After that incident, Wei Ying has questions. Quite a few in fact. And he would really like to have a nice discussion with " The Grandmaster of Lies ".
The resentful energy in the whip marks had been beyond Wei Wuxian's imagination. At first he had hypothesised that the wound from the nighthunt in Meili had caused Lan Wangji's wound to open, feeding on his buried emotions. But while luring out the energy he had identified two energies.
Even Lan Xichen hadn't told him anything about the whip leaving lasting impressions, which could mean two things. He discarded that thought and pondered on his first one, thinking back to how the energy had felt.
As Wei Ying played the first call for command, he had felt two responses. One trying to escape and hide, the other rebelling and fighting. At first he thought them to be one, mixed as they were with the sly one trying to hide.
But as he played, as the notes grew sharper and stronger, the stronger energy rebelled. The sly one was forced to bend due to its weak constitution and cause but the energy from the whip was a resentment of another level.
It didn't threaten to burst Lan Wangji's blood vessels simply, but would burst his body completely if they kept going. The energy was old, generations old.
Just like saying goes ' it's the weak who threaten,the stronger ones simply show '.
The whip's resentment was just that. Thankfully Wei Wuxian knew when the danger was looming near; having mastered control on his skills in the year of his travels.
He also knew that while it was hard to win a straight fight with the strong, cajoling them was easier. The same applied to the energy.
So he switched to one song he hoped would calm the resentment; thankfully, it worked.
Still the incident bothered Wei Wuxian too much. Lan Zhan had been in a daze for sometime after that but otherwise had not acquired any aftereffects.
Talking about which, Wei Ying remembered ' today Lan Zhanshi was supposed to announce Lan Zhan's health! '
He hurried towards the Jingshi, finding Lan Zhanshi deep in her work. Before Wei Wuxian could open his mouth, Lan Zhanshi spoke " Don't. "
'But I didn't even say anything!' Wei Ying thought, wondering how the other guessed when Lan Zhanshi spoke again, " Wei gonzi, you should stop speaking your thoughts aloud. "
Ah...
After a sichen......
" Lan daifu...." " No"
" Can't you atleast tell me anything ?"
" No"
"...."
Not getting any answer, he huffed, crossing his arms.
I change my question, how rude can a Lan be ?
" What about his...."
The female Lan sighed. Wei Ying didn't know if it was in resignation or sadness and didn't dare to guess, least the answer scare himself.
****
Lan Zhan was up and about the moment Lan Zhanshi let him. Wei Ying was happy to note that he didn't flinch or tense, except for his right arm. While Lan Wangji was able to stand,walk and perform almost all gross motor activities; his right arm was a bit tense. As he sat down, Lan Zhanshi kept a tight grip on his arm.
Wei Wuxian didn't know what happened, but the siblings had a silent conversation with their eyes and then Lan Zhanshi let him go, a silent warning present in her eyes.
*****
Afterwards, Lan Xichen came and they talked. More like Wei Wuxian talked and filled Lan Xichen in as Lan Zhanshi had to go. They didn't sit at the table as it would strain Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen refused to give his baby brother any discomfort. Lan Wangji protested but Wei Wuxian joined forces with his pleading eyes and..........Lan Wangji's protests died.
If Wei Wuxian felt a bit guilty for his act, well....it was for a good cause.
Now Lan Zhan sat on the bed, with Wei Ying standing nearby while Lan Xichen joined his brother, sitting on the side.
" Wangji, please tell me if anything hurts, okay ?"
Lan Wangji only nodded, his ears bright red which didn't escape Wei Wuxian's notice. He smirked, his mischievous brain having found a target.
" Ah...Zewu-Jun. " when Lan Xichen turned towards Wei Wuxian, he asked " I don't know about you but I have heard that the rabbits have been missing Lan Zhan. "
He regretted saying it the next instant, as Lan Zhan's face went so gloomy Wei Wuxian wanted to slap himself.
Apparently, Lan Xichen agreed. He glared at Wei Wuxian, who was left to smile awkwardly.
Way to go Wei Wuxian.......
*****
To make up for his mistakes, Wei Ying kidnapped two rabbits from the backhills and deposited them in the lap of a blinking Lan Wangji - who for a lack of better word was equal parts confused and happy.
Wei Ying knew he was happy because he saw how the other relaxed and petted the rabbits.
And if a rare smile made its presence known; well, Wei Ying's heart could do with a treat, couldn't it ?
****
A week later, Lan Xichen called them in Hanshi.
As Wei Wuxian helped Lan Wangji sit ( the Second Jade had his own lethal weapon of persuasion), Lan Xichen prepared medicinal tea.
Surprisingly, it was the Second Jade who broke the silent spell first.
" Xiongzhang..."
A single word, a form of address, yet the voice, the way the words tumbled out of those brownish lips ( Ahem.. Wei Ying) did nothing to hide the emotions behind it. The confusion and guilt, the pain and sheer will; all was visible in crystal clear view.
" Wangji..."
Forgive me....
It seems that Lan Wangji heard the unsaid words,as his brows furrowed while Wei Wuxian was left to stew in confusion. He knew how to read Lan Zhan, not Lan Xichen!
And by the looks of it the siblings were having a silent conversation, leaving Wei Ying to pout.
" Aiyah! I am here too! "
Lan Xichen tried to stifle his laugh behind his sleeve while Lan Wangji's ears turned red.
" My apologies Wei gonzi. Rest assured, we haven't forgotten you. "
" So....can you decode your silent conversation to enlighten this humble cultivator ?" He bowed dramatically, eyes twinkling with mischief causing Lan Xichen to smile. From the corner of his eyes, Wei Ying thought he heard a huff but when he turned, Lan Zhan was just sitting quietly.
****
The Prince of the Northern kingdom wanted to visit the Cloud Recesses. That wouldn't be a problem in itself but the fact that he planned to stay and was coming with a gift which he mentioned in the letter was a warning in itself.
The cultivation world and the imperial world were two different dimensions if one were to ask. Cultivators hardly gave any thought to the world outside theirs, unless they were rogue or had left the cultivation world itself.
It was common knowledge for Sect hiers and leaders that a world outside theirs existed, that not everything revolved around flying swords, spiritual weapons and qi.
But a common person ? They just knew who protected them. Otherwise, the gossips of the streets and inns were enough to keep everyone informed about what they needed.
Now, as Wei Wuxian listened to Lan Xichen's tale and read the letter over Lan Wangji's shoulder, he knew that this wasn't a simple meeting.
The Prince was coming with a mission.
°•~♤~•°
******
First : Thanks for all those votes and comments! Came Because of Our Song got third place in Jades of Hearts Awards 2021!!! 🥳
I know, nothing big but this was the first award I participated in and I won! In fact Came Because of Our Song is my first story online ever.
Sorry if I am ranting and you can skip this if you want.....
Still, I am happy. It's not bad if I keep silent and just dance internally, is it ?
Anyway, I have made a cover for this story in celebration.
Second: Anyone knows which song Wei Wuxian played to calm the resentment in the whip scars ?
Comments don't need invitations and votes are welcomed if you loved my story and this chapter.
See you in the next update!
~>0•○•0~> Infrequent updates, what's new in that ?
1 November, 2021 - 9 November, 2021
Published: 9 November, 2021