Years had passed since Lan Zhan’s curse had been lifted, but the Cloud Recesses felt different now—warmer, filled with a new kind of energy. Wei Wuxian’s laughter echoed down the halls, and Lan Zhan’s rare, soft smiles were now a familiar sight to everyone. And, as if this brightness wasn’t enough, word spread quickly through the Cloud Recesses that an event unlike any other was on the horizon—a wedding.
It was Wei Wuxian who suggested it one evening, a twinkle in his eye as he looked up at Lan Zhan. “Lan Zhan, how about we make it official? Let’s get married.”
Lan Zhan’s quiet gaze softened, a gentle acceptance in his eyes. “Wei Ying… I would marry you a thousand times if you asked.”
Wei Wuxian chuckled, brushing a hand over Lan Zhan’s. “Then once is more than enough for me.”
---
Preparations for the Ceremony
The days leading up to the wedding were filled with preparations as disciples, elders, and friends gathered to celebrate the union of Gusu Lan’s Hanguang-jun and the unorthodox yet beloved Wei Wuxian. Even the normally solemn Lan Qiren found himself drawn into the excitement, helping to organize the ceremony in a way that honored both Lan Zhan’s heritage and Wei Wuxian’s lively spirit.
Lan Xichen took a personal role in overseeing every detail, his heart warmed at the sight of his brother finally embracing happiness. In his quiet moments, he would watch Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian with a peaceful smile, grateful that his younger brother had found someone who brought him such joy.
Wei Wuxian’s preparations, naturally, were as energetic as his personality. He teased Lan Zhan relentlessly about the formal robes they would wear, calling it his “grand prince costume.” He insisted on adding subtle, personal touches to the ceremony—a bit of red silk in his own robe, symbolizing his roots from Yunmeng, and a few wildflowers he had collected to adorn their ceremony space.
The wedding ceremony would take place under the cherry blossom tree where they’d shared so many moments. The blossoms were in full bloom, delicate pink petals carpeting the ground, as if nature itself was celebrating with them.
---
The Wedding Day
On the morning of the wedding, the Cloud Recesses was bathed in a warm light. Disciples, family members, and close friends gathered around the cherry blossom tree, watching as Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian approached from opposite sides. Lan Zhan was dressed in his ceremonial white and silver robes, and Wei Wuxian, in a blend of black and red robes, stood out with his easy smile and bright eyes.
They met beneath the cherry blossoms, exchanging a look filled with love and understanding. In front of them, Lan Xichen stood, a proud, gentle smile on his face as he prepared to perform the traditional rites.
As part of the Gusu Lan tradition, they each lit a candle symbolizing their individual souls before combining the flames, signifying the unity of their lives and spirits. The crowd watched in reverent silence, moved by the quiet intensity of the moment.
Finally, they knelt side by side, facing each other as they completed their vows. Lan Zhan spoke first, his voice steady but filled with deep emotion.
“Wei Ying, from the first day we met, you brought light into my world. You challenged me, showed me beauty in ways I never imagined, and taught me that love has no bounds. I vow to walk beside you, through every season and every storm, as we build our lives together.”
Wei Wuxian’s voice softened, his eyes bright with emotion. “Lan Zhan, you have been my anchor, my constant. Through all my chaos and uncertainty, you have been there, grounding me, loving me, never letting go. I vow to stand by you, to face whatever comes our way, and to make you laugh, even if it’s just a little, every single day.”
As they finished, they each took a strip of white ribbon and bound it around their hands, a tradition symbolizing their commitment to hold each other in heart and spirit. The onlookers were moved, some disciples wiping away quiet tears, as Lan Xichen stepped forward to bless their union.
“With these vows,” he said warmly, “may you find strength in one another and know that, together, you will always be home.”
With that, the wedding was sealed, and Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian rose together, hands still bound, smiles radiant as they looked into each other’s eyes.
---
A Joyous Celebration
The reception that followed was as lively as one could imagine, especially with Wei Wuxian involved. The usually quiet Cloud Recesses was filled with laughter and music as friends and disciples toasted the couple. Wei Wuxian, delighted at having brought such merriment to the solemn halls, dragged Lan Zhan into a playful dance. Lan Zhan, still slightly embarrassed by the public attention, let himself be led, his heart full of contentment as he moved beside the person he loved most.
At one point, Lan Qiren caught Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan’s attention, and although his expression was as stern as ever, there was a glimmer of approval in his eyes. “Wei Wuxian, Lan Zhan,” he said gruffly, “I hope you will bring honor to the Cloud Recesses. Together.”
Wei Wuxian gave a respectful bow, his grin playful. “Shufu, with Lan Zhan by my side, how could we not?”
Lan Qiren merely shook his head, but his mouth twitched in the faintest hint of a smile.
---
A Promise Under the Stars
That evening, after the guests had retired and the Cloud Recesses had returned to its usual quiet, Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan walked out to their favorite spot under the stars, hand in hand.
The sky was clear, a brilliant display of stars twinkling above them. They sat down together, the cool night air a comforting presence as they took in the peaceful surroundings.
Wei Wuxian leaned his head on Lan Zhan’s shoulder, letting out a content sigh. “It’s finally real, isn’t it?”
Lan Zhan gently placed his hand over Wei Wuxian’s, his voice soft but resolute. “It always has been, Wei Ying. Today only makes it known to the world.”
Wei Wuxian tilted his head up to look at him, a playful spark in his eyes. “So, does that mean you’re stuck with me forever?”
Lan Zhan’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Forever, and beyond.”
They sat together in silence, a comfortable, profound quiet that spoke more than words ever could. The journey they’d taken, the trials they’d faced—all of it had led them to this moment. And here, under the stars, they felt the depth of their connection, a bond that transcended lifetimes.
Hand in hand, they knew that whatever came next, they would face it together. Their story was no longer one of struggle but of love, resilience, and a happiness they would cherish every day forward.
And with the world around them at peace, they had finally found their forever—together.
YOU ARE READING
Returns To Innocent
Historical FictionIn a world where power struggles never cease, Wei Wuxian and the child Lan Zhan embark on a journey not just to lift the curse, but to rediscover what truly binds them. As the lines between past and present blur, Wei Ying learns that some bonds are...
