shufu is being so stubborn and strict beyond belief.

Wei Gongzi sighed, "Well then, as I've been idle recently, I might have to visit him, in a couple of days, I will go to Cloud Recess with you to visit him. " He smiled, "Back then... he watched me transcribe rules in the Library Pavilion... now I can be in his position... aheh, that sounds more fun."

My face hardened, "If Wei-Gongzi is to come to Cloud Recesses, how about listening to several music scores Wangji has learned?" I proposed.

Wei Ying's grip on his cup tightened, hand freezing mid-air. I could tell he was upset by my gesture. Why was he so against it? What are you hiding, Wei Gongzi?

Wei Gongzi sighed, placing his cup back down as I spoke again, "They can clear your mind and help you concentrate."

"What's your intention, Zewu-Jun?"

I was quick to speak, "Wangji has been learning 'Cleansing' recently, I was wondering if you knew why."

"Zewu Jun, would you please tell him that those songs won't work on me," he said.

Has he tried already? Doesn't work on him?

"Wei Gongzi, if you wish to share anything you wish for no one else to know, I promise, I will keep things confidential...why won't it work?" I asked.

"They just won't, and yet you came here to deliberately persuade me?" He asked.

"Zewu-Jun," He began again, eyes running over my Lan robes. His lips burned cold once more, "Are people in the Lan clan, so fond of meddling?" He drank.

"Wangji is my brother, I know his thoughts well," I began, noticing how the mention of his brother caught the young master's attention, even as he poured himself another drink, "Even if you listen or not, I have a few thoughts to express. "There are set rules in the world, and goodness is with regulation, if you were the only one in the world, surely you could do whatever you please, but unfortunately, there are others too." I paused as Wei Gongzi drank his liquor again, "I hope you won't be so self-centred since the people you care about are affected by your actions."

I could see tears in his eyes, "Wei Gongzi, just know I care for you as well. Just as much as I do for my brother. Will you open up to me? If you trust me and Wangji, we, the Lan Clan of Gusu, can help you pick up your sword art again."

"Zewu Jun," he said quietly through his tears, "it's not that I don't want to pick up my sword again, it's just that I can't."

I was taken back by his confession, "why?" I asked. He let me take his hand, "please, A'Xian?"

He looked at me when I said his name like that. I saw a little light pop into his eyes. It was as if he knew he could trust me.

"You promise to keep it to yourself? Don't tell my Shijie, my Shidi, and not even Lan Zhan...I promised myself to keep this secret to my grave," he said.

That was what got me, "do you have a more private and more comfortable place to talk?" I asked him, "and you can tell me everything that you want to tell me. As much or as little as you want. I am here to help you. To listen to you. I had other plans  passing through Yunmeng but those plans can wait."

He nodded, "there is, even though I have a room at Lotus Pier, I rented out a room at an Inn. It gives me a place to be alone when I need it."

"Let's go speak there," I said.

He nodded and stood up, grabbing his Dizi. I placed a silver piece on the table and followed him out.