Archive of Our Own

“You’re joking.” Wei Wuxian stares down the Lan healer like he had just told the worst lie of his life, specifically just to torment Wei Wuxian and laugh in his face.

The Lan healer his husband had forced him to see only bows his head. “It is possible, when two dual cultivation partners have strong enough cultivation-” Wei Wuxian is pointedly ignoring the blush on the healer’s cheeks as he screeches.

“I don’t have a strong enough cultivation! My golden core is like a 10 year old’s, Lan-daifu! How is this even possible!” Wei Wuxian wails, completely unaware of the other Lan healers watching this spectacle with interest.

“It… seems that Hanguang-jun’s cultivation… is strong enough for the both of you.” The Lan healer dips his head, the blush incredibly evident this time. “It seems he had been putting his utmost will into this task, Wei-gongzi.”

Wei Wuxian is startled silent at the ringing truth of it. Lan Wangji had been putting his all into getting Wei Wuxian pregnant during their dual cultivation, hadn’t he? See, when Wei Wuxian had agreed, he had only agreed because he thought it was impossible. “That’s…” He stutters, before closing his mouth, his face heating up for the first time in years. “That is… true.” He mutters, before immediately covering his face. “Oh no, how am I going to tell Lan Zhan?”

The Lan healer only pats his knee gently. “Congratulations, Wei-gongzi.”

Wei Wuxian feels the news finally settle into him. He’s going to have a baby. With Lan Zhan. He can barely contain the smile that forms on his face.

Dinner in the jingshi isn’t normally quiet. However, with the news so close to the front of Wei Wuxian’s mind, he really can’t concentrate on saying anything else. And his announcement to Lan Wangji needs to be perfect, encapsulating all his excitement that Lan Wangji has done this for him- and while he’s thinking this over, Lan Wangji is growing more and more concerned.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji breaks his own self-imposed rule, setting his chopsticks down. “Wei Ying, is everything alright?” The concern is evident in his voice.

Wei Wuxian startles slightly, looking up at him. “Huh? Oh, yeah, everything’s great, Lan Zhan.” He smiles, picking up his bowl so his open hand doesn’t absent-mindedly rub his stomach.

“What did the healers say?” Lan Wangji frowns slightly, still concerned.

“That everything is fine.” A bead of sweat drips down Wei Wuxian’s forehead as he answers, trying to think of a topic to change to. “Hey, how is Sizhui these days?”

Wei Wuxian grimaces slightly. Out of all the topics to switch to, he switched to his and Lan Wangji’s first child. Of course.

Lan Wangji picks up his chopsticks again, seemingly satisfied with his answer. “Last I heard, he is returning to the Cloud Recesses next week.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “Fantastic! Hey, when he comes back we should have dinner with him. We’ve got news to tell him after all.”

Wei Wuxian was so focused on his own excitement that he didn’t notice Lan Wangji’s movements stutter slightly.

It was only the words “We do?” coming out of Lan Wangji’s mouth that made him stop in turn.

Oh fuck. 

Wei Wuxian keeps his eyes on his bowl, picking around it slightly. “Um, yes. That… we’ve married.” He doesn’t even take the chance of looking up at Lan Wangji for fear that his lie is totally discovered. It doesn’t matter in the end.

“Wei Ying. You are not telling me something.” Lan Wangji gently takes his hand.

Wei Wuxian barely holds back a groan. “I can’t hide anything from you, Lan Zhan.” He smiles, setting his bowl down. So much for a plan.

“Is something wrong? Are you injured? Ill?” Lan Wangji moves to Wei Wuxian’s side of the table, fretting over him, his fingers hovering just over Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian laughs softly, unable to help as it bursts out of him. “No, nothing like that, Lan Zhan! I’m not dying again, I promise.”

Lan Wangji frowns, clearly not appreciative of his joke. “Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian looks over at him, grinning. “Hanguang-jun.”

Lan Wangji moves closer. “What do we have to tell Sizhui?” His voice is soft, wrapping around Wei Wuxian like a blanket.

Wei Wuxian thinks for a moment. “Well, the healer recommends we put our everyday on pause.” He smiles, taking another bite of food.

Lan Wangji’s frown deepens. “Why?” His question had multiple questions in it, Wei Wuxian could tell. Why did Wei Wuxian tell the healer of their everyday activities?  Why did he recommend they stop?

Wei Wuxian quietly plucks Lan Wangji’s hand from the air, setting it gently on his stomach, just as he leans over and grabs another bite.

“Wei Ying? Is your stomach hurting?” Lan Wangji presses his hand gently on Wei Wuxian’s stomach. “Did you get medicine?”

Wei Wuxian sets his chopsticks down. “Don’t press too hard, Lan Zhan.” He murmurs, kissing Lan Wangji’s forehead. “You’ll squish our baby.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Wei Wuxian felt a rush of relief. He isn’t carrying the secret alone anymore.

Lan Wangji is staring at Wei Wuxian with his mouth agape. Wei Wuxian had never even seen his husband’s jaw drop, even when he had revealed that he gave his golden core away.

“Our…” Lan Wangji trails off, quietly rubbing Wei Wuxian’s stomach.

“Mhm.” Wei Wuxian smiles, setting his chopsticks down. “Our baby, Lan Zhan.”

“How?” Lan Wangji stares at him, leaning in closer. “I thought…”

Wei Wuxian laughs, leaning back slightly as Lan Wangji’s hand rubs his stomach. “I thought it was impossible too! But apparently, Lan-daifu said that you had been putting all your will into our dual cultivation. And your will to give me a baby was so strong and your core so powerful that it actually worked.” Wei Wuxian grins, staring as Lan Wangji’s earlobes turn a bright crimson. “Your core was so strong that you fucked a baby into me, Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji looks away from him, moving back to his seat at the table. “No talking while eating.”

Wei Wuxian laughs, leaning on the table. “Oh, so you can break the rule, but as soon as I tell you about you willing me pregnant it’s not allowed?”

Lan Wangji gives him a smile, returning to his food, and allowing Wei Wuxian to chat happily for the rest of the meal.

When the meal concludes, Wei Wuxian still hasn’t stopped chattering away, talking about his plans for the baby.

“Who should we tell first? Oh, A-Yuan, of course. And we could tell your brother at the same time!” Wei Wuxian smiles. laying down on the floor. He pales slightly at the next thought, sitting up immediately. “Oh no. We need to tell Jiang Cheng, don’t we.”

“And Jin Ling.” Lan Wangji looks over from his desk, making Wei Wuxian point at him.

“Jin Ling will finally have a biological cousin!” Wei Wuxian smiles. “Of course, we can tell both of them at the same time, if we can drag Sect Leader Jin all the way to Lotus Pier, or vice versa.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agrees. “I will send a letter.”

“Oh, you’re so reliable, Hanguang-jun.” Wei Wuxian coos, moving towards his husband. “Whatever would I do without you?”

Lan Wangji doesn’t respond, only pulling out an extra piece of paper to write his letter.

“Oh, and would you let your brother know that we should have dinner all together when A-Yuan gets back?” Wei Wuxian smiles. “Maybe… without Old Man Qiren at first.”

Lan Wangji nods. “I will do so.”

Wei Wuxian leans against his husband’s shoulder. “And don’t tell them we have an announcement. I want it to be a surprise.”

“Of course.” Lan Wangji kisses his husband’s forehead, going back to his letters as quiet finally settles on the jingshi.

Dinner in the hanshi is so deathly quiet that Wei Wuxian thinks he might as well choke on the tension in the air.

Wei Wuxian quietly looks around the larger table, and despite the fact that he knows the two people he’s eating with are supportive, he can’t help but be nervous. Even if they aren’t supportive, Lan Wangji will make sure they are regardless.

Lan Xichen sets down his chopsticks. “Wangji.” The sudden noise in the middle of the meal makes Wei Wuxian jump, and he looks up. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”

Wei Wuxian is suddenly very glad that Lan Xichen is not his brother. To be able to be read so closely to the point where he knows you’re keeping a secret? Wei Wuxian shivers at the thought.

Lan Wangji’s eyes immediately flip to Wei Wuxian, staring him down intently. “Wei Ying. Is everything okay?”

Wei Wuxian now knows what Lan Wangji must have felt, but he can’t help but laugh, a soft laugh as he keeps his voice low to respond. “Yes, yes, Lan Zhan. I’m fine. I’m not going to die.”

Lan Sizhui immediately relaxes, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Oh thank goodness.”

Wei Wuxian shoots him a grin. “No need to be so tense, A-Yuan. It’s nothing that dire. In fact, I’d say we have cause to celebrate. Though…” He puts a finger to his chin. “I’m not sure what would be appropriate for such a celebration.”

Lan Sizhui leans towards Wei Wuxian slightly. “What kind of celebration is it?”

Lan Xichen frowns quietly, observing Wei Wuxian in a way he’s never been observed before. “If it’s a happy occasion, shouldn’t you be asking for the alcohol restriction to be lifted for the night?”

Those Lan brothers really know him far too well.

Wei Wuxian can’t help but let out a laugh, one hand gently clutched around his stomach.

Lan Wangji huffs quietly as his own form of laughter. “You are right, brother. But alcohol is not permitted, especially to Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian flushes, quietly looking away from his son and brother-in-law’s stares.

“What? Lan Zhan is right. I really shouldn’t be having alcohol.” Wei Wuxian still can’t help the grin on his face, despite not being able to meet his family’s eyes.

“Are you sure you aren’t dying, baba?” Lan Sizhui moves closer, his eyes filled with concern. Wei Wuxian doesn’t even have to look to know.

Lan Xichen has looked away from Wei Wuxian, his eyes fixed on Lan Wangji, as if trying to figure out what the secret is just from reading his face.

“Wei Wuxian is pregnant.” Lan Xichen gasps, with a small smile. But the guess makes Wei Wuxian lean forward and burst out laughing.

Lan Wangji looks absolutely stunned, staring at his brother.

Wei Wuxian actually falls back at their dinner table, his stomach starting to cramp. “Holy fuck, Xichen-ge! How did you do that?! You’re a Lan Zhan mind reader!”

Both Lan Xichen and Lan Sizhui are stunned, staring over at Wei Wuxian as he rolls on the floor with laughter.

“Wangji…” Lan Xichen looks back over at Lan Wangji in complete shock, blinking. “Are you… was I actually correct? I was... I was joking!” Lan Xichen looks almost horrified that his joking guess was correct.

Lan Wangji nods slightly, his earlobes flushing a bright red. “Mn. Wei Ying is with child. Sizhui will have a younger sibling.”

Wei Wuxian finally sits up, still giggling. “Xichen-ge, how did you do that? Seriously, can you read Lan Zhan that well? Tell me what he’s thinking right now!”

“Baba!” Lan Sizhui moves from his place at the table, straight to Wei Wuxian’s side, hugging him tight. “That’s amazing!”

Wei Wuxian smiles, rubbing his son’s side. “Thank you, A-Yuan. You’ll be a good big brother, won’t you?”

Lan Sizhui nods, his eyes trained on Wei Wuxian. “Of course! I’ll have to spend less time on night hunts-”

Wei Wuxian shakes his head. “Absolutely not. You just keep us updated on where you are, and your A-Die will send you letters about me, and let you know when to come home, okay?”

Lan Sizhui nods. “But…” He turns to Lan Wangji, looking stern. “If anything goes wrong or you need me I want a letter right away, A-Die!”

Lan Wangji smiles, giving his son a small nod. “Of course.”

Lan Xichen is still in shock, staring at his brother. “I was joking, Wangji. Joking!”

“Mn. I know.” Lan Wangji lets a puff of air out of his nose. “You were right, though.”

Lan Xichen groans softly, covering his face.

Wei Wuxian snorts, trying not to smile at his brother-in-law’s dismay. “I’m serious, though! Can you read Lan Zhan’s mind?”

Lan Xichen sits up, moving his hands. “No, I promise I cannot.” He waves his hand slightly. “It was simply a very… ahem, lucky guess, on my part.”

Lan Sizhui giggles softly, before picking his chopsticks back up. “Have you told anyone else?”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “Nope. You two are the first we told. Though, Lan Zhan has written a letter to Jin Ling and Jiang Cheng, and we’re meeting them at Lotus Pier next week to tell them.”

Lan Xichen smiles. “I will do my best not to mention anything to shufu, then.”

Lan Wangji nods slightly. “Thank you, brother.”

Lan Xichen nods. “Of course. This is exciting news. The Elders will be overjoyed.”

There’s a sudden tension in the air that Wei Wuxian doesn’t quite understand, until he looks over and sees Lan Sizhui picking at his food quietly.

The problem of succession.

Wei Wuxian stares over at Lan Wangji, willing to be able to communicate with his eyes.

Lan Wangji meets his eyes, and nods slightly. “Brother.”

Lan Xichen looks up from his food. “Yes, Wangji?”

“Lan Sizhui will still be the heir to Gusu Lan, correct?”

Wei Wuxian smiles. Lan Wangji was able to read his mind after all.

Lan Sizhui stiffens, looking over at Lan Wangji with a bit of shock on his face. “But, A-Die-”

“Of course. Sizhui is your first born. He will still be the heir.” Lan Xichen smiles. “I will make sure of it.”

Lan Sizhui flushes slightly, staring back down at his food.

Wei Wuxian grins, giving his husband a thumbs up.

Lan Wangji simply smiles, going back to his meal in silence.

The trip to Lotus Pier was an absolute wreck. For some reason, Wei Wuxian’s stomach was upset the whole way there, not only because of nerves. The nerves were something else entirely- Wei Wuxian was scared of how exactly Jiang Cheng was going to react. And Jin Ling was another thing!

They landed safely in Lotus Pier despite this, all thanks to Lan Wangji’s strong cultivation. Like it wasn’t Lan Wangji’s strong cultivation that got them here in the first place.

Wei Wuxian gives his husband a pout as they walk towards the buildings. “You know, this is all your fault.”

Lan Wangji says nothing, only keeping his hand wrapped around Wei Wuxian’s waist.

When the two of them reach the gates, they stop, staring at the two people in front of them.

“The hell took you so long, Wei Wuxian?”

Wei Wuxian sticks his tongue out. “You know why!”

Lan Wangji moves them closer to the duo at the gates, bowing slightly. “Jiang-zongzhu. Jin-zongzhu.”

They both bow back slightly, speaking at the same time.

“Chief Cultivator.”

Wei Wuxian grins. “What, no greetings for me?”

Jiang Cheng sends him a glare, not even bothering to bow. Jin Ling only sends Wei Wuxian a quick bow before hurrying off after his uncle.

“Jiujiu! Wait for me!”

“Then hurry up, Jin Ling! No need to bow to your uncle!”

Wei Wuxian had missed his home.

By the time they sat down, Jiang Cheng was no longer glaring at Wei Wuxian, which he figured was as good as he was going to get from his little brother.

“What important news has you both in Lotus Pier?” Jiang Cheng crosses his arms over his chest, probably trying to look intimidating in front of Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji barely even notices, keeping his eyes trained directly on Wei Wuxian, letting him do all of the talking.

“Jiujiu,” Wei Wuxian hears Jin Ling stage whisper before Wei Wuxian can say anything. “Do you really think it’s sect business if Nie-zongzhu isn’t here?”

Jiang Cheng huffs. “Of course not, Jin Ling. It’s family business.”

Jin Ling blinks, looking over at Wei Wuxian. “Oh.”

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly. “It’s kinda comforting to know you still know me after all these years, Jiang Cheng.”

Jiang Cheng sighs. “Can you just tell us the news already?”

“I’m pregnant.” Wei Wuxian blurts out.

So much for dramatic buildup.

Jin Ling’s jaw drops. “That’s possible?!”

“Fuck you, Wei Wuxian.”

“Jiang Cheng, don’t be mean!” Wei Wuxian pouts. “I’m telling the truth!”

“Oh, I know you’re telling the truth. Because if you weren’t there’s no way Lan Wangji would be here as well.” Jiang Cheng leans forward, pointing a finger at the man still sitting calmly beside him. “I’m just saying fuck you because you’re always pulling off shit you think’s impossible.”

Wei Wuxian grins, rubbing the back of his neck. “Really? You mean it?”

Jiang Cheng sighs. “Well. Congrats, I guess. If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

Wei Wuxian blinks, staring at his brother for a moment, tears pricking at the edge of his eyes. “Jiang Cheng…”

Jiang Cheng sighs softly. “Don’t get emotional on me. You’re going to do plenty of that during your pregnancy, if you're anything like A-jie.”

Jin Ling perks up slightly, looking over his shoulder at his uncle. “A-Niang was emotional during her pregnancy?”

Wei Wuxian leans in as well, eager to hear any information he can get.

Jiang Cheng frowns slightly, quietly wrapping an arm around his nephew. “Of course she was.” He pauses for a moment, clearly trying to keep the mood in the room light. “She… always wanted to be a mother.”

Wei Wuxian actually starts crying at that, biting down his lip and leaning into Lan Wangji’s arms.

Jin Ling leans on his uncle as well, probably one of the most intimate gestures he’s done since becoming sect leader. “She did?”

Jiang Cheng nods slightly, ignoring the soft sobs Wei Wuxian is making into Lan Wangji’s shoulder as he continues. “She always said… that she loved raising Wei Wuxian and I so much that she wanted her and her husband’s child to be just as loved. And… I knew she was going to be great at it.” Not even Jiang Cheng was immune from tearing up at the mention of his A-jie, it seemed, as Wei Wuxian leaned over and gently wiped his shidi’s tears.

Lan Wangji, clearly the only immune person in the small group, simply picks up Wei Wuxian, setting him on the other side of Jin Ling.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian’s voice breaks, staring over at his husband. “I can walk.”

Lan Wangji nods slightly, moving in to the other side of Wei Wuxian, gently pushing the three of them together.

Wei Wuxian turns away from his husband, hiccuping as he pulls Jin Ling into his arms. “Your mother loved you very much, A-Ling. I’m so sorry. I-”

“I know, dajiu.” Jin Ling says softly, patting his shoulder. “We’ve been over this. It’s not your fault.”

Wei Wuxian hiccups again at the address, burying his face into Jin Ling’s shoulder.

Jiang Cheng chuckles quietly at their antics. “You’re just like your A-Niang, sometimes, Jin Ling.”

Jin Ling flushes, keeping his head down as both of his jiujius cry over him. “Dajiu, you’re getting my robes wet!”

“I’m sorry, A-Ling! I can’t help it!”

“So…” Wei Wuxian starts, sitting down at the tea shop table and looking up at Lan Zhan. “Who else do we have to tell?”

“Shufu.” Lan Wangji says simply, giving Wei Wuxian a knowing look.

“Oh no.” Wei Wuxian groans. “This is going to go terribly, isn’t it?”

“Shufu will be happy with the news.” Lan Wangji picks up his teacup, taking a sip.

“Your shufu hates me! He’s going to ban me from Cloud Recesses for tainting his most beloved nephew!” Wei Wuxian sighs, hitting his head on the table.

“Wei Ying.” Wei Wuxian looks up at his husband’s words. “Shufu has accepted you as my husband.”

Wei Wuxian blinks. “You… told Old Man Qiren we got married?”

Lan Wangji nods slightly, setting his teacup down again. “He wrote you into the Lan ancestry book.”

Wei Wuxian’s jaw drops. “He did what?!”

Lan Wangji nods. “I will show you when we get back to Gusu.”

Wei Wuxian leans back slightly. “This is bad for my heart, Lan Zhan.” He sits up again, so quickly it makes him nauseous. “Lan Zhan!”

Lan Wangji looks up at him, one eyebrow lifted slightly, in a questioning manner.

“Did Old Man Qiren know this was going to happen?!” Wei Wuxian has made himself flush slightly, even thinking of the possibility that Lan Qiren knew of their everyday activities.

Lan Wangji thinks for a moment before responding. “I believe… he did not know it was going to happen, but rather prepared for it if it did happen.”

Wei Wuxian sighs. “That makes much more sense.”

“Besides.” The edge of Lan Wangji’s lips turn up slightly. “Sizhui asked for his baba to be recorded as well, since he is both of ours.”

Wei Wuxian stares at his husband for a moment, before deciding that he’s done enough crying today. “I have to hug that boy so much when we get back to Gusu.”

“Mn.”

Wei Wuxian’s hands almost shake as he pours tea for Lan Qiren, trying not to stare at his reactions.

“Wei Wuxian.” Lan Qiren speaks for the first time since they sat down, setting a hand on Wei Wuxian’s, and helping him set the teapot down gently. “You’re shaking. Is something the matter?”

“Um…” Wei Wuxian is at a loss for words, looking over at his husband for support, and maybe for him to take control of the conversation.

“We made an unexpected discovery, before we went to Lotus Pier.” Lan Wangji speaks, setting a hand gently on Wei Wuxian’s leg. “Wei Ying is with child.”

“Is that so?” Lan Qiren strokes his beard, looking over at Wei Wuxian. “Well, this is certainly cause for celebration. Another Lan heir, how wonderful.”

Wei Wuxian looks up at Lan Qiren, smiling slightly. “You… don’t mind?”

Lan Qiren huffs quietly, setting his hand on the table. “Of course not. I would love another grandchild. Lan Sizhui is already a perfect heir, and I have no doubt that your second child will emulate you much more than Wangji, Wei Wuxian. Some life in the Cloud Recesses will do us good.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “Thank you.”

Lan Qiren chuckles quietly. “You might as well call me shufu as well. You’re already the husband to one of my most beloved disciples, and a parent to another. You’re a part of our family, Wei Wuxian.”

Lan Wangji squeezes Wei Wuxian’s open hand, giving him a small smile.

Wei Wuxian bows slightly. “Thank you, shufu.”

Wei Wuxian must be having the luckiest pregnancy ever, he concluded.

“You’re not feeling nauseous at all?” asked Lan Shui, the Lan healer assigned to him for the duration of his pregnancy.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head. “I feel fine, actually. I mean, there are times I feel a little nauseous, but I haven’t thrown up. And they’re only for a moment, really.” He smiles slightly. “Is that bad?”

Lan Shui shakes his head. “Not bad, exactly. Just a little unexpected.”

Wei Wuxian nods slightly. “Good to know. Well, thank you, Lan-daifu. I’ll see you in a couple weeks, and hopefully not before!”

Lan Shui nods, giving him a small bow. “I shall see you then, Wei-gongzi.”

“Lan-daifu! Lan-daifu! Hanguang-jun is ill!” A disciple comes running in, looking distressed. “He just vomited in the middle of a meeting!” 

Lan Shui frowns. “Where is he? Wei-gongzi, follow me.”

Wei Wuxian nods, his nerves on high alert.

The two follow the disciple out of the healer’s pavilion, Lan Shui asking a million questions as they walk.

“What were the circumstances? Was there a specific food that brought this on? Or drink?”

The disciple shakes his head. “No. Hanguang-jun was simply about to take a sip of his tea, before pausing and throwing up to the side. It was like the smell of the tea itself made him throw up, but it’s Hanguang-jun’s favorite tea.”

Wei Wuxian frowns. “Lan Shui. Is he going to be okay?”

Lan Shui sighs quietly. “Wei-gongzi, I have a feeling your husband is going to be fine. However, I need to confirm my suspicion first.”

Wei Wuxian nods, focusing on walking while they make progress towards the chamber Lan Wangji is currently in.

Lan Shui is the first person in the chamber, and he immediately makes his way up to the dais, giving Lan Wangji a quick check.

Wei Wuxian is hot on his heels, however, fretting quietly around Lan Wangji as all the other guests murmur to themselves out of worry about Hanguang-jun’s condition.

“What’s the diagnosis, Lan-daifu?” One of the guests asks, after Lan Shui moves back from Lan Wangji.

Lan Shui turns back to the group. “I must discuss it with the patient first. Hanguang-jun?”

Lan Wangji stands up quietly, making his way out of the big chamber using a side door.

Wei Wuxian stands there for a moment, before Lan Shui motions for him to follow, and he rushes to follow his husband.

“Lan Shui?” Lan Wangji asks, frowning slightly as the door shuts behind them.

“Is it something serious? I thought you said he’d be alright!” Wei Wuxian cries, holding onto his husband’s hand tight.

Lan Shui simply smiles. “Nothing to worry about, Hanguang-jun. I’m actually rather relieved.”

“Relieved?” Wei Wuxian frowns slightly, glancing up at Lan Wangji. “What did you find?”

“It’s morning sickness, Hanguang-jun.” Lan Shui bows slightly. “There are rare cases where the father can take on the morning sickness for the mother. However, I’ve only read about it, and this is the first time I’m seeing it. This is a little out of the ordinary, yes, but completely normal. Especially for Wei-gongzi’s stage of pregnancy.”

Wei Wuxian gapes, staring at the healer. “So… Lan Zhan has morning sickness instead of me?”

Lan Shui nods slightly. “That is the case, Wei-gongzi. It is often referred to as couvade syndrome. It is not entirely out of the ordinary, but it is often caused by stress due to anxiety and empathy of the… mother-to-be. That is how it is described in the texts.”

Wei Wuxian looks over at his husband, who is pointedly looking away from him. “Lan Zhan… Are you worried about me and our baby?”

Lan Wangji nods slightly, finally turning his head slightly to look at his husband. “I don’t… want to lose Wei Ying again.”

Wei Wuxian can’t help but soften at his husband’s admission. “Lan Zhan…”

“If I may help, Wei-gongzi, Hanguang-jun.” Lan Shui speaks up, looking between the two of them. “I… know of a doctor that has dealt with male cultivators' pregnancies before. If… Hanguang-jun would like me to contact her, so that his husband may have an expert to tend to him during his pregnancy, and his anxiety will be alleviated.”

Lan Wangji glances over at Wei Wuxian, before giving Lan Shui a single nod. “Please.”

Lan Shui bows. “I will do so right away so that she may arrive as soon as possible, Hanguang-jun.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “We can’t thank you enough, Lan Shui.”

“Of course, Wei-gongzi.” Lan Shui smiles slightly. “It’s my honor.” He then leaves the room, leaving the expecting parents alone.

Lan Wangji sighs quietly, turning and grabbing Wei Wuxian’s hands.

Wei Wuxian grins slightly. “You’re so upset you took my morning sickness, huh? Lan Zhan, you’re so romantic, you know that?” He sets one of his hands on Lan Wangji’s cheek, rubbing it gently with his thumb.

Lan Wangji closes his eyes. “Wei Ying.”

“Yes, Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian smiles.

“What would you like me to tell the guests?” Lan Wangji frowns, opening his eyes again. “If… it is a result of your pregnancy…”

Wei Wuxian tilts his head slightly. “Are you ashamed of me, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji’s eyes open, and he shakes his head.

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly. “Then… are you ashamed of our child, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji immediately sets his hands on Wei Wuxian’s stomach. “Of course not.”

“Then go ahead and tell them.” Wei Wuxian smiles. “There’s nothing to be scared of. They can react how they want, they already hate me for what I was, so who cares?” He shrugs. “You’re Chief Cultivator. What are they going to make you do? Divorce me?”

Lan Wangji’s face darkens at the implication. “Never.”

Wei Wuxian laughs. “Exactly, Lan Zhan. Do you want me to be there? I can stand behind you and act pretty.”

Lan Wangji shakes his head. “I will take on the potential backlash alone.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “Then at least let me go get shufu.”

Lan Wangji nods slightly. “I will meet you both here.” He opens the door to the outside, pressing a kiss to Wei Wuxian’s temple as he heads out of the room.

A reply letter from the renowned healer came less than a week later, Lan Shui had told them. She had agreed to meet them as soon as possible, and Lan Wangji had been pacing the jingshi in his free time.

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly, leaning on the table. “Relax, Lan Zhan. She’ll get here when she gets here. I’ll be perfectly fine in the meantime.”

Lan Wangji frowns slightly, taking a seat next to Wei Wuxian, and setting a hand on his stomach gently.

Wei Wuxian smiles, about to say something when someone knocks on the door.

Lan Wangji immediately stands up, heading over to the door and opening it gently.

Lan Shui smiles slightly. “Hanguang-jun. She’s just entered the Cloud Recesses and is waiting for you both in the healer’s pavilion.”

Lan Wangji nods, glancing over at Wei Wuxian as he stands up, and the three of them make their way to the healer’s pavilion.

Lan Shui looks back at them quickly as he walks. “Her name is Chen Xifeng, and she was once one of Baoshan Sanren’s disciples who had descended before Xiao Xingchen. She specializes in the healing arts.”

Wei Wuxian almost stumbles, staring up at Lan Shui with his mouth almost agape. “She knew my mother!”

Lan Shui smiles slightly. “Most likely, yes. Maybe… you can talk with her after your examination.”

Lan Wangji nods slightly, holding onto Wei Wuxian’s arm.

“Lan Zhan! I promise I can walk, I was just shocked!” Wei Wuxian pouts. “You don’t have to hold my arm!”

Lan Wangji looks over at him. “I know.”

Lan Shui leads them to the healer’s pavilion, heading into one of the side rooms. “Chen-qianbei.” He bows slightly, moving to the side to let Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian into the room. “This is Hanguang-jun, and his husband, Wei Wuxian.”

The woman standing near the herbs turns around with a soft smile on her face. “Hanguang-jun. Yiling Laouzu. A pleasure to meet you both, my name is Chen Xifeng.”

Lan Wangji bows first, glancing over at Wei Wuxian as he does. “Chen Xifeng-daozhang.”

Wei Wuxian stares for a moment, taking in her thin appearance, mostly hidden in her thick, fluffy outer robe. “Chen Xifeng-daozhang.”

Chen Xifeng smiles. “No need to bow to me, both of you. We can consider ourselves related, can we not? Wei Wuxian, you’re practically my nephew. Cangse-jie was one of my many mentors on the mountain.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, moving over to her immediately. “Really? What was she like?”

Lan Shui gently clears his throat. “The… examination, Chen-qianbei.”

“Oh! Right, right.” Chen Xifeng turns back to the bench. “I’m almost done preparing. There’s a specific herb that I’m very glad I brought back because it will be very beneficial for you.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, taking a seat nearby. “So… we’ve heard you’ve seen a male cultivator’s pregnancy before?”

Chen Xifeng smiles. “Yes, I have! It was incredibly interesting. See, they aren’t able to give birth, of course, they don’t have the necessary organs for that, so the procedure is to-”

Lan Shui sighs quietly. “Chen-qianbei. Do you remember my letter?”

Chen Xifeng turns back to them, tilting her head slightly. “Of course I remember. It was about my nephew’s pregnancy, yes? Is that not what I’m working on?”

Wei Wuxian finally looks over at his husband, noting his pale face. “Oh, it’s about me, yes.” He starts before Lan Shui can open his mouth to reply. “But… Well, you must have heard that I died once, and my dear Lan Zhan is incredibly anxious that he’ll lose me again because of this, which I keep telling him won’t happen.”

Chen Xifeng looks over at Lan Wangji, looking him up and down. “Oh, yes, I almost forgot.” She smiles slightly. “The procedure is very safe. I have performed it on many expecting mothers before during my time on the mountain. I didn’t come up with the idea, of course, I believe that the first mentions of it were in a letter from… Who was it again?” She frowns slightly, turning back to the bench and picking up her concoction. “Well, regardless. It’s a very safe procedure. I can tell you about it, if you’d like to know, or I can keep it to myself until the day before.”

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly, looking over at his husband again. “I’ll leave the choice up to you, Lan Zhan. I don’t really mind either way. I’m sure it’s similar to another procedure I’ve had.” Lan Wangji quietly looks to the ground at the mention.

Both healer’s eyes turn on him.

“Similar to another procedure you’ve already had?” Chen Xifeng tilts her head slightly, her braid swaying to the side. “May I… ask what it was? You don’t have to tell me, of course.”

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly nervously, looking over at Lan Wangji before over to Lan Shui. “Um. Well, my previous body did not have a golden core. And…” He starts before anyone can say the thing that might be on their minds. “It wasn’t… Wen Zhuliu. It was… of my own volition.”

Chen Xifeng’s eyes widen slightly. “You… had your golden core surgically removed?”

Lan Shui stares at Wei Wuxian, his mouth agape.

Wei Wuxian nods slightly. “But, I have a golden core now. It’s part of the reason this was able to happen anyway.”

Chen Xifeng nods slightly, glancing over at Lan Wangji. “We can talk about that later. For now… your checkup.”

Wei Wuxian sighs quietly, laying back on his bed. “Today was exhausting, Lan Zhan. I missed you so much, did you know that? You need to stop going to work and take care of your pregnant husband instead.” He pouts, watching as Lan Wangji makes his way over to the side of the bed.

“I will ask xiongzhang.” Lan Wangji says, sitting next to the bed. “You must rest, Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “If I rest, I’ll be bored! This is your child, I’m sure they can take a little of me walking around, can’t they?”

Lan Wangji watches him for a moment, before taking his hand. “You must be careful.”

Wei Wuxian throws his other hand in the air. “I am being careful! I’m being as careful as I possibly can, anyway. Shufu watches my every move. He’s been sitting in my classes, you know!”

Lan Wangji lets out a quiet puff of air in laughter, clearly not too bothered with his uncle’s antics. When his hands come to rest on Wei Wuxian’s stomach, he pauses.

Wei Wuxian hums quietly. “What is it, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji slowly parts Wei Wuxian’s robes, showing his stomach. “Here. There is a bump.”

Wei Wuxian sits up quickly, staring down at his stomach. Sure enough, there’s just a small bump there, with Lan Wangji’s fingers gently tracing the edge.

“Oh.” Wei Wuxian looks over at his husband. “There… there is.”

Lan Wangji smiles, looking up at him. “Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “Yes, Lan Zhan?”

“You’re beautiful.” Lan Wangji looks down at his stomach again, fingers still gently tracing over the edge of the bump.

Wei Wuxian stares for a while, appreciating his husband’s touches and gentle caress of the area where their child would rest. “Lan Zhan…” He’s in absolute awe- staring at the evidence of exactly how much Lan Wangji loves him, and wants him, and wants to grow their family together. The sight makes him tear up, staring so gently at his husband he surprises himself. “Lan Zhan, you really love me, don’t you?”

Lan Wangji finally looks up, a concerned look on his face. “Of course. Of course I love Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, leaning down to press his lips against Lan Wangji’s.

There was a small emergency a couple weeks later, requiring Lan Wangji’s attention to oversee, which left Wei Wuxian alone in the jingshi.

The quiet was almost overwhelming, and with his steadily growing stomach, he found himself lonelier than ever.

So it came as a bit of a surprise when he heard a knock on the door.

Wary of his surroundings, Wei Wuxian gets up and opens the door slightly, only to see two boys clad in white standing on his doorstep.

Lan Jingyi straightens up slightly. “Wei-qianbei.”

Lan Sizhui smiles. “Baba. I hope we’re not interrupting anything.”

Wei Wuxian flings the door open quickly, wrapping his arms around Lan Sizhui. “A-Yuan! And Jingyi! It’s great to see you both. What brings you here? Isn’t it almost dinnertime?”

Lan Sizhui wraps his arms around Wei Wuxian, laying gently on his baba’s shoulder. “Well, Hanguang-jun thought you might be lonely with him gone, so we came over to spend time with you.”

“Sorry we couldn’t come earlier, Wei-qianbei.” Lan Jingyi smiles slightly, taking a step away from the two to let them have their moment. “We just got permission from Zewu-jun. Plus, we just got out of classes too. I swear, he’s trying to keep me away from you or something.”

Wei Wuxian laughs, letting go of his son and patting Lan Jingyi on the head. “He’s probably just as worried as Lan Zhan is about my health. Seriously, I’m not pottery. I can take a few bangs and bruises.”

Lan Sizhui frowns. “But you still should be careful. You are, right?”

Wei Wuxian smiles, kissing Lan Sizhui’s forehead. “Of course I am, A-Yuan. I’m being very careful and doing my best to grow your sibling nice and strong.”

Lan Jingyi shakes his head slightly. “I keep forgetting. You’re married to Hanguang-jun, so that makes Sizhui your son too.”

Wei Wuxian pouts, but lets the two into the jingshi. “I’ll have you know, Jingyi, he was my son first!”

Lan Jingyi looks between the two of them, clearly surprised by this information. Lan Sizhui pushes past him to find a seat inside his childhood home.

“Is that true, Sizhui?” Lan Jingyi follows him. “I didn’t know that! You should have told me, and I wouldn’t have been so careless in front of Wei-qianbei!”

Lan Sizhui just smiles, saying nothing.

Wei Wuxian laughs, and shuts the door behind them. “You don’t know the full story of A-Yuan, do you? How much have you told your poor, suffering best friend, A-Yuan?”

“Well, I’m not allowed to tell him the most important part.” Lan Sizhui says, looking down slightly. “It’s nothing against you, Jingyi, just… Zewu-jun has been very staunch on this ever since I was taken into Hanguang-jun’s care.”

Wei Wuxian nods slightly, a sudden thought popping into his mind. Oh dear, he really can’t help his rule-breaking instincts, can he? Wei Wuxian resists the urge to smile as he speaks. “I can understand his point of view, though. The possible uprising that would come from adopting a Wen into the sect- oops!” He grins, making eye contact with Lan Sizhui. “Oh dear, your poor, frail, pregnant baba slipped up! You won’t say anything, will you?”

Lan Sizhui only laughs. “I won’t say anything, baba.” His shoulders fall as he looks over at Lan Jingyi.

Lan Jingyi looks over at Lan Sizhui. “Ah… So that’s why you and the Ghost General were gone for those months.”

Lan Sizhui nods. “Yes. Ning-ge and I were properly burying and mourning our family together.” He smiles. “And… Well, you know who was living in the Burial Mounds with Wei-qianbei after he left the Jiang Sect, don’t you?”

Lan Jingyi nods. “Basic cultivation history. The remnants of the Wen sect, right?”

Wei Wuxian leans on his leg. “That’s right. The Wens had been kept in prison camps before I saved them.” He leans over and rubs Lan Sizhui’s head gently. “Including this one, at only three years old.”

“A three year old in a prison camp?!” Lan Jingyi yells, standing up. “What the hell were those Jins doing?!”

Wei Wuxian laughs softly, leaning back again. “You really are a lot like me, Jingyi. I’m glad, really! That’s a very good reaction!”

Lan Sizhui smiles. “So… Baba took me and my family out of the prison camps, and settled us in the Burial Mounds. That’s when he started taking care of me.”

Lan Jingyi sits back down, looking between the two of them. “So… Hanguang-jun adopted Sizhui… because Wei-qianbei took care of him?”

Lan Sizhui only flushes, while Wei Wuxian laughs.

“Ah, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. So romantic, isn’t he?” Wei Wuxian says, setting a hand on his stomach. “That’s exactly right, Jingyi. So, A-Yuan here was mine first, before he was your Hanguang-jun’s.”

Lan Sizhui smiles slightly. “Baba…”

Wei Wuxian grins. “What? Can’t I be proud of my son?”

Lan Jingyi looks over at Lan Sizhui, before looking back at Wei Wuxian. “So… if Sizhui is… A Wen…”

Wei Wuxian smiles, patting Lan Jingyi’s hand. “Don’t worry, Jingyi. Zewu-jun has already reassured us that Sizhui won’t lose his succession to the child in my stomach.” He smiles. “Well, with this child being my blood, I don’t think Qiren would last very long if they were the heir instead of Sizhui.”

Lan Jingyi smiles. “That’s good. Sizhui is one of the best cultivators of our generation, it would really be a shame if he wasn’t the Lan heir anymore.”

Lan Sizhui flushes, looking over at his best friend. “Jingyi…”

Lan Jingyi huffs. “And besides. If the Little Princess can become a sect leader and manage to keep it afloat, so can Sizhui!”

Wei Wuxian laughs. “Jingyi, that’s my nephew you’re talking about!”

Lan Jingyi straightens up slightly. “Oh, right. I forgot that too.”

Wei Wuxian grins. “It’s not wrong, though.”

“Baba!” Lan Sizhui pouts. “Don’t be so harsh on Jin Ling!”

Wei Wuxian shrugs. “He’s got the exact same temperament as his uncle, and his uncle rebuilt a sect from the ground up. It was to be expected, after A-Ling was trained by two of the greatest sect leaders of two of the greatest sects. He’ll be just fine, but he really does need a young maiden to calm down his temperament.”

The room goes silent for the first moment in a while, and when Wei Wuxian looks over at the two juniors in front of him, the blush on Lan Jingyi’s face is incredibly obvious. As is the sly grin on Lan Sizhui’s, which reminds Wei Wuxian of his own childhood antics.

“What?” Wei Wuxian smiles slightly. “Did I say something that got you all worked up, Jingyi?”

Lan Jingyi refuses to meet his eyes. “No… nothing at all. Absolutely nothing.” He mumbles something under his breath that Wei Wuxian can’t quite pick up, but it makes Lan Sizhui laugh hysterically.

Wei Wuxian tilts his head and smiles, watching the two of them for a moment, as Lan Jingyi desperately tries to get Lan Sizhui to shut up.

Lan Sizhui smiles, making direct eye contact with Wei Wuxian. “Jingyi-”

“Sizhui don’t! That’s his uncle, don’t-” Lan Jingyi cries, before his lips seal together and Lan Sizhui grins.

Wei Wuxian laughs. “Oh no, Jingyi’s in trouble now. The silencing spell? Really, A-Yuan?”

Lan Sizhui leans forward. “Baba. Jingyi has a crush on Jin Ling.”

Wei Wuxian gasps, looking over at the other boy as he turns red. “No.”

Lan Sizhui nods. “He muttered under his breath that maybe Jin Ling could use a young gentleman instead to calm him down.”

Wei Wuxian can’t help but laugh, as Lan Jingyi stares at his best friend like he’s been slapped.

Lan Sizhui smiles. “Oh come on, Jingyi. If there was any one of Jin Ling’s many uncles that would be behind this plan, it would be my baba.”

Lan Jingyi turns away from him, crossing his arms over his chest.

Wei Wuxian grins. “Well, this sure will keep me entertained. You must keep me updated, A-Yuan. I need to know every little detail!”

Lan Sizhui smiles. “Yes, baba.”

Wei Wuxian pats Lan Jingyi’s head gently. “Welcome to the family, Jingyi.”

Lan Jingyi goes even more red, the lobes of his ears matching the shade on his cheek.

“Lan Zhan, I’m really growing bigger aren’t I?” Wei Wuxian whines, staring up at his husband.

“Mn. The baby is growing bigger.” Lan Wangji rubs his stomach gently. “Chen-daifu has said that they are healthy and progressing well.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “I know what she said. That doesn’t mean I won’t feel like I’m growing fat, Lan Zhan!”

Lan Wangji looks up at him, a small frown on his face. “You find yourself unattractive?”

Wei Wuxian sighs, leaning back. “I mean, a little. I’ve never looked like this before. And yes, I know, it’s the baby, but…”

Lan Wangji nods. “It is hard to process the fact that the baby and your weight gain are one and the same, at the moment. Your self-image has been impacted.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “Lan Zhan, stop reading my mind. I’m trying to complain.”

Lan Wangji smiles slightly, patting Wei Wuxian’s stomach slightly. “Do you hear that, nu’er? Your baba is trying to complain about you.”

Wei Wuxian instantly melts, surely like Lan Wangji wanted him to. “Are you sure we’re going to have a daughter, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji looks back up at Wei Wuxian. “I just know.”

Wei Wuxian laughs, sitting up slightly. “You just want it to be a girl so badly that you think your will made it happen again, hm?”

Lan Wangji nods, staring at his husband’s stomach. “I think Sizhui would be better suited as an older brother to a sister.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, leaning over and kissing Lan Wangji’s ribbon. “Well, we’ll just have to wait and see, hm?”

Lan Wangji nods slightly. “We must think of names in the meantime.”

Wei Wuxian grins. “Oh? Have you been thinking already, Lan Zhan? What ideas do you have?”

“Wei Min.” Lan Wangji doesn’t even hesitate, pressing a gentle kiss to Wei Wuxian’s stomach.

Wei Wuxian blinks back tears. “You… No, Lan Zhan, if we’re using Min, she should be Lan Min.”

Lan Wangji looks up at him, a stubborn fire in his eyes. “No. Wei Min.”

Wei Wuxian sniffles slightly. “We are not giving her my family name.”

“Why not?”

Wei Wuxian crosses his arms over his chest. “Because, I don’t want to subject her to my reputation when she eventually goes out nighthunting with other clans. I don’t want her to be shunned by her peers just because I’m one of her fathers.”

Lan Wangji frowns, staring at his stomach for a moment. “Then, she will be Wei Min in the home. Lan Min outside.”

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly. “Will she not get confused?”

“No. Sizhui was not confused when I gave him his new last name.”

Wei Wuxian pokes his husband’s forehead gently. “Well, that’s because he had a fever and forgot, remember? This isn’t the same.”

Lan Wangji huffs. “I will explain to her. She will know.”

Wei Wuxian laughs softly. “And you’re already so set on the name Wei Min, huh? No other names?”

Lan Wangji shakes his head. “No. Min for clever, or sharp. She will be like Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian lays back down. “No wonder you’re the Chief Cultivator, Lan Zhan. There’s just no negotiating with you, is there? You have no other names? Not even if she’s more like you, or if they’re a boy instead? It has to be Wei Min?”

Lan Wangji thinks for a moment. “Wei Xiaoqing.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “For a boy?”

Lan Wangji nods. “But. She will be Wei Min.”

Wei Wuxian chuckles softly. “So stubborn, Lan Zhan. Alright, well. I think Chen-yi said that they aren’t able to understand us yet, but we can call them Wei Min for now.”

Lan Wangji smiles, whispering quietly into Wei Wuxian’s stomach. “Goodnight, Xiao-Min. Your A-Die loves you.”

Lan Xichen bursts into the jingshi, looking around quickly. “Wangji?!”

Wei Wuxian jumps, looking over at his brother-in-law, who is clearly startled, and apparently fresh out of seclusion. “Xichen-ge? Lan Zhan is in his meetings as Chief Cultivator right now. Is something wrong?”

Lan Xichen looks over at Wei Wuxian, quietly stepping inside the house and closing the door. “Wuxian. Ah… Shufu told me not to tell you, but the most recent expedition just got back.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, then frowns. “The most recent expedition is the one Sizhui and Jingyi went on. Why would shufu tell you not to tell me? Unless…”

Wei Wuxian almost jumps to his feet as the realization hits him. “They’re hurt. Xichen, I have to go see them-”

Lan Xichen looks hesitant, looking back out the door. “Wuxian, I would, but Chen-daifu said you need to be kept away from stress, didn’t she? So it would be best-”

Wei Wuxian has no time for what his aunt had said, pushing past Lan Xichen and quickly heading out of the jingshi, desperate to see his son.

“Wuxian, please wait!” Lan Xichen tries to keep his voice low, but Wei Wuxian doesn’t turn around to talk to him. “I’ll go with you.” Lan Xichen catches up quickly, taking one of Wei Wuxian’s arms. “Shufu will refuse you at the door, and you’ll need someone to distract him.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, patting Lan Xichen’s arm gently. “Thank you, Xichen-ge.”

Lan Xichen nods, guiding him to the healer’s pavilion.

“Absolutely not.” Lan Qiren humphs, standing in front of the door to the healer’s pavilion. “I will not move.”

Lan Xichen glances to the side. “Uncle, maybe you can go find Wangji-”

Lan Qiren stares at him. “That was your job, Xichen.”

Lan Xichen stares at the ground.

“Let me in.” Wei Wuxian stares his new uncle down, also refusing to move. “I must see my son.”

“You are to stay away from all forms of stress.” Lan Qiren stares back, his hands settled behind his back. “That includes seeing your injured son.”

Wei Wuxian huffs quietly. “I don’t want to drag Lan Zhan out of his very important meetings, and I am also Lan Sizhui’s parent. If you need a parent to help tend to him, I must be there.”

“No.”

Wei Wuxian throws his hands up. It is now very evident where exactly his husband got his stubbornness. “Well, then we’re at an impasse, shufu. I must be there, and you insist I do not.”

“Xichen will go and find Wangji and bring him here instead.” Lan Qiren looks over at his other nephew, as if ordering him to go find his brother.

“I will not.” Lan Xichen stands straight, his hand on Wei Wuxian’s shoulder. “I was told by Lan-daifu to find a parent of Sizhui’s. I have completed that task. Wangji is incredibly busy and doesn’t need to be bothered.”

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly. This battle of wits really won’t end soon, not if one side gives up.

All negotiations come to a halt, at the sound of a voice near the door.

“Baba…” Lan Sizhui calls in a weak voice, making Wei Wuxian’s hair stand on edge. “Baba…? Xian-gege?”

Lan Qiren’s eyes widen, and he quickly steps to the side as Wei Wuxian pushes past him, and into the healer’s pavilion.

“A-Yuan!” Wei Wuxian cries, rushing over to his son’s bedside. “I’m here, baobei. Your Xian-gege is here.”

Lan Sizhui gives him a small smile, despite his lower leg being surrounded by Lan healers. “Baba…”

Wei Wuxian gently rubs his son’s head, adjusting his ribbon. “You’re going to be okay, A-Yuan. Everything will be just fine.”

“Baba…?” Lan Sizhui looks up at him. “How is my sibling doing?”

Wei Wuxian smiles, pulling the decorations out of his hair, and pulling it down gently. “Your sibling is growing very strong. Chen-yi said that they are very healthy for this stage of development. Your A-Die believes fervently that you will have a little sister.”

Lan Sizhui nods slightly, setting a hand on Wei Wuxian’s stomach. “A little sister…”

Wei Wuxian chuckles softly. “Of course, we will have no idea until your sibling is actually here. But, on the other hand, it is your A-Die who made this possible in the first place, so all bets are off.”

Lan Sizhui chuckles softly, looking back up at the ceiling.

Wei Wuxian sighs quietly, dropping his voice to a whisper. “What happened, baobei? How did you get injured like this?”

Lan Sizhui looks back at him. “One of our younger shidi was brought on the night-hunt this time. It was his first one, and I was supposed to show how good I would be as a senior disciple.”

Wei Wuxian’s heart pangs, remembering his time as the first disciple of Lotus Pier, and the fear he had felt before the Wens attacked, at their missing shidi who had been taken by them and killed.

“I see, A-Yuan. No need to say anything else, hm? Your shidi was about to be injured, and you stepped in to protect him, right?” Wei Wuxian quietly runs his fingers through his son’s hair, as the healers finish up their work on his leg.

“Mhm. I couldn’t let him be hurt.” Lan Sizhui whispers. “So I had kicked him to the side, but in the end I was the one that got hurt anyway. I wasn’t fast enough with my sword.”

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly. “You did great, baobei. You’ll heal up faster than he would have, and you’ll be okay in no time.”

Lan Sizhui nods. “I know, baba.”

“Good.” Wei Wuxian coos. “Then I’m not mad. And I will make sure your A-Die isn’t mad either. You did a fantastic thing, protecting someone else like that, Lan Yuan. You made the right choice.”

Lan Sizhui smiles, closing his eyes and leaning into his baba’s touch. “Thank you, Xian-gege.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “Of course. Anything for my little A-Yuan.”

The moment Lan Sizhui falls asleep is when Lan Wangji bursts in, his face clearly reflecting his terror.

Wei Wuxian gives his husband a small smile, turning around so he can see his stomach clearly. The very motion makes Lan Wangji’s face relax, and he heads over to them quietly once he notices Lan Sizhui is asleep.

Wei Wuxian stands up to give his husband a quick kiss on the forehead. “Did you talk to the healers?”

Lan Wangji nods. “Yes. They said his injury would heal quickly, but…”

Wei Wuxian nods slightly. “You were still worried, weren’t you? Don’t worry, Lan Zhan. He’s only asleep.”

Lan Wangji nods, quietly setting his hands on Wei Wuxian’s stomach before sitting down next to his oldest son, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Wei Wuxian chuckles quietly. “Shufu almost didn’t let me inside until he heard A-Yuan calling for me.”

Lan Wangji frowns, moving closer to his husband. “Shufu should not deny you anything.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, leaning on his shoulder. “It’s fine, Lan Zhan.”

“Did he tell you what happened?” Lan Wangji looks down at Lan Sizhui.

“Yes. He was protecting his shidi from a rogue monster. It was his shidi’s first nighthunt, and A-Yuan kicked him out of the way and got scratched in the leg as a result.” Wei Wuxian summarizes.

Lan Wangji nods slightly. “He did well.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “He did. I couldn’t be more proud of our son, Lan Zhan. He’s going to be a fantastic sect leader, isn’t he?”

Lan Wangji nods, wrapping an arm around Wei Wuxian. “He will.”

“Everything is looking good.” Chen Xifeng says, turning back to the herb bench to prepare the medicine. “The baby is still growing nicely. They should be kicking soon, which means you’re getting closer to your due date.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, quietly rubbing his stomach. “That’s good to hear. Lan Zhan would love to feel their little kicks, I’m sure.”

“Is the preparation of your nursery going alright?” Chen Xifeng smiles slightly. “It can take a while to get it all ready in time, so I hope you’ve started already.”

Wei Wuxian blinks slightly. “Oh, um. We… haven’t started yet?”

Chen Xifeng giggles softly, handing Wei Wuxian the bowl. “Better get ready, then. There’s a lot of things you need. A crib most of all. Since Hanguang-jun adopted Lan Sizhui when he was a bit older, you might need to get a new one made, and those can take a while.”

Wei Wuxian nods, trying (and failing) not to make a face at the taste of the medicine. “You’re right… I have no idea where to even start on that. Do you think Shufu would know? He or maybe Jingyi’s parents…”

“Maybe you should ask your husband first.” Chen Xifeng says, setting her hands on her hips. “I’m sure Hanguang-jun is too excited not to have thought of that.”

Wei Wuxian laughs, handing the bowl back to her. “You’re right. I’ll have to ask him.”

“Lan Zhan. Are you decorating the nursery already?” Wei Wuxian looks up from his spot on the bed.

Lan Wangji looks over at him. “I… am not. I thought you were.”

Wei Wuxian sighs. “Uh oh. We really need baby stuff for the nursery, and the baby is growing bigger. Chen-yi said I’m getting closer to my due date.”

Lan Wangji frowns, heading over to his husband and taking one of his hands. “I will ask Shufu and Xiongzhang for help. Xiongzhang still does not have many responsibilities, and he will be happy to help.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “Don’t forget to ask A-Yuan too. I’m sure he’s bored for the duration of his punishment.”

Lan Wangji nods. “I will leave the task of asking A-Yuan to you. I have lunch with Shufu and Xiongzhang before my afternoon meetings start.”

Wei Wuxian nods slightly. “I can do that. We’ll see this nursery put together one way or another!”

Lan Wangji nods, kissing his husband’s forehead. “You must arrange it yourself. That is my one request for you.”

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly. “Alright, Lan Zhan. I’ll get Xichen-ge and A-Yuan to do all the heavy lifting.”

Lan Wangji’s soft smile turns sad as he speaks. “I wish… I could help you. Decorate our child’s room together.”

Wei Wuxian puts a gentle hand on his cheek. “Lan Zhan… Don’t worry.” He grins. “I’m sure this won’t be the last time.”

Lan Wangji looks up at him, an unrecognizable emotion swimming in his eyes. “Wei Ying…” The tone in his voice snaps Wei Wuxian back into attunement with his husband.

Worry.

Wei Wuxian pats his cheek gently. “Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. What am I going to do with you, hm? Your Wei Ying wants more children than just two, you know. So, promise me this. If something goes even slightly wrong, or Chen-yi says that I shouldn’t conceive anymore, I won’t. But you have to work at it too. It was your will that did this, remember?”

Lan Wangji nods slightly, his head hanging slightly like a dejected bunny. “I promise.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “So cute, my Lan Zhan.”

“Mn. Yours.”

“Lan Zhan, you can’t just say that! Warn me first!”

“Wow, baba. This crib looks amazing!” Lan Sizhui runs his hand over the edge, marveling at the detailed wood carving. “Where did you get it?”

Wei Wuxian laughs softly, patting the small robe on the shelf, making it look just right. “Actually, I got it from Shufu.”

Lan Sizhui looks back at him. “Shufu had this crib? Why?”

Wei Wuxian smiles fondly, staring at him. “...It was your A-Die’s. Shufu said this crib traditionally holds the second child. So… it was also Shufu’s, once upon a time.”

Lan Sizhui’s eyes widen slightly. “Really? So… There is a special crib for the first in line?”

Wei Wuxian rubs his head gently. “Yes, there is. Another family had it for a while, but once Lan Zhan adopted you, he got it. It turns out you were too big for a crib, but the sentiment was still there. The branch family who had it recognized you as the heir to the Lan sect.”

“Oh…” Lan Sizhui looks back down at the crib. “That’s…”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “You’ll never believe who actually used this crib, aside from Xichen-ge, A-Yuan.”

Lan Sizhui’s eyes widen slightly. “No…”

Wei Wuxian laughs. “That’s right. Lan Jingyi.”

Lan Sizhui gapes. “No! A-Die has Jingyi’s crib?! Oh gosh.” He covers his face. “Jingyi’s parents gave me his crib when I came into the sect.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, rubbing his head. “Very thoughtful of Jingyi’s parents to acknowledge their son’s future best friend as the heir, don’t you think?”

Lan Sizhui looks up at Wei Wuxian, his eyes still wide. “Baba, that’s…”

Wei Wuxian chuckles softly. “Very nice of them to give up their son’s spot. But, I think they knew that he would never want to be the sect heir in the first place, at 3.”

Lan Sizhui laughs softly. “Yeah, Jingyi’s a handful.”

Wei Wuxian grins, though they quiet down slightly at the noise of the front door shutting.

“Lan Zhan!” He cries, waddling out of the nursery and into the main room, meeting his husband’s eyes.

“A-Die, welcome home.” Lan Sizhui follows after him, smiling. “How were your meetings?”

Lan Wangji heads over to the two of them, pressing a kiss on both of their foreheads. “Sizhui.”

“Yes, Fuqin?” Lan Sizhui’s back straightens, staring up at his father.

“I would like you to sit in on my meetings starting tomorrow.” Lan Wangji wraps an arm around Wei Wuxian’s waist as he speaks. “I will be taking a leave after your baba gives birth, and I would like you to try and lead them.”

Lan Sizhui can’t contain the gasp that escapes from his mouth, and Wei Wuxian notices that his shoulders tense up.

“Of course,” Lan Wangji continues. “Shufu will be there as well. He tells me it is time you begun your training.”

Lan Sizhui nods slightly, his shoulders noticeably dropping again. “Yes, Hanguang-jun.”

Wei Wuxian smiles softly. “That’s great news, A-Yuan. I’m so proud. You’ll do such a great job.” He kisses his son’s forehead, pulling him against his belly.

Lan Sizhui smiles. “Baba…”

Wei Wuxian leans on his husband, feeling a strange sensation on the inside of his stomach, as if…. as if something was pressing up against it from the inside. His eyes fly open, and he looks up at his husband.

“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan!” He cries, holding onto Lan Wangji’s arms tight.

“Mn. I felt it, Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji presses a hand up against his stomach, moving it slightly to try and feel the sensation again.

“What is it, baba? A-Die?” Lan Sizhui frowns, moving in closer. “Is something wrong?”

Wei Wuxian laughs, tears pricking at the corner of his eyes. “Aiya, it seems your little sibling is very proud of you too, A-Yuan.”

Lan Sizhui’s eyes widen, as Lan Wangji takes one of his hands and presses it up against Wei Wuxian’s stomach.

Wei Wuxian squeezes his husband’s arm tighter as the sensation returns, the tiny kick pressing right up against their older brother’s hand.

Lan Sizhui stares at his baba’s stomach for a moment, before he hiccups and sobs into Lan Wangji’s shoulder.

Lan Wangji quietly curls an arm around him, rubbing his back gently.

“Very exciting. Our Wei Min is very happy for her gege.” Wei Wuxian says, leaning on Lan Wangji’s side.

Lan Wangji nods. “Mn. Her gege will make her proud.”

Lan Sizhui chokes out another sob, almost wailing into his a-die’s shoulder.

“Any day now!” was starting to become Chen Xifeng’s motto, around the time that Wei Wuxian got too big to do much of anything.

“Any day now, huh?” Jiang Cheng remarks, staring at his brother. “Seriously, you look like it.”

“I am choosing to take that as a compliment!” Wei Wuxian grins, quietly patting the underside of his belly. “I’m just very excited, is all.”

Jiang Cheng nods. “I’m sure. And also very done.”

Wei Wuxian sighs. “You have no idea, Chengcheng.”

“Don’t call me that. And I would like it if it stayed that way.” Jiang Cheng huffs.

Wei Wuxian grins. “Oh, yeah? Is there a way it wouldn’t stay that way, A-Cheng?”

Jiang Cheng refuses to meet his eyes. “Absolutely not.”

Wei Wuxian laughs. “Oh, there totally is. So there’s a good reason you’re in Cloud Recesses, and it’s not just to see your poor, pregnant shixiong?”

“I am simply here to see my awfully annoying Xian-ge.” Jiang Cheng takes a sip of his tea, a very clear grin on his face, as Wei Wuxian stops to stare at him.

“Your what?!” Wei Wuxian shrieks, despite the tears forming quickly in his eyes. Curse his pregnancy hormones that make him cry so quickly. “Oh god, Jiang Cheng! You can’t just say that! Especially not while I’m pregnant, you asshole!” Wei Wuxian sobs, leaning forward with a hand on his stomach.

“Why the fuck are you crying over that?” Jiang Cheng moves closer, setting a hand on Wei Wuxian’s. “I should be apologizing! I should have done this shit so much sooner!”

Wei Wuxian wails, pulling Jiang Cheng into a crushing hug- especially since his brother is pressed up against his very pregnant belly.

“Oi, let me go! You’re gonna crush me and the baby at the same time!” Jiang Cheng huffs, moving to the side.

Wei Wuxian huffs through his tears, hiccuping into Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. “Seriously…! While I’m pregnant, you think it’s a good time!”

Jiang Cheng huffs quietly, looking to the side and mumbling something under his breath that Wei Wuxian can’t quite catch.

“A-Cheng, didi, you’re going to have to speak up. I can’t understand you through my ugly crying.” Wei Wuxian pokes his cheek, making Jiang Cheng flush.

“I am not saying it again.”

“Oh, please! I seriously didn’t hear it! You have to say it again so I can make fun of you!”

“Fine! I said that I’m excited to be an uncle again!”

Wei Wuxian stops, staring at him for a moment. “Jiang Cheng…”

Jiang Cheng sighs, his fingers gently moving across the stretch of Wei Wuxian’s stomach. “I want to be here with you, and… take care of them. Like…” He tears up, his voice going soft. “Like I was for A-jie and Jin Ling.”

Wei Wuxian smiles, quietly moving a strand of hair behind Jiang Cheng’s ear. “Lan Zhan and I would love your help the first couple of weeks.” He whispers. “We were going to ask Xichen-ge, but he’s busy taking back his sect leader duties. Are you sure you’re not too busy for this, Jiang Cheng?”

Jiang Cheng nods. “My advisors have been begging me to take a break, especially once they heard about you.” He sighs, quietly leaning into Wei Wuxian’s touch, like he had so often with Jiang Yanli. “So… they offered to take over for two weeks after you give birth.” He looks up at Wei Wuxian. “Which means you have to send me a letter as soon as you go into labor, alright? I’ll rush over and do anything you need me to.”

Wei Wuxian laughs quietly, letting the tears flow down his cheeks. “I can’t thank you enough, didi. Lan Zhan will be so relieved that we have someone who knows what they’re doing with us.”

Jiang Cheng snorts. “If he thinks I know what I’m doing, he’s dead wrong. I’m just copying what A-jie said she needed after she gave birth. And even then I barely did anything myself.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “Well, you know more than Lan Zhan and I do!”

Jiang Cheng shakes his head. “And yet…”

Wei Wuxian laughs. “And yet! Our son grew up with a way better temperament than the child you raised.”

Jiang Cheng flushes. “Oi! I didn’t do that bad, did I?”

Wei Wuxian grins. “He’s a carbon copy of you, A-Cheng. All your best and your worst traits are evident in our nephew.”

Jiang Cheng sighs. “But he’s alive.”

Wei Wuxian feels a pang in his heart, and a kick against the inside of his stomach. “Xiao-Min is telling you to lighten up, A-Cheng.”

Jiang Cheng snorts. “Like I would take orders from an unborn baby.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “Oh, just you wait until she’s born. She’ll have you wrapped right around her pinky finger, I guarantee. Especially when she’s born with all of Lan Zhan’s features.”

Jiang Cheng pulls a face. “No.”

“No?! You mean you won’t be utterly enamoured with my daughter?!” Wei Wuxian huffs. “You’re a huge liar, Jiang Cheng.”

“And how do you know you’re going to have a daughter anyway?” Jiang Cheng frowns. “Your miracle healer can’t tell the gender, can they?”

Wei Wuxian waves a hand. “Nothing like that. Lan Zhan is just utterly convinced, and the baby was born of his will after all.”

Jiang Cheng fake gags. “Don’t remind me. I don’t want to think about anything like that at all. Ever.”

Wei Wuxian grins. “You know, you’re going to have to make Jiang sect heirs soon enough. And I think my golden core is strong enough to do it.”

Jiang Cheng goes bright red. “No. Absolutely not.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “Aw, why not? Don’t you want to continue your family line?”

Jiang Cheng sighs. “Now is not the time to be getting into this. Besides, as soon as Jin Ling marries, the family line will be continued anyway.”

Wei Wuxian shrugs. “Unless he takes after me and marries a man.”

Jiang Cheng stares at him. “...what?”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “It’s possible, you know?”

“Being a cut-sleeve isn’t genetic, Wei Wuxian.”

“I’m not related to him, Jiang Wanyin.”

Jiang Cheng sighs. “Well then, that man better have good cultivation, or he’s not good enough for Jin Ling.”

Wei Wuxian grins. “Noted.”

“Noted for who? They better fucking talk to me first before they start even thinking about courting Jin Ling.”

Wei Wuxian giggles. “Also noted. I will make sure to talk to the boy who dared to have a crush on our nephew.”

Jiang Cheng narrows his eyes. “...It’s someone in the Lan Sect.”

Wei Wuxian laughs. “Of course, nothing gets past the great Sandu Shengshou!”

Jiang Cheng rubs the bridge of his nose. “Well, I’ll have plenty of time to sniff him out with all the time I’m going to be spending here.”

“That also means you have to get along with my husband, Jiang Cheng. No arguing with him, especially after I give birth.” Wei Wuxian faux-scolds, patting his brother on the shoulder. “And especially about the baby.”

“I promise.” Jiang Cheng nods. “No arguments. I’ll make sure to make up for it beforehand, though.”

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian cries. “Don’t you dare!”

Jiang Cheng simply shrugs. “You can’t stop me.”

“Yeah, but I can stop Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian grins.

“Not really.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “How mean. You’re so mean, A-Cheng.”

A sudden squeezing hit his lower half, and something dribbled down his thighs. Wei Wuxian looks down, not entirely surprised, but not expecting something to hit now. He had a smaller bladder these days, since the baby was sitting on it.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Cheng moves a bit closer.

Then the pain hits.

“Oh, oh fuck…” Wei Wuxian groans, pain clenching tight near the bottom of his stomach, and he holds onto Jiang Cheng’s arm a little tighter than he means to. “Shit, something’s-”

“You’re in labor.” Jiang Cheng blurts out. “You’re in pain, and you just felt a wetness down your legs, yeah?”

Wei Wuxian stares at him. “Since when are you a birthing expert?”

Jiang Cheng stands up quickly, helping Wei Wuxian to his feet like there’s absolutely no time to spare. “Since I was also with A-jie when she went into labor.” He grins slightly, the fear still slightly evident on his face. “I was kind of hoping that would happen again.”

Wei Wuxian frowns. “What the hell, Jiang Cheng? How are midwives not all over you yet?”

“I had to test my theory. Come on, we have to get moving while you’re not in a contraction. Chen Xifeng has to see you immediately.” Jiang Cheng pulls his brother out of the jingshi, leaving their scene as is and practically dragging Wei Wuxian to the healer as another contraction hits him.

Jiang Cheng had almost sent himself into a panic as he watched Wei Wuxian and Chen Xifeng get ready for the operation. Of course, he had probably been given the most important task of the day.

“You have to pull Hanguang-jun out of his meetings!” Wei Wuxian calls, while he’s not pushing through another contraction. “He has to be here, no matter what! I promised him!”

Chen Xifeng nods, holding onto Wei Wuxian’s hand. “We won’t start without him. So you better hurry, Jiang-zongzhu.”

Jiang Cheng nods, taking off out of the healer’s pavilion, Lan rules be damned. He’s not going to make his brother suffer for another moment, especially for the damned 3000 rules the sect enforces.

When Jiang Cheng bursts into the office of the Chief Cultivator, the whole room goes deathly silent.

“Jiang Wanyin.” Lan Xichen pipes up, from his seat near his brother. “Is something the matter?”

“Wei Wuxian is in labor.” Jiang Cheng blurts out, and Lan Wangji immediately gets to his feet, running right past Jiang Cheng, as the other people in the room simply stare at him. Apparently, the rules don’t matter to him either, when it comes to his husband.

It takes Lan Sizhui a moment, but soon he’s also running after his father in the direction of the healer’s pavilion.

Lan Xichen clears his throat, turning all eyes back to him. “Well. I think that adjourns today’s meeting, wouldn’t you agree, Jiang-zongzhu?”

Jiang Cheng only nods, giving him a small bow before he races after his brother-in-law and his nephew.

In all, Lan Wangji thinks to himself, the process of extracting the baby from Wei Wuxian doesn’t take that long at all.

“Definitely not as long as A-jie was laboring.” Jiang Cheng tells him helpfully. “That took hours. Almost a day.”

“Almost a day?!” Lan Sizhui cries. “That sounds awful!”

Lan Wangji is eternally grateful that Wei Wuxian doesn’t have to go through that, at least.

Chen Xifeng exits the room a couple minutes later, a giant grin evident on her face. “Congratulations, Hanguang-jun. They’re both very healthy.”

Lan Wangji nods. “I cannot thank you enough for your assistance, Chen-daifu.” He bows, trying not to tap his foot as his anxious nervousness to see his husband and their child.

“A-Ying insisted that he be the one to tell you their gender, so I will leave it to him. I also plan to stay for a couple months more until both A-Ying and your lovely child have healed, so expect to see me plenty!” Chen Xifeng gently pats Lan Wangji on the shoulder. “Go see your husband, Hanguang-jun.”

Lan Wangji nods, quickly stepping into the room, shutting the door behind him as he pointedly doesn’t run to his husband’s side.

Wei Wuxian looks up at him, curling their child against his bare chest. “You smartass, Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji sits next to his bed, running his fingers through his husband’s hair. “A girl?”

Wei Wuxian huffs quietly. “Of course, you have to be right, don’t you? Go ahead, tell me I told you so.”

“I love you.” Lan Wangji says instead, leaning in to press a kiss against Wei Wuxian’s forehead. “You are so amazing for doing this, Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “It’s nothing, really. You know I also wanted this, you’re just the one that made it happen.”

Lan Wangji nodded. One of the many things they had agreed on early on in their marriage is that they wanted a big family. “I know. Still.”

Wei Wuxian gently pats their daughter, looking down at her. “I love you too. If Chen-yi says it’s possible again, we’re going for more, right?”

Lan Wangji nods. “Yes. When Wei Min is older.”

Wei Wuxian smiles softly. “Definitely. Would you like to hold her?”

Lan Wangji tenses up, looking down at the small child in his husband’s arms.

Wei Wuxian chuckles quietly. “You have no idea how to hold a baby, do you?”

Lan Wangji shakes his head, almost ashamed he hasn’t figured out how to do so earlier.

Wei Wuxian smiles. “It’s alright. It’s not like you had easy access to babies to practice or anything. Jiang Cheng probably can show you.”

Lan Wangji nods, standing up quickly to poke his head out the door. “Jiang Wanyin.”

Jiang Cheng looks up from his letter, a relatively calm expression on his face. “Hm?”

“Would you…” Lan Wangji looks back at his husband, who is giving him as big of a thumbs up as he can give with a baby in his arms. “Would you teach me the proper way to hold a baby?”

Jiang Cheng sighs softly, setting his letter back into the pile. “Fine. By the way, Chen-daifu has gone to tell your brother and uncle the news.”

Lan Wangji nods. “Sizhui… you can come in as well.”

Lan Sizhui smiles, getting up from his spot nearby as well. “So? What is their gender? Were you right, A-Die?”

Lan Wangji nods, opening the door more as both men file into the room. “Yes. You have a younger sister.”

“A-Yuan! You’re here too?” Wei Wuxian smiles softly. “Come meet your sister.”

Lan Sizhui sits by his baba’s side, glancing over as Lan Wangji moves his arms in place. “What’s her name, baba?”

“Wei Min. Lan Zhan wanted her to have my family name. He was very adamant on that.” Wei Wuxian chuckles. “But.. we both agreed that outside the home she’ll be Lan Min. Just… so that she doesn’t run into any trouble using my name.”

Lan Sizhui nods quietly. “I wish she didn’t have to. I wish she could use your name proudly, baba.”

Wei Wuxian smiles slightly, patting his son’s head quickly. “I’m sure you’re not the only one thinking that, A-Yuan. But this is the world we live in.”

Lan Sizhui nods.

“Alright, I think he’s finally got it.” Jiang Cheng interjects.

Wei Wuxian giggles, moving over to hand Wei Min off to her new A-Die.

Lan Wangji gently picks up their daughter, cradling her gently in his arms.

Jiang Cheng nods. “Good. You do. Congratulations, Hanguang-jun. And also you too, Xian-gege.”

Wei Wuxian lays back. “Alright, it’s time for me to nap.” He sighs quietly. “That was stressful. And filled with pain.”

Lan Sizhui smiles. “Get some rest, baba.”

Lan Zhan nods. “We will care for her while you sleep.”

Obviously, it doesn’t take much convincing for Wei Wuxian, since he falls asleep easily.

“So. Do you guys have a name already?” Jiang Cheng leans on a nearby wall, keeping his voice low.

Lan Wangji nods. “Wei Min.”

“You’re using his family name instead of yours?” Jiang Cheng raises an eyebrow. “Did he okay this?”

Lan Wangji nods. “She will use the Lan name outside of the home. Though… I suspect, when she is older, she will want to use her family name proudly.”

Lan Sizhui smiles. “So you’re hoping she’s more like baba than you?”

Lan Wangji nods slightly, rocking his daughter back and forth. “Desperately.”

Jiang Cheng snorts. “Good luck.”

There’s a small knock at the door, and Lan Xichen slowly pushes the door open.

“Oh, everyone’s already gathered here.” Lan Xichen smiles. “Congratulations, Wangji.”

Lan Wangji keeps his eyes on his daughter, not bothering to look up at the new family member that has entered the room. “Thank you, xiongzhang. You have a new niece, as I suspected.”

Lan Xichen chuckles quietly. “I see. A girl. What have you decided to name her?”

“Wei Min. Min for clever.” Lan Wangji looks over at his brother and uncle. “Outside the home she will use the family name Lan.”

Lan Xichen nods slightly. “Welcome to the Lan clan, Wei Min.” He moves over to stand next to his brother. “She’s beautiful.”

“She looks like Cangse Sanren.” Lan Qiren finally speaks, his gaze having been on the child the entire time. “How extraordinary.”

Lan Wangji’s eyes widen as he looks up at his uncle, trying not to clench his arms tighter in shock.

“She does?” Jiang Cheng’s eyes widen as well. “Wouldn’t she… look more like Wei Wuxian’s current body?”

Lan Xichen smiles, chuckling softly. “A mystery indeed. One that I’m not inclined to unravel.”

Lan Qiren takes a step closer, watching the child. “Indeed. I am not inclined either. Let fate work its strings around us as it wishes.”

Lan Sizhui stands up, taking a spot on the other side of Lan Wangji.

Jiang Cheng shakes his head. “Damn you, Wei Wuxian.”

Lan Qiren only gives Jiang Cheng a small glare, but decides against saying anything once he sees the fond look on the other sect leader’s face.

“Well, I am sure that shufu and I will see plenty of her later. We’ll get going to let Wuxian get some rest.” Lan Xichen pats his brother’s shoulder. “Congratulations again, Wangji.”

Wei Min gurgles quietly, drawing all attention to her as she slowly opens her newborn eyes. The room immediately goes silent, and Lan Wangji’s heart melts.

Lan Qiren chuckles. “I never believed I would see anything like this until Wei Wuxian walked into the Cloud Recesses. A child with the appearance of Cangse Sanren with golden eyes. She truly is your daughter, Wangji.”

Lan Wangji smiles, pressing a kiss to his daughter’s forehead.

Jiang Cheng chuckles. “Like there was ever a need for a paternity test in the first place.”

Lan Sizhui gently rubs his sister’s head. “She’s beautiful, A-Die.” He whispers, very clearly trying not to cry.

Lan Wangji looks over at his son. “Would you like to hold her, A-Yuan?”

Lan Xichen quietly pushes Lan Qiren out of the room, and Jiang Cheng quickly follows suit once he sees that Lan Sizhui knows how to hold the baby, to let the small family bond.

“You’re a life saver, A-Cheng!” Wei Wuxian hugs his brother tight. “You can’t go now…”

Jiang Cheng sighs. “Sorry, it’s an emergency. I did the best I could away from Lotus Pier, but they need me back. Besides, my month is pretty much up anyway.”

Wei Wuxian whines. “You can’t stay and change diapers for one more day?”

Jiang Cheng snorts. “Nope. Tell your husband he has to do it himself now.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “You’re going to make the Chief Cultivator change diapers?”

“Yes. It’s his fault anyway.” Jiang Cheng walks towards the exit waving.

“Visit again soon, A-Cheng!” Wei Wuxian waves, before quickly heading off back to the jingshi.

“Wei-qianbei! There you are! Hanguang-jun told me I had to wait until you got back to go inside.” Lan Jinyi calls, waving at him from afar. “I want to see your daughter!”

Wei Wuxian laughs, wrapping an arm around Lan Jingyi’s shoulders. “You should have come earlier, Jingyi! I could have had you changing diapers this entire time!”

Lan Jinyi freezes, letting Wei Wuxian drag him into the jingshi.

“Lan Zhan, love of my life! Father of my children! I’m back!” Wei Wuxian calls, heading towards the nursery.

Lan Jingyi groans. “Do you really have to be so embarrassing about loving your husband?”

Wei Wuxian turns to him, poking him in the chest. “As soon as you marry my nephew you will also be that embarrassing about it. The nephew who has yet to see me, by the way!”

Lan Jingyi flushes bright red, pushing past him to head into the nursery.

Lan Wangji looks over at the two of them. “Wei Ying. Jingyi.”

Wei Wuxian smiles. “Jingyi, meet your shimei, Wei Min.”

Lan Jingyi stares. “She’s so small…”

Wei Wuxian pats his head. “Mhm. And she came out of me.”

Lan Jingyi looks over at him, his mouth agape. “She did?!”

Wei Wuxian laughs. “I was pregnant, you know! Where else would she have come from?”

Lan Jingyi heads over to Lan Wangji, quietly peeking over his arms. “Wow… She looks nothing like you, Wei-qianbei. Are you sure she’s yours?”

Wei Wuxian huffs, smacking Lan Jingyi’s shoulder. “Rude! Shufu said she looks exactly like my mother, of course she’s mine!”

Lan Wangji hums quietly, watching the two while rocking Wei Min in his arms, content.

“Baba! Baba, baba!”

Wei Wuxian smiles, turning towards the door. “A-Min, there you are! How was your guqin class?”

Wei Min smiles, running into her baba’s arms and hugging him tight. “Good! Bobo said that I am improving!”

Wei Wuxian grins, ruffling his daughter’s hair gently. “Did he, now? What a good impression of your bobo you have there!”

Wei Min wriggles out of his arms, standing up straight with her hands behind her back. She takes a moment to stroke a fake beard, and Wei Wuxian bursts out laughing before she can even start.

“Oh dear, your granduncle will be so happy to see that!” He laughs, pulling her back into his arms. “You’ll have to show your A-Die when he comes home.”

Wei Min smiles. “When will A-Die be home?”

Wei Wuxian gently pokes her nose, picking her up to bring her into the jingshi. “Unfortunately, my dearest A-Min, we will have to figure that out together. Your A-Die is meeting with some very important people today.”

“Is jiujiu here?!” She cries, holding onto Wei Wuxian’s robes tight. “I want to see jiujiu!”

Wei Wuxian grins. “Yes, your jiujiu and your cousin A-Ling are here today.”

Wei Min almost squirms out of his arms, trying to reach the floor. “I have to change, baba! I have to change into my purple to see jiujiu!”

“Oh? Would you like to match with baba, then? Shall we both wear purple to greet jiujiu?” Wei Wuxian sets her down, watching her scurry over to her room.

“Yes, baba! We must match, we must!” She cries before shutting the door to her room. “You must wear your best purple, baba!”

Wei Wuxian chuckles, moving over to his and his husband’s robes to pick out the set he had been gifted by Jiang Cheng the year he came to visit. “Alright, A-Min, I have picked out my best purple. Have you found yours?”

“Yes, baba!” He hears his daughter answer, and he suddenly thinks to the last time his daughter was given a set of purple robes, and he frets.

“A-Min, do your purple robes still fit you?” Wei Wuxian walks over to her door, waiting quietly.

“They must, baba! What else will I wear to see jiujiu?” His daughter answers, the pout clear in her voice.

“I’m only worried since your jiujiu gifted you those robes last year, and you’ve grown so much since then.” Wei Wuxian smiles slightly, looking over his shoulder and seeing his husband stand in the doorway. Their guests must be here already.

“Baba! How could you even say that! Jiujiu wants to see me in my purple robes!”

Wei Wuxian shakes her head slightly, heading over to the doorway. “Welcome home, Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji smiles, giving his husband a kiss on the cheek. “Mn. I am home, Wei Ying.”

“A-Die, A-Die!” Their daughter comes wailing out of her room. “My purple robes don’t fit! What will jiujiu say when he sees that I’m not in purple?!”

Lan Wangji gently leans down to pick her up and pat her back. “I believe your jiujiu has a solution.” He turns his body slightly, so that Wei Min can see that their guests have arrived already.

“Jiujiu! A-Ling!” She cries, and Jin Ling reaches over Lan Wangji’s shoulders to pick his cousin up.

“Wow, look how big you’ve gotten Xiao-Min. It’s no wonder you didn’t fit into your purple robes, you’ve grown so much.” Jiang Cheng chuckles, rubbing his niece’s hair. “Don’t worry. I asked your baba about your measurements before my visit, and I have a new set of purple robes for you.”

“Jiujiu, you’re the best!” Wei Min cries, holding onto Jin Ling’s robes tight. “I want to try them on!”

Jin Ling rubs her back slightly. “No greeting for me? I found the best silk for your purple robes, A-Min.”

Wei Min hugs her cousin tight, before quickly letting go and trying to wiggle out of his arms. “Jiujiu, the robes please!”

Jiang Cheng reaches into his sleeve and pulls out a small set of Jiang clan robes, before handing them to her.

Wei Wuxian stares at them for a moment, as his daughter rushes out to try them on. “You had them embroidered? She won’t stay this size forever, you know!”

Jiang Cheng shrugs. “Then keep them for the next child you have. You animals.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. “Lan Zhan, I’m being bullied! A-Cheng is bullying me!”

“We will visit Lotus Pier once I have a break from my work.” Lan Wangji completely ignores their feud, opting to speak directly to Jiang Cheng.

“Good.” Jiang Cheng crosses his arms over his chest. “That better be soon. My disciples can’t wait another minute, apparently.”

Wei Wuxian grins. “Of course not. Our A-Min is the cutest.”

Jin Ling shakes his head slightly. “And when can I get her a pair of gold robes and she visits the Jin sect?”

“Once you’ve gotten rid of every single bit of prejudice surrounding me from the sect.” Wei Wuxian huffs. “And I mean it. Wei Min is Wei Min, so if anyone even says anything out of line about me, or my last name, we won’t visit until she escapes from us to visit you herself.”

Jin Ling groans. “Do you know how hard of a request that is you’re making da-jiu? No one says anything about you around me anymore, but I know they’re still saying it!”

Wei Wuxian simply shrugs. “Thank goodness it’s not my problem.”

“Jiujiu, look! There’s a lotus on it! Just like you!” Wei Min comes rushing out of her room, her new robes flowing behind her. “How do I look, jiujiu?”

Jiang Cheng leans down, watching her quietly. “Very beautiful, A-Min. You should visit me soon in your wonderful new robes.”

Wei Min giggles, running over to hug Jiang Cheng. “I will, jiujiu! I’ll make sure of it! I will interrupt all of A-Die’s meetings to ask!”

“Wei Min!” Wei Wuxian frowns. “Did you interrupt A-Die’s meetings today?”

Wei Min curls closer into Jiang Cheng’s arms. “Jiujiu, protect me!”

Lan Wangji looks away as well, starting to wander into the house.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian looks over at his husband. “You let her!”

“...I did not have a chance to stop her. Sect Leader Nie had hid her under his robes.” Lan Wangji confesses, turning back to his husband.

Wei Wuxian groans. “Please tell me Xichen-ge at least took her back to her guqin lessons. Because if he didn’t and she skipped them, she will start learning to copy the rules at home. And you will not be supervising, Lan Zhan! Sizhui will!”

Lan Wangji nods. “Xiongzhang made sure she came to her guqin lesson today.”

Wei Wuxian turns back to his daughter, who is still clutching Jiang Cheng’s robes as tightly as she can. “Wei Min.”

“I’m sorry, baba!” She turns back to her father. “It was Sect Leader Nie’s idea…”

Wei Wuxian groans. “Nie Huaisang!”

Jiang Cheng chuckles softly. “Oh, he’s in for it now.”

Jin Ling smiles slightly, rubbing Wei Min’s head gently. “Good luck with your punishment, A-Min. I have to get going.”

Wei Min frowns. “Don’t go, A-Ling! You have to stay for dinner!”

Jin Ling stands up, stretching slightly. “I have a lot of work to do if you want to visit me, though. I have to get started right away.”

“Okay! You better go quick so I can visit you soon, A-Ling!” Wei Min smiles. “Byebye, A-Ling!”

Wei Wuxian turns back to his nephew, pulling him into a hug. “Stay safe, A-Ling. Send me a letter as soon as you’re done, okay?”

“I will, dajiu.” Jin Ling smiles, hugging his uncle back before turning to Lan Wangji. “Hanguang-jun.”

“Jin-zongzhu.” Lan Wangji bows back. “Thank you for your presence today.”

“Of course. I hope to see you all in Lanling soon.” Jin Ling smiles, waving as he heads towards the entrance of the Cloud Recesses.

“Now, where is that Nie Huaisang?”