Sizhui walked slowly toward the Jingshi. Normally by this hour, his father would have already gone to report in the main hall, but today, his absence stirred a quiet unease within Sizhui's heart.
"Is Mother alright?"
That was the only question echoing in his mind. Clutching the food tray tighter, he quickened his pace.
He stopped in front of the door and gently knocked.
"Come in, Sizhui…"
Hearing Wei Wuxian's voice, a gentle smile naturally appeared on Sizhui's face.
"Mother… are you feeling better now?"
He placed the food tray on the nearby table and sat beside Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian offered a shyly smile.
Just then, Lan Wangji entered and sat down near them.
"Sizhui, your mother has something important to tell you."
"Lan Zhan!!"
"What is it?"
The uneasiness that had been buried returned once again to Sizhui's chest.
"There will soon be a new member in our family, Sizhui."
Lan Wangji's tone was calm and steady. Sizhui's eyes widened as he turned toward him.
"What do you mean, Father..? Did Mother bring home another pet like the Little Apple? Mother, did you—?"
"Who told you to start assuming things, Sizhui?"
Wei Wuxian asked with a hint of scolding, trying to signal secretly to Lan Wangji. But Wangji only smiled faintly—he knew all too well that Wei Wuxian was always like this.
"No, Sizhui. I'm pregnant."
"W-what..?"
Sizhui's voice cracked as he stammered, his whole body stiffening. Wei Wuxian lowered his head, chuckling softly.
"It's true, Sizhui."
Still in shock, Sizhui gently placed a hand on Wei Wuxian's stomach, guided by him. Tears welled up in his eyes and fell without his notice as he slowly leaned into his mother's embrace. Wangji watched them with a rare smile.
"Mother truly is someone full of miracles, Father."
---
Scene Shift – Cloud Recesses
"What did you just say?!"
Jin Ling gasped. Lan Jingyi had already fallen off the stone bench in shock. Jiang Cheng, who had been leaning against a tree, was now wide-eyed, clearly shaken. Lan Xichen gazed up at the sky, trying to stifle the smile threatening to escape his lips at their dramatic reactions.
"You heard correctly."
"But he's… a man!"
"And yet, it happened."
Jin Ling was still trembling when suddenly Jingyi tackled him out of nowhere.
"Isn't it incredible?! Soon, a tiny Wei Wuxian will be crawling all around Cloud Recesses!Hanguang-jun won't be able to focus on anything else! Wah—"
"Did you really think a baby would start running around the moment it's born?"
Jin Ling smacked Jingyi on the head. In return, a scowling Jingyi hit him back before taking off toward the Jingshi, Jin Ling chasing behind.
"Have you changed your decision yet?"
"Is it true?"
"Hm. Wei Wuxian is truly someone surrounded by miracles. Due to the unique condition of his body and the spiritual bond between him and his soul bond must have made this possible."
"Hm. I guess there's no separating him from here anymore."
"…"
"I'll be leaving Yunmeng again. Make sure Jin Ling focuses on his studies while I'm gone."
"Is that all?"
"Ah—ahh…"
Suddenly, Lan Xichen reached out and pulled Jiang Cheng into his arms.
"Is that really all you want?"
"Let me go…"
Jiang Cheng muttered lowly, annoyed but soft-spoken. A sly smile formed on Xichen's lips.
That rare glint of flustered warmth on Jiang Cheng's icy face—Lan Xichen found it utterly satisfying. As he gazed at the man in his arms, he instinctively closed the distance, gently brushing his lips against his.
"If you give me the chance, I'll go to Yunmeng with you. I promise, as long as we live, I'll stay by your side."
Lan Xichen whispered into his ear, his words tinting the edge of Jiang Cheng's ears red.
As the morning sun filtered through the trees, it bathed the newly bound pair in its golden blessing…
.
.
.
.
.
.
As the beautiful morning light bathed Gusu, Lan Qiren, who had been strolling around the Cloud Recesses, paused in stunned silence at the sight before him…