OUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER (A WANGXIAN STORY)

Extra 4 (A): XiCheng Forever

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"You're expecting- again...and Lan Wangji is angry about it?", Qiren marked the first time Wei Ying ever came to him for help. 

"Yes, Uncle.", Wei Wuxian's expression was worrying. Lan Xichen happened to be around, agreeing to leave with his brother in law after the Senior's solution. He could not get his brother to let it go.

"But isn't he the one that put it there?", Qiren arched his brows.

Wei Ying squeezed his eyes and pursed his lips, already embarrassed by what he would say next. "Technically yes, but figuratively I did this... Lan Wangji did not want another child so I took advantage of him.", Lan Xichen had not heard that side of the story.

"Hahaha, so what if you used him to conceive- he is your partner, after all, it's his duty. Wouldnt you do the same for him?", Qiren said. 

Lan Wangji was a cow in the previous months, milked until his spouse felt a change. When Wei Ying finally confirmed that he was with child, the jade did not share in his joy. Lan Wangji locked himself away, too upset to forgive himself. 

"Uncle, you're missing the point.", Lan Xichen came in, "Having another baby could be detrimental to Wei Ying's health."

"Listen to yourself Xichen, Wangji is angry because he'll have another son in a few months. Instead of complaining, he should be taking care of Wei Ying... I have faith that my son-in-law will put to birth safely.", Qiren did not look the other way. "Do not put yourself in any kind of stress Wei Ying. If you need to stay for some days to cool off, the Jingshi is always available. I'll talk some sense into Wangji.", Old Lan assured his inlaw with a knitted brow. 

If anyone told Lan Xichen there will come a day when Wangji stays upset while Lan Qiren supports Wei Wuxian, not only would he doubted it, he could bet his foot on it.

In a few days, the three made the trip back to Wangji's little town and new home. The welcome was warm. It was nice to have a woman running the house. Lan Suyin was delightful and treated her elders with the utmost respect. The twins were extremely happy to see their Grandfather, itching to show Qiren that they had mastered most of the Lan Clan rules. Of course, there were gifts for them- educational ones.

Wangji had to meet his Uncle to pay respects and there he received the second scolding of his life. "You moved out of your matrimonial room, abandoned your sons and your spouse because you have another heir on the way? Have you forgotten who you are and where you're from? What part of our Clan rules support your actions?"

"...", Lan Wangji could only listen at this point. "I dont want to hear whatever reason you have. If you're worried about Wei Ying, then focus on protecting him and the child and stop acting like one yourself. Now, you will return to your room this evening...Such complain should not reach my ears again."...

And so Wei Ying had his husband back in the room, yet the jade grew more distant from him. As early as five, Wangji would vanish and appear at nine when its time for bed. Not asking how Wei Ying was faring or if he was cold at night. He stayed on his side of the bed and did not give into Wei Ying's antiques.
"Lan Zhan, dont be so rigid with me, you said it yourself that I could take advantage of you anytime. And now that I found the reason to do so, you refuse to look at me.", Wei Ying often approached him with an innocent smile, but Wangji refused to let it move him.

One afternoon, Lan Xiang entered his father's study unannounced. "Father...", He bowed three feet away. Lan Wangji nodded and put aside his work. "What's the matter, why are you not in school?"

"A'Xing complained of a tummy ache, so mother said we could stay home today.", Lan Xiang explained, his eyes screening the text in front of his father. Lan Wangji sighed to himself, wondering if this was another prank by Xing to skip school. The boy was bright but unfortunately took after his mother's attitude toward learning.