In the infirmary, the healer immediately began examining Wei Ying. Lan Zhan paced back and forth, his mind racing with worry and fear. Finally, the healer turned to him, her expression a mix of surprise and joy.
"Hangung Jun, Wei Wuxian is not ill. He's four months pregnant."
Lan Zhan's eyes widened in shock. "Pregnant? But how...?"
The healer smiled. "Sometimes, the universe has its own way of granting miracles. Wei Wuxian's unique abilities and the deep bond you share have made this possible."
Lan Zhan's shock gave way to overwhelming joy and relief. He rushed to Wei Ying's side, taking his hand and kissing it gently.
Wei Ying stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Lan Zhan?" he whispered, his voice weak but filled with love.
Lan Zhan smiled, tears of happiness streaming down his face. "Wei Ying, you're pregnant. We're going to have a child."
Wei Ying's eyes widened in disbelief. "Pregnant? Really?" Then Wei Ying remembered his Grandmother words.
Lan Zhan nodded, his heart full. "Yes, my love. Our bond has made it possible."
Tears of joy filled Wei Ying's eyes as he smiled up at Lan Zhan. "I can't believe it. This is a miracle."
Lan Zhan leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Wei Ying's forehead. "It is, and I promise you, I will protect you and our child with everything I have."
As they embraced, the weight of their struggles seemed to lift, replaced by the hope and joy of the new life growing within Wei Ying. They knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, their love stronger than ever.
The news of Wei Ying's pregnancy spread quickly through the Lan clan, transforming the atmosphere entirely. Lan Qiren, who had been one of Wei Ying's staunchest critics, found his heart softening at the thought of a new addition to the family. He began to see Wei Ying in a new light, appreciating the happiness and hope he brought to Lan Zhan and the clan.
Sizhui and Jingyi were overjoyed at the prospect of having a younger sibling. They doted on Wei Ying, eager to help in any way they could, from fetching snacks to practicing talismans for protection.
One evening, Wei Ying sat in the courtyard, surrounded by a group of disciples eager to learn. Lan Zhan watched from a distance, a smile playing on his lips. Despite the changes and challenges, Wei Ying's enthusiasm and energy remained infectious.
Suddenly, Wei Ying's expression shifted from cheerful to frustrated. "Why are these talismans not working?" he huffed, tossing a paper aside.
Lan Zhan chuckled softly and approached. "Wei Ying, maybe you're pushing yourself too hard. You need to rest."
Wei Ying turned to him, eyes wide with a mix of surprise and indignation. "Rest? Lan Zhan, these talismans are supposed to be foolproof! Why aren't they working?"
Lan Zhan knelt beside him, gently taking his hand. "Perhaps they're just a bit off today, like we all are sometimes."
Wei Ying's frustration melted into a pout. "You're just saying that because you don't want to admit that my talismans are better than yours."
Lan Zhan laughed, pressing a kiss to Wei Ying's forehead. "Your talismans are always better, my love. But even the best need a break."
Later that week, Wei Ying's mood swings took a turn for the humorous. He had developed a craving for a specific type of dumpling that was only made in a village miles away. Lan Zhan, ever the devoted husband, had the kitchen all to himself prepare a special batch.
As the dumplings were served, Wei Ying's eyes lit up. "Finally! I've been dreaming about these!"
Lan Zhan watched, amused, as Wei Ying took a bite. But then, Wei Ying's expression changed, and he burst into tears.
"What's wrong?" Lan Zhan asked, concerned.
Wei Ying sobbed, "They're perfect! I can't believe they're so perfect!"
Lan Zhan couldn't help but laugh, pulling Wei Ying into a gentle embrace. "I'm glad they're perfect, Wei Ying. You deserve nothing less."
One afternoon, Sizhui and Jingyi found Wei Ying in the garden at back of the Jingshi, angrily wrestling with a particularly stubborn weed.
"Baba, what are you doing?" Jingyi asked, trying to stifle a laugh.
Wei Ying looked up, his face flushed with effort. "This weed won't come out! It's mocking me!"
Sizhui knelt down and gently touched Wei Ying's shoulder. "Maybe you should let it be for now. We can help you with it later."
Wei Ying sighed dramatically. "Fine, but it better watch out. I'll be back."
The boys exchanged amused glances as they guided Wei Ying back to the house, reassuring him with playful banter.
***
As the weeks passed, Wei Ying's pregnancy became a source of joy and laughter for the entire clan. His mood swings, though unpredictable, brought a new warmth and liveliness to the once stoic compound.
Lan Qiren found himself chuckling more often, especially when Wei Ying's antics reminded him of his own youthful exuberance. He even began to share stories of Lan Zhan's childhood, much to Wei Ying's delight and Lan Zhan's mild embarrassment.
One evening, during a family dinner, Wei Ying suddenly stood up, his eyes wide with excitement. "I just had the best idea for a new talisman!"
Lan Zhan, Sizhui, and Jingyi all looked up, amused and curious. "What is it?" Lan Zhan asked, smiling.
Wei Ying grinned. "A talisman for perfect dumplings! So no one ever has to cry over dumplings again!"
The entire family burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the halls, a testament to the love and joy that had filled their lives. Forgotten about the rules.
And so, the Lan clan embraced the changes brought by Wei Ying's pregnancy, united by the anticipation of new life and the enduring strength of their bonds. They knew that, together, they could face any challenge and cherish every moment of happiness that came their way.
Life in the Lan clan had settled into a rhythm of joy and anticipation. Wei Ying's pregnancy brought laughter and warmth to every corner of the Cloud Recesses. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying cherished each day, their love growing stronger with each passing moment.
One morning, Lan Zhan was in a private discussion with Lan Xichen. The subject was a troubling one: reports of an unknown beast attacking and killing innocent people near the Burial Mounds.
"This creature is unlike anything we've faced before," Lan Xichen said, his brow furrowed. "It's strong, and it seems to thrive on resentment energy. We need to act quickly."
Lan Zhan nodded. "We will gather a team and head there immediately. We cannot allow this threat to continue."
Unbeknownst to them, Wei Ying had been passing by and overheard their conversation. His eyes widened with determination. He approached them with a resolute expression. "I'm coming with you."
Lan Zhan immediately shook his head. "Wei Ying, you're months pregnant. I can't let you risk your health."
Wei Ying placed a hand on his belly, his eyes fierce. "Lan Zhan, I know these creatures. I can help. And I won't be left behind while my family is in danger."
Lan Zhan looked into Wei Ying's eyes, seeing the fire and determination that had drawn him to his husband in the first place. With a heavy sigh, he relented. "Alright, but you must promise to be careful. Our child needs you safe."
Wei Ying nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I promise, Lan Zhan."
The journey to the Burial Mounds was tense. Lan Zhan, Wei Ying, their sons Sizhui and Jingyi, and a group of skilled disciples moved with purpose. They knew the danger that awaited them.
Upon arriving at the outskirts of the Burial Mounds, the air was thick with resentment energy. It was a place Wei Ying knew well, but its current state was far more sinister than he remembered.
As they delved deeper, they encountered the beast. It was a monstrous creature, twisted and deformed by the dark energy of the Burial Mounds. The battle was fierce, with the beast proving to be a formidable opponent.
Wei Ying fought bravely alongside Lan Zhan, his talismans and spells striking at the creature with precision. Wei Ying didn't want to used his flute or resentment energy because of his pregnancy.
But in a moment of distraction, as he shielded one of the disciples, the beast lashed out, striking him across the chest.
"Wei Ying!" Lan Zhan's cry echoed through the battlefield as he saw his husband fall.
Sizhui and Jingyi, fueled by anger and fear for their father, fought with renewed vigor, pushing the beast back. Lan Zhan rushed to Wei Ying's side, his heart pounding with terror.
"Wei Ying, stay with me," Lan Zhan pleaded, his voice breaking.
Wei Ying's eyes fluttered open, his breathing labored. "I'm sorry, Lan Zhan. I thought I could..."
Lan Zhan shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "Don't talk. We'll get you back to the Cloud Recesses. You'll be alright."