The Legend of Moonflower

Chapter 15 - Decisions and Decrees

Lan Wangji knew there was something wrong the minute he stepped out of the Jingshi, but he only began to worry when he didn't see Wei Ying amongst the group waiting for him. His eyes fell on the two eunuchs that were rushing towards him.

"What is it?" he asked before either of them had a chance to formally greet him.

When his head eunuch didn't even bother to address him and blurted out, "The empress dowager has imprisoned Wei Wuxian," he knew the situation was dire.

The angry snarl he let out had his eunuchs cowering. He took a deep breath recognizing the aggression and possessiveness of his wolf – aftereffects of just coming out of his rut. He needed to stay calm to handle the situation and make sure no harm had come to Wei Ying. "How long?"

"Four days, your majesty," Wen Ning answered quickly. He gave Wen Ning a questioning look, knowing the eunuch would have managed to sneak in to check on the omega. His stomach clenched when the eunuch gave him a small shake of his head indicating that Wei Ying was not in good shape.

His pace was brisk and he chose the shortest route towards the Palace of Longevity and Peace. "What happened?"

"From what Concubine Zizhen told us, it looks like Wei Wuxian ran into the empress dowager and knocked him over," explained Nie Huaisang. "Noble Consort Wanyin and Concubine Chengmei were with the empress dowager."

"Concubine Zizhen said Wei Wuxian was hit with Zidian," Wen Ning added.

Lan Zhan immediately stopped walking. He turned towards his spymaster who already had Bichen held out towards him. "Go get Wen Taiyi and meet me back in my quarters," he ordered. He mounted his sword and just before flying off he said, "Nie gong gong, meet me at the Palace of Longevity and Peace."

The empress dowager's servants and guards were startled when he dropped down right into the courtyard instead of at the front entrance. Sensing his wrath, they cowered and dropped to their knees. He strode in unannounced and found his royal mother accompanied by Jiang Wanyin in the sitting room.

"Royal mother," he greeted, shortly.

"Your majesty," the noble consort greeted, "you're out of your rut."

"Where is he?"

The empress dowager glanced at the noble consort who nodded and immediately cleared his throat, "Leave us," Jiang Wanyin commanded, dismissing the servants and eunuchs.

"I suppose you are talking about that insolent manservant?" Lan Qiren huffed, his beard twitching.

"I am talking about my personal manservant, Wei Wuxian."

"I have him detained for questioning. He was acting suspiciously and it's simply not safe for you to have him by your side," Lan Qiren sad with a shrug. After he spoke, he reached for his tea and turned back to the noble consort to resume their conversation.

"I thank the empress dowager for his concern," Lan Wangji's voice held the sting of a thousand hornets, "but as the emperor, I am fully capable of taking care of myself. The empress dowager need not tire himself over this."

"Hanguang Huangdi," the empress dowager scolded, "your safety..."

"He will be released to me now!"

Lan Qiren balked at his tone. He pointed a finger at him and his beard began to quiver.

"Your majesty, how can you speak to the empress dowager like that?" Jiang Wanyin admonished. "Your royal mother is only looking out for your well-being."

His white-knuckled grip on Bichen tightened even further. Both omegas were stubborn and the longer he fought with them, the longer Wei Ying had to wait and suffer. He would need to try an alternate method to get Wei Ying back.