The Legend of Moonflower

Chapter 13 - Other Things

A/N: Translation shixiong = older brother in the sense of a senior disciple of the same master

The emperor only gave him the briefest of glances when he came out of his inner chambers. Unconsciously, he followed along behind Eunuch Nie with the other servants and guards. Upon reaching the Hall of Prolonged Harmony, he stood at his indicated spot barely listening to what was happening. Normally, he paid careful attention to what the ministers had to say, but today he could only think about how he stormed out on Lan Zhan last night.

Any other ruler would have had him dragged back and beaten for his insolence. Lan Zhan simply let him go and that in itself was even more frustrating. He knew if he requested it, the alpha would let him leave the palace, quietly and without a fuss. Last night, he stayed up analysing every interaction they ever had from the first time they met to the moment he became the emperor's personal servant. It was evident Lan Zhan cared deeply for him. So much so that Wei Ying realized the alpha didn't want to ruin his chances of seeking his happiness elsewhere.

It was noble and selfless of the alpha, except what Lan Zhan didn't realize was he was the happiest when they were together. It was clear their wolves wanted to be together, now all he needed to do was convince the rational and restrained emperor that this was what he wanted as well. The question was how?

The ministers droned on and the emperor had his sole focus on them. Eunuch Nie's back was to him, so that was a good indication that he wouldn't be needed anytime soon. His eyebrows scrunched together as he returned to the dilemma at hand. How was he going to get Lan Zhan to get past what he believed was the best thing for him? He reasoned that although the alpha was attracted to him, he was keeping his distance to not tarnish his virtue.  Wei Ying almost laughed, because he knew there would never be another alpha for him other than Lan Zhan. However, Lan Zhan was too honourable and wouldn't chance ruining him for another alpha. He hated how omegas were expected to stay pure and virtuous while betas and alphas could do whatever they wanted. There had to be a way around it.

Morning court session was finally over and the emperor decided to return to his quarters. Wei Ying went through the motions of serving tea and before he knew it, Lan Zhan had dismissed everyone but him. He stood awkwardly to side and waited for his orders glancing uneasily at Lan Zhan when the other didn't say anything. It was the first time in a long while since he felt so tense in the emperor's presence. Lan Zhan was likely feeling the same, if the rigid set of his shoulders and clenched fist were anything to go by. He wished he could reach out to touch those shoulder and to soothe the tension in them.

"Wei Wuxian."

The use of his courtesy name rang so distant and cold from Lan Zhan's lips. Wei Ying's heart fell and he kept his head bowed afraid of the tears that were starting to sting his eyes.

"My royal brother is in need of a manservant," the alpha paused and then his next words sounded forced. "I think it's best if you serve at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Zewu Wang will..."

"Lan Zhan," Wei Ying shook his head adamantly and stared at the emperor. A tear fell unbidden onto his cheek with his movement. "Don't... please don't."

Lan Zhan's eyes widened and they followed the tear falling down his cheek. "Wei Ying," he said, sounding tired. "I can't..."

"Please, Lan Zhan," Wei Ying said, stepping towards him. "Don't send me away."

"Wei Ying, I'm not sending you away," Lan Zhan said, gently.

"You are," he insisted. "You're trying to put distance between us because you think I deserve better."