Lan Zhan doesn't look away from Wei Ying's face once, all throughout the flight.
At first, Wei Ying thinks he's doing it on purpose, staring at him without blinking, just wholly absorbed in looking at his husband and that it must be part of the challenge - Lan Zhan can be stubborn about winning, too - but then he notices the sincerity of his rapturous delight, how happy Lan Zhan looks, here in his arms.
Wei Ying barely remembers the way, tingling with giddy satisfaction as his face gives him away by blushing hard. The shining waters of the rivers and lakes below them are a distant blue blur, this time not even their beauty can sway his attention.
It is truly a miracle when they land in Lotus Pier.
Feng Li Pao, Jiang Cheng's Head Disciple, is just passing by the lotus gates with a group of disciples, and he is startled upon seeing them. Hurrying towards them, they all bow to one another.
"It is good to see you," he offers with genuine affection towards both of them.
"You, as well," Wei Ying replies, smiling when Lan Zhan takes his hand surreptitiously.
Lan Zhan often drinks a lot of vinegar here, but hopefully on this trip, he will remember what Feng Li Pao told him the last time they visited. Feng Li Pao had taken them aside and in no uncertain terms, in clear, concise wording, explained to Lan Zhan that he had absolutely no interest, no romantic interest in Wei Ying. At all.
Today, Lan Zhan merely nodded after bowing his greeting.
"I'm sure Jiang-Zhongzu will be pleased to see you. What brings you to Lotus Pier today? Is there anything I can help with?" Feng Li Pao asks with sincerity.
"Actually, yes, you may be able to help. Let's all speak together," Wei Ying beams at him, appreciating his efficiency.
His hand is squeezed a little harder at that, but credit where credit is due.
It's difficult not to feel the bittersweet pangs of times gone by here, especially when they walk into the compound where the younger students are training. The ghosts of the past haunt his memories; his ShiJie running to greet them with lotus pods clutched in her arms, Madam Yu stalking their training sessions with Zidian crackling along the sandy ground, Uncle Fengmian stepping out from the Swords Hall with a treat he'd saved for them both.
Jiang Cheng tackling him to the ground whenever they play-fought, reenacting famous fight scenes from old books.
Wei Ying blinks and this time, it is Lan Zhan's face that comes into view. His worried eyes are watching him carefully, wanting to understand what is wrong.
Wei Ying shakes away the melancholy, shoving the past away into the box in his head. There's no need to remember the past.
"Yes, there is." Lan Zhan pulls him into a hug that Wei Ying hadn't realised he needed.
Had he really said that aloud? Would Wei Ying ever be able to come to Lotus Pier and not feel the weight of a world gone by?
"It is good to remember," Lan Zhan murmurs, tightening his hold when he feels Wei Ying trembling.
"Are you coming inside, or what?" Jiang Cheng shouts from the threshold of the hall, his voice breaking the tranquillity of this moment.
Lan Zhan sometimes thinks he would have ascended anyway without the intervention of Baoshan Sanren, just for the amount of patience he used up when dealing with this particular individual. Saints were underrated...
Wei Ying takes a deep breath and hugs Lan Zhan tighter before letting him go altogether. He plasters on a bright smile and walks towards his brother with determination, as Lan Zhan follows just behind.
Feng Li Pao pours out lotus blossom tea for everyone. Jiang Cheng sits on the Lotus throne while Wei Ying and Lan Zhan are seated at tables of their own next to each other on his right, while his head disciple sits on his left.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Jiang Cheng says, eyeing them over the rim of his teacup. He glares at his cup as if it had personally offended him. "Do we have anything stronger?" He aims that at Feng Li Pao.
"Taxes?" Feng Li Pao hides a knowing smirk. He gets up anyway to fetch some lotus liquor.
"No. Him," Jiang Cheng jokes, ignoring Lan Zhan's clenching hand on Bichen.
The alcohol is poured, earning appreciating hums from those drinking.
"So?"
Lan Zhan wonders if Jiang WanYin's personality is partly inherited from his mother, or recently adopted by the changes in size and shape he's had to undergo. It's food for an in depth study if he had the patience for it.
Wei Ying pulls out the coin and shows it to Jiang Cheng. He explains what Huaisang had told them and all about the trip to Chang'An. He mentions XiChen's idea about the bandits operating from here.
"There have been reports," Feng Li Pao says slowly, trying to remember. "A few weeks ago, we had to reinforce the Yunmeng border with Haixun, the next state over because their troubles were spilling onto our lands."
"What kind of troubles?"
"They have many, but essentially it was the bandit problem. No one could cross over into Haixun without being held up and robbed by them, but I can find out more. Would you excuse me?" He directs that at Jiang Cheng, standing up straight away.
Jiang Cheng nods at him, and Feng Li Pao bows to all before leaving.
"Wow!" Wei Ying says, nodding at his retreating back. "Jiang Cheng, you hit the jackpot with that one!"
"I know." Jiang Cheng smugly drains his cup of lotus liquor and pours more for both of them.
But it's Lan Zhan who picks up the cup, tilts his head back and downs the whole thing, even before Wei Ying can stop him.
YOU ARE READING
WangXian Forever Book 10
RomanceWei Ying and Lan Zhan must step up to the new challenge that awaits them when they find something that was given to them in secret. What is it, and why is it so dangerous? They embark on a new adventure to find out.
