Where Your Heart Leans
After the third day, the bloom was over and Wei Wuxian felt better. Showered with gifts and blessings from his guardians, he tried to be his old self and not make them worry too much.The next few days brought many changes. Madam Yu took decisions that split the omega's liberty right in the middle Given a change of wardrobe was not bad, except now, he had many feminine-coloured clothes and accessories. Wei Ying's time at the training grounds was reduced to make room for lessons on how to take care of a home, and basic etiquette for omegas.No more 'two peas in a pod' lifestyle with Mo Xuanyu, two guards were also assigned to him. "You cannot let him do whatever he wants.", Madam Yu implanted a command Wei Ying could not erase or pull out. 'Give me a break', Wei Ying cringed whenever he ate with the family. Dining time turned into a discussion of possible matchmaking.The perk of being a flower as it stood was; no more harsh punishments from Jiang Cheng, people were extra careful around him. And he was moved to YanLi's quarters- where he now spends many nights with his sister, gossiping about their love interest...**************
"A male flower has the form of a man, but the purpose of a woman. He must live and function like a lady and a gentleman at all times... There will be no place for buffoonery or indecency!"Wei Ying flinched at the tutor's reproof. How could he not get caught dozing off when the lessons were exclusive to him alone. "...", He lowers his head as a sign of remorse and repentance, appeasing the elderly woman to continue torturing him with what the world expects of him."A flower has to stay clear of any alpha that is not his mate- whether Male or female... Dont be fooled by the females especially, you'd be surprised at how shameless and cruel they are." The Senior edged her eyes. By the scowl on her face, Wei Ying wondered if a female alpha ever did her dirty."Your neck, wrists and ankles are sacred: keep them covered at all times. Do not be swayed by sentiments and flirtatious compliments. We omegas have fickle minds and easily get carried away. If an alpha calls you beautiful and asks to take a whiff, run the other way...Did you hear that Master Ying?...""Yes yes yes, I'll run...", Wei Ying bobbed his head with a faint smile. 'If he is not a Lan with a Wang and a Ji attached to his name, I will.', his thoughts humoured him."What's funny?", the woman catches the tiny simper in his tone."Nothing Madam.", The flower lowered his eyes."...Then open the book and read the third chapter out loud.", she decides to let this misconduct slide.Wei Ying obliged, flipping several pages to find it. Another boring stanza of how a wife should behave. He sings the words slowly with a mild tone, peeping at the teacher whenever he felt the sentence was ridiculous. 'Who knew being perfect in the eyes of society came with giving up who I am and what I like. Tch tch.', he could barely control his thinking. When he read the paragraph concerning bedding activities, he choked."Go on...read.""... A flower has to give in to their mate's sexual desires anytime its demanded; without delay or complain. It is for their good....wait what?...how will that be for my good?", he snaps out of the prim sophistication with a contorted look on his face."Sit upright and ask politely!", the woman pitched. "What is the golden rule Young Master?", She held up her chin."Obey without complaint...But..""...""Sorry, Madam.", Wei Ying cut it short."We will end today's lesson here. Tomorrow's discussion will be on pregnancy and how to handle children...I hope you take it seriously.""Yes Madam.", Wei Ying bowed gently, as taught.Later in his room that day..."Do this, do that..., dont complain, do nothing but clean after a grown man.", the omega stood still while Xuanyu fastened his inner garments. At least he could complain and make whatever expression he wants when he's alone with his pal."You're not going to do that Master Wei. You're from a powerful family. Take your Aunt, for instance, your Uncle can never refuse her.", Wei Ying's frame rocked forward as Mo Xuanyu tightened the knot on his pants."Hmm, you do have a point.", said Wei Ying. The idea has his head in the clouds briefly, painting an image of married life- with the perfect candidate in mind.First scene~Wangji wearing a troubled expression when his mate sweats from supervising the servants, 'Darling, you look worn out, I'll carry you.', he swoops Wei Ying off the ground.'Aish, my feet hurts.', Wei Ying lays a palm on his forehead dramatically. 'You work too much darling. Let me take you inside and rub your feet...you dont have to do this anymore.', Lan Wangji holds him close to his chest.Second~Lan Wangji kisses his wife's neck, purring for affection at night. 'Please honey, just the tip.', he cooed.
Wei Ying looks away with a superior frown on his lips, eyes half-lidded with a sassy tone, 'Not tonight...You do it too much, sleep!''I'll just brush...', Wangji sulks.'Go to bed, now!', Wei Ying points to Wangji's side of the bed.Third~Lan Wangji sees another alpha flirt with his omega on their romantic getaway. He had turned his back for a minute to buy sweets for his wife. Pulling his wife behind him, he unsheathes Bichen and swings it the stranger's way. 'Die!', he growls."Hihihi...Fantastic.", Wei Ying enjoyed the time travel while Mo Xuanyu put the outer fabric on him to complete the look.
"You look good in pink Master Wei...Hmm, how come I've never noticed how thin your waist is.", Xuanyu scratched his chin, pleased with the final results."Stop playing, I'll be late for dinner.", Wei Ying runs to the mirror to take a look. "Not bad, let's go.", he pranced- cheerfully snatching the other's hand. "Dont run, you'll trip on your clothes.", Xuanyu cautioned.Wei Wuxian only slowed down abruptly as soon as he saw the other servants outside. ******
Gusu's Cloud Recesses...Sect Leader Lan surrounded himself with family in the ceremonial gardens, serenading the night with music and poetry. Each piece carried a knowledge unique to itself. No matter how similar they sounded, they were different. Hot tea kept coming, important figures got their turn in sharing their stories and speaking of what Lans did best. Lan Wangji stays silent, sitting by his brother's side.Being present was compulsory even if he hated it. His mother used to be in charge of such gatherings. It was the only period she gave less attention to him.'We do this to keep the bond with Family Lan Zhan. Go and play with your cousins.', Madam Lan often said when her son refused to release her.Lan Xichen grasped his brother's hand tenderly, earning Wangji's gaze. He understood his baby brother's feelings best and stayed strong for him. After the ministrations, then came interacting with others. The jades stayed together, receiving greetings and compliments from relatives.
"Lan Zhan, there are many flowers here tonight. You should mingle with them.", Xichen grinned, knowing what the other's reply would be. "Ge, I'm not interested.", Wangji knew he was being teased for what happened some years ago.It was a night like this where they were required to know their distant relatives. One of their cousins made advances at Lan Wangji, luring him with a classic twisted ankle charade.
Believe it or not, Lan Wangji blankly refused to help the lady. It was Xichen that convinced him not to be mean.They reached the guest room but the lady cried about walking to her bed and Wangji took her inside. That was when the whole drama unfolded. The Second jade's innocence would have been taken that night if his brother had not intervened. He came out panting like a horse, his clothes dishevelled with nail marks on his neck and wrists. If only their scorned cousin had not spread lies about it afterwards."I already have someone, have you forgotten so soon?... You should not be afraid to help a flower out.", Xichen chuckled.Wangji looks at him, "Stop it Ge."
Xichen buttons his lips on the issue. His brother being distracted was enough for him. The brothers stared at their folk with some form of awe. This is the reality- they were no longer kids. Most of their cousins were paired up and living their own lives. Others ventured out of the Sect to explore. There were little ones amongst them and the cycle of life begins again."I'm going to the Jingshi.", Wangji said after a while."So soon?", Lan Xichen was sure he didn't cross the line like the last time."I have a few scripts to mark. Uncle will be upset if it's not done carefully.""Okay...Wangji, do not stay up too late. You're leaving in two weeks. It's not advisable to strain yourself.""Mn.", Wangji hums monotonously and bids his brother goodnight. Lan Xichen watched as Wangji's back slowly disappears. All his younger brother indulged in was helping Lan Qiren, going on hunts, and taking on risky missions; giving no time to himself. Wangji lost the light in his eyes when their mother died many year's ago...and at this rate, Xichen doubted if there was anyone out there that could slow his brother down...***********************************"What...", Wei Ying quaked when his Uncle gave him the letter. Jiang Fengmian invited the omega to his study after dinner, telling him there was something important to discuss.The teenager was excited when the Senior spoke of his coming party but he never expected it to double as his send-off party. "Is it because I became a flower?... I dont want to go to my father.", his pupil became dilated with droplets of salty tears. He blinks it away when his head hangs low. " I've not made him aware of your transformation...A'Ying, you're growing older and so is your father. He wants you by his side and I support it.", Fengmian's ways were simple and precise. "But this is my home Uncle...I'll do anything you want, just dont kick me out.", Wei Ying shifted closer to the father figure he grew up with.The news hurt Sect Leader Jiang more than the youngster could imagine. It felt like giving one of his children away. "No one is kicking you out my son.", he frowned. " This place will always be your home. You can visit anytime you get the chance but right now, Wei Changze needs you more.", his words were few. Wei Wuxian primmed his lips, wiping the tears on his face clumsily before bowing at his Uncle's feet. "Please reconsider...", those words said softly made Fengmian's heart clench. He grasped the boy's shoulders and drew him up, "We knew the day would come where you would have to return to your father and take your place as his heir. Do not despise it, my child, embrace it with pride.", Master Jiang said with his kind gaze fixed on his nephew...**
Next morning...'A'Ying!...A'Ying!...'The Lotus Pier turned upside down when the youngest was nowhere to be found. His favourite servant noticed this after meeting the empty bed in his room at dawn. Jiang Yanli was the first to receive the report after the other guards expressed their cluelessness. "Mother will be furious if we dont find him before his lessons.", Yanli confided in her brother. Jiang Cheng rallied a few men to check all the places he knew his little brother liked to hang out. They had no luck even in the estate. Soon men were roaming the dock and lakes, searching for him. The Sect Leader himself took others to neighbouring towns since they knew not the exact time the omega escaped.By afternoon Yu Ziyuan was on everyone's neck. It was not uncommon for her nephew to slip out in the past, but this had happened after Wei Ying found out he would be going away in not less than three weeks."You're all useless!! Pray nothing happens to that boy.", she yelled at everything in sight. She could not sit still knowing that the boy was no longer untouchable. They speculated that his late bloom might make him a recessive but it was too early to confirm it. Mo Xuanyu took his own path after searching for hours. "Where are you Wei Ying.", he muttered from exhaustion. The sun had not been kind with its heat, but seeing its light dim as it was about to set made the servant anxious. He wandered into the woods far from the markets, the pier, their home. There was nothing but trees and hills where he thread. He won't be able to defend himself if something attacked. Xuanyu made sure to keep his eyes on the trees as his Master was fond of climbing.
There was one spot left to check after roaming. Xuanyu had a hunch that his Master had to be there; the small stream hidden by the forest- one of Wei Ying's favourite swimming spots."...", his hope dwindled at the silence when he got there and there seemed to be no sign of his Master.*Splash*Xuanyu turns at the sudden noise. "Master Wei!", he runs for the water as the youngster swam to the bank, naked. "How long have you been holding your breath?... Where are your clothes?", Xuanyu looks around frantically."Behind the rock over there.", Wei Ying combs his hair with a hand and squeezed as much water as he needed to. His finger pokes his ear to clear the drops of water messing with his hearing."Here."Xuanyu drapes the outer robe on him to let him dry up first. "Have you eaten? Should I catch some fish?", he massaged the youngster's face with his constant brushing.
Xuanyu could not shake off the sadness in his Master's attitude. Wei Ying averts his gaze for a second, churning Mo Xuanyu's conscience with those silvery eyes. "My Mo Xuanyu, why did it take you so long to find me.", Wei Ying tried not to cry. Yet the tears came quietly."...", Mo Xuanyu walks to a rock and sits him down. Then he holds his Master to his chest and allows him to sob. "Everyone at home is worried sick about you. They think you run away...Is it true, that you're leaving?", He stroke the omega's wet hair, sighing when he feels the nod."...I do not wish to return.", Wei Ying creased the servant's clothes when he holds on to the embrace."Hahh, Master Wei, you won't be alone. They say your Father adores you and is dying to meet you...I'm sure he'll be pleased to know you're a flower, just like your mother wanted.", Xuanyu felt a head shake."Come on Wei Ying, you're the son of a man other Sects fear. I wish I had such a person for a father. One who loves no matter the gender...", the servant rubs the other's back lightly.
He too could have been a Young Master living a good life if his father wanted him and his mother had not been driven to suicide.Wei Ying bit his lower lip once Xuanyu's little speech sank in. His friend was right, people would kill to be in his place. "Mo...my Mo Xuanyu...", Wei Ying lifted his head, his hands resting on Xuanyu's waists as he pulls away to look at him.
"I need you...you have to save me...I can't go back there...not where my mother was killed...Please don't let them take me...", he gulped. "..."There was a tremor in his voice. One that Mo Xuanyu would call fear. But this is not the kind of fear that came from being scolded by Jiang Cheng or Madam Yu, it was worse...************************************************************************"A'Cheng, must you search his room?", Yanli tailed behind her brother. Night had fallen, but the youngest had still not been found. At this rate, they were beginning to fear the worst."It's necessary that I do Jie. A'Ying may have left a note or a clue about where he is.", Jiang Cheng barged into the omega's room, untouched since his absence was discovered. "Okay...I'll help.", Yanli swallows the emptiness, wiping her face with a handkerchief. She heads for the drawers while Jiang Cheng removed the bedsheets, shaking them rigorously for a note. His eyes follow the 'clank' sound that comes after an object falls to the ground. A sound so loud that it gained YanLi's attention as well.
"Is that...Chenqin.", she spoke as the metal knocked the base of the bed frame and rolled underneath. "...""Thank heavens. If Chenqin is here then A'Xian will return home, right?""Yes, but it could also mean he's in trouble...He's an omega Jie. Without his flute, he may be vulnerable.""...", Yanli sunk back into her disturbed state. What Jiang Cheng said made a lot of sense. Maybe their youngest did not run away. Maybe he had been harassed by an alpha or attracted the wrong kind of crowd.
"Jie, dont panic. Wei Ying can take care of himself.", the alpha reassured her. "This bed is weak, I'll ask father to change it.", Cheng fell to the ground, shoving a hand into the broken space in search of the black flute. His arm goes in to the shoulder level when the flute rolls again at his touch. Just when he grabs it, he feels something bulky prick his finger.
He eventually pulls Chenqin out but becomes suspicious. "Hold onto this for me Jie, there's something else down there.", Wanyin goes down again, this time clawing at the object and keeping his hold."What's that?", it was Yanli's first time seeing the treasured box."Not sure, could be A'Ying's.", Jiang Cheng set it on the naked bed and opened it.
The coloured books were the first to be inspected. The alpha's brow went up after the first few flips. He prevented Yanli from watching, stating it was of no use. Skipping the pornographic materials takes him to a collection of paintings and drawings gently tucked under. Wei Ying's initials sat calmly at the bottom of each artwork."Senior sister, have a look at this...", Jiang Cheng hands a drawing to Yanli. The outline had been drawn yet it was not complete.It didnt take long for Yanli to recognize the drawing. "This must be A'Xian's love interest.", a gentle grin appeared on her lips, recalling Wei Ying's description of the female alpha."A love interest?... How come I don't know of this?", Jiang Cheng scowled. A love interest could mean his assumptions were wrong, and Wei Ying could be with that individual. "Pay no attention to it A'Cheng. The person is a female ghost that A'Xian is infatuated with. We talk about her all the time; the alpha in a white robe...What's wrong Wanyin?", Yanli lowers the paper when the other massages his temple."Take a look at this one Jie, tell me if they are the same people.", Jiang Cheng realizes an upsetting truth as he observes the other paintings.Yanli checks a more refined image with bolder features. "They seem to have...the same outfit. Long white robes with broad sleeves.""Look closely Jie", Jiang Cheng presents another paper almost furiously, "Do they not resemble a certain jade from Gusu. That forehead ribbon and the Zither in this painting should tell you who it is.""Lan Wangji?", Yanli gazed at her junior with wide eyes. "But how? They've never met before."..."Shijie...", A familiar voice echoes behind them. They were too distracted to hear the door shut in the outer room."A'Xian...", Yanli turns with the evidence in her grasp.Mo Xuanyu stood behind Wei Ying like a shadow, even when the omega softened at the mess in his room."Wei Wuxian, explain why you have these hidden under your bed?... How the hell do you know the man in this painting!", Jiang Cheng's tone was a clear signal that he was about to blow. "It's...just a random painting Ge.", Wei Ying's gaze did not stay up for long. Jiang Cheng, "Dont play smart with me!""A'Cheng, be gentle, you'll frighten him.", Yanli stepped in front of the alpha. "I don't care if he cries Jie, he better tell me how he knows Lan Wangji before I lose my temper.", The alpha threatened.
Yanli looked at the youngest with confusion...'Oh A'Xian, what did you do?', she wondered.Wei Ying gulped, bracing himself for the worst confrontation with his siblings.While the Jiangs focussed on the youngster's face, Mo Xuanyu could only see those trembling hands clinging to silk for support. He felt sorry for his Master. Why wouldn't Wei Ying want to run away when he can't even love whom he wants to...************************************************************************
"A male flower has the form of a man, but the purpose of a woman. He must live and function like a lady and a gentleman at all times... There will be no place for buffoonery or indecency!"Wei Ying flinched at the tutor's reproof. How could he not get caught dozing off when the lessons were exclusive to him alone. "...", He lowers his head as a sign of remorse and repentance, appeasing the elderly woman to continue torturing him with what the world expects of him."A flower has to stay clear of any alpha that is not his mate- whether Male or female... Dont be fooled by the females especially, you'd be surprised at how shameless and cruel they are." The Senior edged her eyes. By the scowl on her face, Wei Ying wondered if a female alpha ever did her dirty."Your neck, wrists and ankles are sacred: keep them covered at all times. Do not be swayed by sentiments and flirtatious compliments. We omegas have fickle minds and easily get carried away. If an alpha calls you beautiful and asks to take a whiff, run the other way...Did you hear that Master Ying?...""Yes yes yes, I'll run...", Wei Ying bobbed his head with a faint smile. 'If he is not a Lan with a Wang and a Ji attached to his name, I will.', his thoughts humoured him."What's funny?", the woman catches the tiny simper in his tone."Nothing Madam.", The flower lowered his eyes."...Then open the book and read the third chapter out loud.", she decides to let this misconduct slide.Wei Ying obliged, flipping several pages to find it. Another boring stanza of how a wife should behave. He sings the words slowly with a mild tone, peeping at the teacher whenever he felt the sentence was ridiculous. 'Who knew being perfect in the eyes of society came with giving up who I am and what I like. Tch tch.', he could barely control his thinking. When he read the paragraph concerning bedding activities, he choked."Go on...read.""... A flower has to give in to their mate's sexual desires anytime its demanded; without delay or complain. It is for their good....wait what?...how will that be for my good?", he snaps out of the prim sophistication with a contorted look on his face."Sit upright and ask politely!", the woman pitched. "What is the golden rule Young Master?", She held up her chin."Obey without complaint...But..""...""Sorry, Madam.", Wei Ying cut it short."We will end today's lesson here. Tomorrow's discussion will be on pregnancy and how to handle children...I hope you take it seriously.""Yes Madam.", Wei Ying bowed gently, as taught.Later in his room that day..."Do this, do that..., dont complain, do nothing but clean after a grown man.", the omega stood still while Xuanyu fastened his inner garments. At least he could complain and make whatever expression he wants when he's alone with his pal."You're not going to do that Master Wei. You're from a powerful family. Take your Aunt, for instance, your Uncle can never refuse her.", Wei Ying's frame rocked forward as Mo Xuanyu tightened the knot on his pants."Hmm, you do have a point.", said Wei Ying. The idea has his head in the clouds briefly, painting an image of married life- with the perfect candidate in mind.First scene~Wangji wearing a troubled expression when his mate sweats from supervising the servants, 'Darling, you look worn out, I'll carry you.', he swoops Wei Ying off the ground.'Aish, my feet hurts.', Wei Ying lays a palm on his forehead dramatically. 'You work too much darling. Let me take you inside and rub your feet...you dont have to do this anymore.', Lan Wangji holds him close to his chest.Second~Lan Wangji kisses his wife's neck, purring for affection at night. 'Please honey, just the tip.', he cooed.
Wei Ying looks away with a superior frown on his lips, eyes half-lidded with a sassy tone, 'Not tonight...You do it too much, sleep!''I'll just brush...', Wangji sulks.'Go to bed, now!', Wei Ying points to Wangji's side of the bed.Third~Lan Wangji sees another alpha flirt with his omega on their romantic getaway. He had turned his back for a minute to buy sweets for his wife. Pulling his wife behind him, he unsheathes Bichen and swings it the stranger's way. 'Die!', he growls."Hihihi...Fantastic.", Wei Ying enjoyed the time travel while Mo Xuanyu put the outer fabric on him to complete the look.
"You look good in pink Master Wei...Hmm, how come I've never noticed how thin your waist is.", Xuanyu scratched his chin, pleased with the final results."Stop playing, I'll be late for dinner.", Wei Ying runs to the mirror to take a look. "Not bad, let's go.", he pranced- cheerfully snatching the other's hand. "Dont run, you'll trip on your clothes.", Xuanyu cautioned.Wei Wuxian only slowed down abruptly as soon as he saw the other servants outside. ******
Gusu's Cloud Recesses...Sect Leader Lan surrounded himself with family in the ceremonial gardens, serenading the night with music and poetry. Each piece carried a knowledge unique to itself. No matter how similar they sounded, they were different. Hot tea kept coming, important figures got their turn in sharing their stories and speaking of what Lans did best. Lan Wangji stays silent, sitting by his brother's side.Being present was compulsory even if he hated it. His mother used to be in charge of such gatherings. It was the only period she gave less attention to him.'We do this to keep the bond with Family Lan Zhan. Go and play with your cousins.', Madam Lan often said when her son refused to release her.Lan Xichen grasped his brother's hand tenderly, earning Wangji's gaze. He understood his baby brother's feelings best and stayed strong for him. After the ministrations, then came interacting with others. The jades stayed together, receiving greetings and compliments from relatives.
"Lan Zhan, there are many flowers here tonight. You should mingle with them.", Xichen grinned, knowing what the other's reply would be. "Ge, I'm not interested.", Wangji knew he was being teased for what happened some years ago.It was a night like this where they were required to know their distant relatives. One of their cousins made advances at Lan Wangji, luring him with a classic twisted ankle charade.
Believe it or not, Lan Wangji blankly refused to help the lady. It was Xichen that convinced him not to be mean.They reached the guest room but the lady cried about walking to her bed and Wangji took her inside. That was when the whole drama unfolded. The Second jade's innocence would have been taken that night if his brother had not intervened. He came out panting like a horse, his clothes dishevelled with nail marks on his neck and wrists. If only their scorned cousin had not spread lies about it afterwards."I already have someone, have you forgotten so soon?... You should not be afraid to help a flower out.", Xichen chuckled.Wangji looks at him, "Stop it Ge."
Xichen buttons his lips on the issue. His brother being distracted was enough for him. The brothers stared at their folk with some form of awe. This is the reality- they were no longer kids. Most of their cousins were paired up and living their own lives. Others ventured out of the Sect to explore. There were little ones amongst them and the cycle of life begins again."I'm going to the Jingshi.", Wangji said after a while."So soon?", Lan Xichen was sure he didn't cross the line like the last time."I have a few scripts to mark. Uncle will be upset if it's not done carefully.""Okay...Wangji, do not stay up too late. You're leaving in two weeks. It's not advisable to strain yourself.""Mn.", Wangji hums monotonously and bids his brother goodnight. Lan Xichen watched as Wangji's back slowly disappears. All his younger brother indulged in was helping Lan Qiren, going on hunts, and taking on risky missions; giving no time to himself. Wangji lost the light in his eyes when their mother died many year's ago...and at this rate, Xichen doubted if there was anyone out there that could slow his brother down...***********************************"What...", Wei Ying quaked when his Uncle gave him the letter. Jiang Fengmian invited the omega to his study after dinner, telling him there was something important to discuss.The teenager was excited when the Senior spoke of his coming party but he never expected it to double as his send-off party. "Is it because I became a flower?... I dont want to go to my father.", his pupil became dilated with droplets of salty tears. He blinks it away when his head hangs low. " I've not made him aware of your transformation...A'Ying, you're growing older and so is your father. He wants you by his side and I support it.", Fengmian's ways were simple and precise. "But this is my home Uncle...I'll do anything you want, just dont kick me out.", Wei Ying shifted closer to the father figure he grew up with.The news hurt Sect Leader Jiang more than the youngster could imagine. It felt like giving one of his children away. "No one is kicking you out my son.", he frowned. " This place will always be your home. You can visit anytime you get the chance but right now, Wei Changze needs you more.", his words were few. Wei Wuxian primmed his lips, wiping the tears on his face clumsily before bowing at his Uncle's feet. "Please reconsider...", those words said softly made Fengmian's heart clench. He grasped the boy's shoulders and drew him up, "We knew the day would come where you would have to return to your father and take your place as his heir. Do not despise it, my child, embrace it with pride.", Master Jiang said with his kind gaze fixed on his nephew...**
Next morning...'A'Ying!...A'Ying!...'The Lotus Pier turned upside down when the youngest was nowhere to be found. His favourite servant noticed this after meeting the empty bed in his room at dawn. Jiang Yanli was the first to receive the report after the other guards expressed their cluelessness. "Mother will be furious if we dont find him before his lessons.", Yanli confided in her brother. Jiang Cheng rallied a few men to check all the places he knew his little brother liked to hang out. They had no luck even in the estate. Soon men were roaming the dock and lakes, searching for him. The Sect Leader himself took others to neighbouring towns since they knew not the exact time the omega escaped.By afternoon Yu Ziyuan was on everyone's neck. It was not uncommon for her nephew to slip out in the past, but this had happened after Wei Ying found out he would be going away in not less than three weeks."You're all useless!! Pray nothing happens to that boy.", she yelled at everything in sight. She could not sit still knowing that the boy was no longer untouchable. They speculated that his late bloom might make him a recessive but it was too early to confirm it. Mo Xuanyu took his own path after searching for hours. "Where are you Wei Ying.", he muttered from exhaustion. The sun had not been kind with its heat, but seeing its light dim as it was about to set made the servant anxious. He wandered into the woods far from the markets, the pier, their home. There was nothing but trees and hills where he thread. He won't be able to defend himself if something attacked. Xuanyu made sure to keep his eyes on the trees as his Master was fond of climbing.
There was one spot left to check after roaming. Xuanyu had a hunch that his Master had to be there; the small stream hidden by the forest- one of Wei Ying's favourite swimming spots."...", his hope dwindled at the silence when he got there and there seemed to be no sign of his Master.*Splash*Xuanyu turns at the sudden noise. "Master Wei!", he runs for the water as the youngster swam to the bank, naked. "How long have you been holding your breath?... Where are your clothes?", Xuanyu looks around frantically."Behind the rock over there.", Wei Ying combs his hair with a hand and squeezed as much water as he needed to. His finger pokes his ear to clear the drops of water messing with his hearing."Here."Xuanyu drapes the outer robe on him to let him dry up first. "Have you eaten? Should I catch some fish?", he massaged the youngster's face with his constant brushing.
Xuanyu could not shake off the sadness in his Master's attitude. Wei Ying averts his gaze for a second, churning Mo Xuanyu's conscience with those silvery eyes. "My Mo Xuanyu, why did it take you so long to find me.", Wei Ying tried not to cry. Yet the tears came quietly."...", Mo Xuanyu walks to a rock and sits him down. Then he holds his Master to his chest and allows him to sob. "Everyone at home is worried sick about you. They think you run away...Is it true, that you're leaving?", He stroke the omega's wet hair, sighing when he feels the nod."...I do not wish to return.", Wei Ying creased the servant's clothes when he holds on to the embrace."Hahh, Master Wei, you won't be alone. They say your Father adores you and is dying to meet you...I'm sure he'll be pleased to know you're a flower, just like your mother wanted.", Xuanyu felt a head shake."Come on Wei Ying, you're the son of a man other Sects fear. I wish I had such a person for a father. One who loves no matter the gender...", the servant rubs the other's back lightly.
He too could have been a Young Master living a good life if his father wanted him and his mother had not been driven to suicide.Wei Ying bit his lower lip once Xuanyu's little speech sank in. His friend was right, people would kill to be in his place. "Mo...my Mo Xuanyu...", Wei Ying lifted his head, his hands resting on Xuanyu's waists as he pulls away to look at him.
"I need you...you have to save me...I can't go back there...not where my mother was killed...Please don't let them take me...", he gulped. "..."There was a tremor in his voice. One that Mo Xuanyu would call fear. But this is not the kind of fear that came from being scolded by Jiang Cheng or Madam Yu, it was worse...************************************************************************"A'Cheng, must you search his room?", Yanli tailed behind her brother. Night had fallen, but the youngest had still not been found. At this rate, they were beginning to fear the worst."It's necessary that I do Jie. A'Ying may have left a note or a clue about where he is.", Jiang Cheng barged into the omega's room, untouched since his absence was discovered. "Okay...I'll help.", Yanli swallows the emptiness, wiping her face with a handkerchief. She heads for the drawers while Jiang Cheng removed the bedsheets, shaking them rigorously for a note. His eyes follow the 'clank' sound that comes after an object falls to the ground. A sound so loud that it gained YanLi's attention as well.
"Is that...Chenqin.", she spoke as the metal knocked the base of the bed frame and rolled underneath. "...""Thank heavens. If Chenqin is here then A'Xian will return home, right?""Yes, but it could also mean he's in trouble...He's an omega Jie. Without his flute, he may be vulnerable.""...", Yanli sunk back into her disturbed state. What Jiang Cheng said made a lot of sense. Maybe their youngest did not run away. Maybe he had been harassed by an alpha or attracted the wrong kind of crowd.
"Jie, dont panic. Wei Ying can take care of himself.", the alpha reassured her. "This bed is weak, I'll ask father to change it.", Cheng fell to the ground, shoving a hand into the broken space in search of the black flute. His arm goes in to the shoulder level when the flute rolls again at his touch. Just when he grabs it, he feels something bulky prick his finger.
He eventually pulls Chenqin out but becomes suspicious. "Hold onto this for me Jie, there's something else down there.", Wanyin goes down again, this time clawing at the object and keeping his hold."What's that?", it was Yanli's first time seeing the treasured box."Not sure, could be A'Ying's.", Jiang Cheng set it on the naked bed and opened it.
The coloured books were the first to be inspected. The alpha's brow went up after the first few flips. He prevented Yanli from watching, stating it was of no use. Skipping the pornographic materials takes him to a collection of paintings and drawings gently tucked under. Wei Ying's initials sat calmly at the bottom of each artwork."Senior sister, have a look at this...", Jiang Cheng hands a drawing to Yanli. The outline had been drawn yet it was not complete.It didnt take long for Yanli to recognize the drawing. "This must be A'Xian's love interest.", a gentle grin appeared on her lips, recalling Wei Ying's description of the female alpha."A love interest?... How come I don't know of this?", Jiang Cheng scowled. A love interest could mean his assumptions were wrong, and Wei Ying could be with that individual. "Pay no attention to it A'Cheng. The person is a female ghost that A'Xian is infatuated with. We talk about her all the time; the alpha in a white robe...What's wrong Wanyin?", Yanli lowers the paper when the other massages his temple."Take a look at this one Jie, tell me if they are the same people.", Jiang Cheng realizes an upsetting truth as he observes the other paintings.Yanli checks a more refined image with bolder features. "They seem to have...the same outfit. Long white robes with broad sleeves.""Look closely Jie", Jiang Cheng presents another paper almost furiously, "Do they not resemble a certain jade from Gusu. That forehead ribbon and the Zither in this painting should tell you who it is.""Lan Wangji?", Yanli gazed at her junior with wide eyes. "But how? They've never met before."..."Shijie...", A familiar voice echoes behind them. They were too distracted to hear the door shut in the outer room."A'Xian...", Yanli turns with the evidence in her grasp.Mo Xuanyu stood behind Wei Ying like a shadow, even when the omega softened at the mess in his room."Wei Wuxian, explain why you have these hidden under your bed?... How the hell do you know the man in this painting!", Jiang Cheng's tone was a clear signal that he was about to blow. "It's...just a random painting Ge.", Wei Ying's gaze did not stay up for long. Jiang Cheng, "Dont play smart with me!""A'Cheng, be gentle, you'll frighten him.", Yanli stepped in front of the alpha. "I don't care if he cries Jie, he better tell me how he knows Lan Wangji before I lose my temper.", The alpha threatened.
Yanli looked at the youngest with confusion...'Oh A'Xian, what did you do?', she wondered.Wei Ying gulped, bracing himself for the worst confrontation with his siblings.While the Jiangs focussed on the youngster's face, Mo Xuanyu could only see those trembling hands clinging to silk for support. He felt sorry for his Master. Why wouldn't Wei Ying want to run away when he can't even love whom he wants to...************************************************************************
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