There was a knock on the door of the Jingshi.

Wei Ying would have gotten up to answer it, but he was held down by immovable arms, in his place from which the owner was reluctant to let him go.

"Enter." Lan Zhan was already frowning.

Wei Ying giggled at his expression.

"You look so put out." He remarked.

"It is an intrusion." Lan Zhan replied, the cloud above his head gathering darkness.

The door opened and it was JingYi.

"There's an idio- I mean, farmer, that wants to see you." He said, beaming at Wei Ying.

"Me?" Wei Ying pointed at his own chest. "Whatever for?"

"He won't tell me." JingYi shrugged nonchalantly.

"That's just weird." Wei Ying turned to his husband. "They never want to talk to me..."

"That's not why I'm questioning his mental capacity..." JingYi said, quickly in case he earned a frown from one of them.

"Does Wei Ying wish to meet with him? He may decline if he so desires..." Lan Zhan replied.

"I don't know...it depends on what he wants." Wei Ying shrugged. "I don't mind because simple people have simple needs...and farmers are hard workers. Maybe it's just a gui..." He stood up and stretched out his hand to help Lan Zhan up.

Lan Zhan used it to stand up and simultaneously pull him closer.

JingYi fled.

Wei Ying looked up into incredibly darkened golden eyes.

When Lan Zhan was in this kind of mood, he was hard to predict. It was a combination of stubborn pettiness, sprinkled with clingy neediness. And even if he was accompanying Wei Ying to the meeting, that in no way meant they would get there immediately.

Or on time.

They would get there in Lan Zhan’s time.

"Wei Ying is too beautiful to go out like this." Lan Zhan said, staring deeply into silver starlight eyes, dazzling and alluringly bright.

"Well then...how does my husband want me to go out..." Wei Ying smiled against his lips. He shimmied closer, rubbing himself up against the harder, muscular body.

"Thoroughly ravaged."

Lan Zhan caught his bottom lip in a single bite, his hot tongue invading an eager mouth. Wei Ying melted into him, even as a fire raged through his body, blazing through to his nerve endings, a delighted fluttering of butterflies taking flight in his belly. He moaned, as Lan Zhan held his arms captive, and tightly against himself; Wei Ying couldn’t move.

But then, he didn't want to, not when this was such pure heaven. Lan Zhan tasted incredible, a mix of sandalwood and spice, heat and desire pouring off him in waves of need.

Wei Ying only had to look at him for Lan Zhan to want him. Wei Ying, as free as a whisper on the wind, the fleeting fragrance of a spring flower, combined with the sweetness of honey. Lotus flowers and wine...his Wei Ying had his own perfume and it was driving Lan Zhan wild with love.

There was not a world where he would not need Wei Ying like his next breath.

Wei Ying was doing his own exploration, as his hands fisted white, pristine robes for purchase, a futile attempt to control what was happening between them.

When Lan Zhan finally let him go, he was dizzy with love and had to be steadied. Meanwhile, Lan Zhan wore a smug smile.

"How are you so unaffected...by...that?" Wei Ying was still trying to catch his breath.

Lan Zhan took his hand and opened his fingers so that Wei Ying's palm was open. He brought it to his lips for a warm kiss before placing it against his heart.

Wei Ying could hear the too-rapid beating of his heart, and he stepped forward.

"Am I ravaged enough, husband of mine?" His voice was lower than normal.

"Mn." Lan Zhan took in his appearance, a pink blush across his cheeks, lips bruised and swollen satisfactorily. And those beautiful silver eyes, winking mysteriously at him, as if all the secrets of the world lay hidden somewhere deep within.

"Then let me leave something of myself upon my husband...so he won't forget me."

Lan Zhan swallowed the sound of disbelief that would have left his mouth, but Wei Ying had latched on to the softest patch of skin where his shoulder met his neck. His soft lips caressed that sweet spot, until he was sucking deeply on it. His teeth grazed the sensitive flesh, testing, tasting, until he bit down.

Lan Zhan had steadied him by holding his hips, but now his fingers were digging into the soft skin, trying to control his own reaction. He wanted nothing more than to throw Wei Ying onto their bed and show him what happened when he crossed the line, but...someone was waiting for them.

Wei Ying stepped back, an equally satisfied look upon his face at the quickly forming bruise in the shape of his lips.

Lan Zhan adjusted his robes so nothing was visible.

Then arm in arm, they left the Jingshi together.

*******

"Sorry...could you please repeat that?" Wei Ying asked, trying not to laugh out loud.

"I said, I have cows. Or bulls. But no little ones. And I need your help, oh Yilling Patriarch." He placed a thick heavy purse onto the table in between them, and metal clinked as it settled.

"You know how this works, right?" Wei Ying was caught between exasperation and disbelief. He glanced at his husband, who made a circle from his finger and thumb with one hand, and drove the finger from his other hand into it repeatedly. All under the impeccably white billowing sleeves so no one else could see.

Wei Ying choked on his own spit.

If Lan Zhan was allowed to have fun, he didn't see why he wasn't allowed to...

"Listen, you just put the cows in with the bulls...and leave it up to nature. It will happen by itself, trust me." Wei Ying shrugged.

The farmer put another heavy purse on the table next to the first one.

"But I want to make sure. My father...before he died...he said I'd never be able to run the place by myself. I need just a little bit of help...that's all." The farmer said, a desperate look coming into his eyes. "Isn't there anything you can do to, you know, encourage them?"

Wei Ying thought about it.

"I have plenty of money." The farmer put another purse on the table. "And...I need it to happen quickly, too. My father won't be in heaven for long before he has to move on. I wish him to see my success."

"Alright, you can stop now." He held up his hand when the farmer reached into his pocket again. He tapped his nose and thought quickly. "Okay, I need you to bring me some things."

"Whatever you want." The farmer agreed.

"Bring me some hairs from both. And some of their dung. You can leave it up to me after that. Where are you based? When it's ready, we'll come and deliver it in person."

The farmer stood up and bowed.

"I knew I could trust the Yilling Patriarch. I am indebted to you." He bowed lower and left.

Wei Ying lasted all of thirty seconds before giving in to the ridiculous request and thinking about it, he folded himself in half laughing until he was red in the face.

"I take it Wei Ying is confident about his abilities." Lan Zhan wore a half smile, delighted with the vision Wei Ying presented right now.

"You could say that." Wei Ying giggled more. "In and out...it's going to be easy."

"It's all about give and take." JingYi added, oblivious to why Wei Ying found that even funnier.

"There's nothing hard about it." Wei Ying's spluttering laughter trailed behind him as he was dragged back to the Jingshi by a Jade who clearly had plans.

**********

The next day, bright and early, the farmer brought over the items Wei Ying had requested. JingYi held his nose with one hand and dumped the small bag outside the Jingshi and after knocking a few times, ran away.

Wei Ying picked up the bag and returned inside the Jingshi. He had his own workstation but maybe this was a job that required...fresh air...

So he set up a table and seating in the back garden.

He had asked for the dung because of the hormones and pheromones present which would facilitate fast, uncontrollable desire, and a need to mate immediately, as per the farmer's wishes. Now all he had to do, was mix the components into the ink and draw the talisman.

He was just about to light the flame and burn the last ingredients into the paper when the slamming of the back door startled his fingers and the whole thing exploded into his face.

What a waste!

Wei Ying sighed, and looked towards the source of the disturbance.

It was Jiang Cheng, followed by JingYi, who peaked out from behind him.

"Er...are you alright?" The younger one beamed.

"I was." Wei Ying tried not to be annoyed. He had to start all over again but this time, he was faster. "Here, JingYi. Go take this to that farmer and wish him well."

He then got up to hug his brother, but Jiang Cheng held his own nose and kept Wei Ying back with a single finger.

"You need a bath first. I can't be smelling like I've been frolicking in a pigsty all afternoon." But he grinned. "I just came to see you."

Wei Ying was pleased by that and took out his stash of Emperor's Smile and a bunch of peanuts.

They whiled away the afternoon in a haze of reminiscing and joking about the good old days. When the door to the Jingshi was flung open suddenly, Jiang Cheng bade a hasty goodbye and left.

But there was something different about Lan Zhan today. There was a wild look in his eyes the closer he got to Wei Ying...until he pounced.

Wei Ying was caught as teeth clashed, lips smashed together in a blinding kiss.

Lan Zhan picked him and threw him onto their bed, need coursing through his veins like a wildfire, obliterating rational thought in the flames of desire.

Wei Ying was kissed as if his life depended upon it, but not satisfied with that, Lan Zhan proceeded to bite him everywhere.

Afterwards, still trying to catch his breath, Wei Ying snuggled into his arms and Lan Zhan kissed the top of his head.

"So eager, Lan Er-Gege..." Wei Ying purred, his eyes closing by themselves. "If I could get pregnant....we would have a little trail of baby WeiLans following us around..."

"Sleep now." Lan Zhan told him.

But the picture he painted stayed within Lan Zhan’s mind for a long time before he was able to sleep.

The next morning, Wei Ying was still fast asleep when Lan Zhan drew a bath for them both. The water was hot and soothing, fragranced with sandalwood oil and lavender and Wei Ying moaned in blissful relief as they both sank into it. His arms were around Lan Zhan’s neck, blinking awake slowly.

For Lan Zhan, this was the best part of his morning, when he got to see Wei Ying wake up for the first time. His silver eyes became brighter as his consciousness woke up, his face blooming into the most beautiful flowery smile.

There wasn't anything Lan Zhan wouldn't do to see this gorgeous sight every single day.

Lan Zhan poured soap into a cloth rag and wiped it all over Wei Ying’s shoulders, frowning when the other winced.

There were many such marks upon his husband's body...all put there by himself.

"I was...too rough with Wei Ying...last night." He said, softly.

"My love..." Wei Ying brought his face around to look at him, waiting until Lan Zhan really looked at him. "I love it when you take control. I do love it when you...show me how much you love me...and have I ever said it was too much?"

Lan Zhan shook his head slowly, but the remorse was still present in his golden eyes.

"Aiya...sweetheart...how can I make you understand? There's no need to feel bad. I love your bites..." He shivered as the thoughts of how he got them came to his mind. "They tell me that I am the only one that Er-Gege loses control with, I am the only one that Lan Er-Gege can be completely himself with. It is a precious gift, my love. I am both honoured and filled with the desire to do it all over again...I mean, you were pretty wild last night."

"Mn. I am not sure why..." Lan Zhan admitted, a small smug smile on his face.

Wei Ying was relieved that the unnecessary guilt was gone. In its place was a growing, matching desire to repeat their everyday activities.

"I don't care why..." Wei Ying declared.

Lan Zhan was lost to the swirling, changing emotions in those starlight eyes, a grey fire of need slowly growing. Wei Ying was a temptation he was powerless to resist, and his love for this wild, untamed man grew more and more with each second that passed.

Wei Ying bit his lip, those white bunny teeth coming out to play. A gorgeous rosy blush graced his beautiful face, and he leaned forward to kiss his husband again and again.

Scorching kisses burned hotter than the water they were sitting in, and soon, the water had to be changed in order for them to be clean.

Once both were dressed and ready for the day, Lan Zhan brought in their breakfast.

Wei Ying was looking forward to eating, his hunger making his stomach growl loudly, and he blushed as Lan Zhan uncovered the bowls.

But the moment the smell of the noodles hit his nose, he gagged.

He tried not to, dismissing the feeling as passing by, but when he actually went to eat it, his face paled and sweat broke out across his forehead. He was up and racing out of their back door in seconds, dry heaving into the bushes behind the Jingshi.

Lan Zhan was hot on his heels, worried beyond measure. Wei Ying never threw up...

The fresh air helped, and Wei Ying was about to stand up when he was hit by a wave of dizziness. Lan Zhan grabbed him to steady his body, alarm apparent on his face.

Wei Ying leaned heavily into him, the scent of sandalwood calming his mind and body.

"Don't worry, my love. It's probably just a stomach bug or something. Maybe I just need to lie down." He smiled sheepishly, but his eyes were closed.

Lan Zhan picked him up gently and brought him inside. He laid Wei Ying down on their bed and covered him with a blanket.

"I am just coming back." He promised.

Wei Ying nodded, but quickly said, "please...can you cover up the food?"

Lan Zhan did as he requested, noting his paleness. He left as soon as he could and brought back a healer.

Wei Ying had fallen asleep in those few minutes, and he woke to another Lan checking his pulse.

"I cannot detect anything." He was telling Lan Zhan who was standing directly behind him, glaring at the back of his head.

The man could feel it.

The situation would have been funny if Wei Ying had felt better.

"Try harder." Lan Zhan suggested, his tone anything but.

"Er...maybe it's too soon to tell?" The poor healer replied, hopefully.

"You are not qualified to treat him. Go and get someone better." Lan Zhan hit back, a clear threat in his voice.

The man hightailed it out of there immediately.

Wei Ying reached for his hand and brought it to his face, leaning into his touch. He immediately felt better at the fragrance that was a constant with Lan Zhan.

"I think you scared him." He murmured, smiling.

"Don't care." Lan Zhan pouted. "Wei Ying is more important."

"Then come here. Right now, nothing else is working, only you are making me feel better." Wei Ying tugged weakly on his sleeve.

Lan Zhan slid into bed right next to him, and held him closer, willing away whatever this ailment was. Wei Ying drifted off to sleep.

When he woke up, there was a note on the empty pillow next to him.

"I am coming back soon, do not worry. I will try to find something that Wei Ying can eat."

Wei Ying was filled with happiness.

He was so lucky to have Lan Zhan!

Tears escaped his eyes with emotions too strong for him to contain and he tried wiping them away but it was like a tidal wave of love for this beautiful man...who was currently stepping into the Jingshi with a tray.

Alarmed, he quickly put it down on the table and came to sit beside Wei Ying, bringing him into the safety of his arms.

"What's wrong? Don't be scared, we will find out what's wrong with you." His long fingers carded through silky locks, soothing the distraught man.

"T-these a-are happy...h-happy tears." Wei Ying gasped, feeling so much better because Lan Zhan was here. "Just don't leave me alone...I don't know why, but I only feel okay when you're here."

"Mn. Won't leave." Lan Zhan promised.

They sat like that for a while, and Lan Zhan breathed deeply and slowly, in order that Wei Ying copied him. Slowly but surely, Wei Ying felt better.

So was his stomach. It called for attention.

Lan Zhan smiled at him and brought over the tray.

"We will eat here." He told Wei Ying, stopping him from getting up.

Wei Ying sat up eagerly. He was feeling really hungry now, having not eaten anything since yesterday's wine and peanut party with his brother.

But the thought of wine, however good quality it was, made him feel nauseous so he quickly put it out of his mind.

There were crackers and cheese on the tray and Wei Ying lunged for them, his hunger way out of control. Lan Zhan smiled, watching him eat before taking his own bowl to hand. He had made a bland soup with no onions or spices, and once he had explained somewhat haltingly to the ladies in the kitchens, they had advised what could have set off such a strange reaction in his husband.

Wei Ying was well-loved all over Cloud Recesses, except with the Elders who were still cautious with him, and so the ladies in the kitchens had been eager to help.

They suggested dry food for now and bland things until they had a handle on what could possibly be wrong with Wei Ying.

And it seemed to be working. For the first time ever, Wei Ying ate voraciously, finishing his plain rice with just a few spoons of his soup, and eyeing the bottle of chilli oil like it was a scorpion.

He even felt good enough to jump out of bed and take a walk.

They strolled through the hills and mountain paths of Cloud Recesses slowly, Lan Zhan keeping the pace because he didn't quite trust that Wei Ying was back to normal just yet.

"This is lovely, isn't it?" Wei Ying smiled up at him and leaned his head on Lan Zhan’s shoulder.

"Mn."

"Is it okay for you to be taking time off work?" He asked, tentatively.

Lan Zhan’s duties had decreased when XiChen had returned from seclusion, but Cloud Recesses was proud and responsible, and there was much work on a daily basis to attend to.

"Wei Ying is more important." Lan Zhan kissed his hair and remained silent.

So what if he had told his brother that he wasn't coming back until Wei Ying was alright? His brother would understand, because Lan Zhan meant it.

Lan Zhan was past caring about that. His first job was and always would be, Wei Ying's husband. And with that in mind, everything else became secondary, and put on the back burner so that clarity reigned.

Wei Ying yawned so Lan Zhan found a nice peaceful spot under a willow tree and laud out a blanket. He made Wei Ying lie down and began humming to him softly. Wei Ying closed his eyes as Lan Zhan stroked his hair lovingly, resting his free hand in Wei Ying's stomach.

Wei Ying settled down further, and fell asleep.

*********

So the days passed, with Wei Ying hurling up everything he ate from the night before, first thing in the morning. He'd lie down and rest, before eating a breakfast of plain food, not even complaining about its blandness, and then resting some more. They took long walks together, all over Cloud Recesses.

Lan Zhan discovered that Wei Ying liked and could keep down all manner of fruit and vegetables, but he had fallen in love with carrots.

Steamed, boiled, mashed, fried or raw, carrots were loved and became a part of every meal.

One day, Wei Ying eyed his bowl. It was exactly a week since his symptoms began and they were no closer to understanding what was happening to him.

"Why are you not eating normally?" Wei Ying asked Lan Zhan, his spoon halfway to his mouth.

"Wei Ying is my husband. I will eat what my husband eats." Lan Zhan replied calmly, continuing to eat his plain rice. "Besides, Wei Ying has forgotten, I always eat like this, even if it is usually a little seasoned."

"Awww! Lan Zhan, I love you so much!" Wei Ying had leaned across the table to kiss him.

But something was kind of in the way.

His hand reached down to his stomach.

Usually, his robes were loose and he hadn't noticed until now...but had his stomach grown bigger?

"What is wrong?" Lan Zhan asked immediately.

"I don't know..." Wei Ying said, faintly.

He grabbed Lan Zhan’s hand and put it on his stomach.

"Do you feel that?"

"Mn. Soft." Lan Zhan’s voice was full of approval.

"Nooooo!" Wei Ying was distressed. "I've just eaten the most plain, boring food, and only two meals a day...how could I have gotten fat?"

"Maybe it's air?" Lan Zhan suggested.

Wei Ying looked at him, cautious hope growing in his heart.

"Air?"

"Mn. Plain food can give gas. We will walk more."

"Alright."

But two weeks later, Wei Ying found the bump getting bigger, not smaller.

He tried not to say anything, but he knew Lan Zhan had noticed and he felt self-conscious about it. By the third week, the bump could no longer be hidden.

"Lan Zhan..." Wei Ying hid his face. "How can you love me when I am...I am..."

"So beautiful!" Lan Zhan finished off his sentence and showed him exactly how beautiful he thought Wei Ying was.

Indeed, Wei Ying was practically glowing with health and vitality.

But while he looked and felt happier, his symptoms changed. No longer was he throwing up, which was a relief, but his dizzy spells were more frequent, sometimes catching him unawares.

The first time it happened, he was just walking from the Jingshi to the bench under the Magnolia tree. The bench was only metres away from their home, but Wei Ying had to close his eyes, battling the urge to just lie down there and then.

Luckily Lan Zhan was just following him out and caught him, carrying him to the bench. He kept Wei Ying in his arms until Wei Ying finally opened his eyes.

There was confusion lurking within the silvery depths.

"Lan Zhan...I don't know what's wrong with me..." He said in a small voice.

Lan Zhan hugged him closer.

"No matter. We will figure it out soon. No need to worry. We are together." He soothed.

But in his mind, he had nurtured this very worry. What could be wrong with his Wei Ying?

Maybe it was time to visit those useless healers again, just in case.

He let Wei Ying rest for a couple of hours before making him walk again. Wei Ying felt refreshed and healthy and alive! He kept himself from skipping alongside Lan Zhan who was keeping a watchful eye on him, with a fond smile on his face.

They were walking past the dining halls when Wei Ying caught the smell of something utterly delicious...in fact, it was compelling him to go and find out what this amazing smell was.

Finding a hidden source of strength, he pulled Lan Zhan into the kitchens where the smell was incredible and so much stronger.

"Lan Zhan!! Find out what it is! It must be delicious...my mouth is watering..." Wei Ying swallowed hard.

Lan Zhan led him to the ladies who were busy cooking.

"Madam, what are you making?" He inquired politely, ignoring the insistent tugging on his sleeves.

When he looked, Wei Ying was making heart eyes at the pickled cabbage in the wooden tub.

"Can we have some of that?" He said instead, seeing the desire grow in Wei Ying's eyes.

Sometimes, just watching Wei Ying eat was an aphrodisiac all by itself...

"And crackers...and do you have any carrots?" Wei Ying supplied.

His stomach added its encouragement at whatever this was.

They piled a plate up for him and Lan Zhan made Wei Ying sit down before giving it to him. He rose to get him a glass of water, when the elderly lady stopped him with a hand on his arm.

Lan Zhan was about to give her a scathing remark on the perils of touching someone else's person when she spoke.

"If I didn't know any better, Hanguang-Jun, I would almost think he was pregnant..." she laughed.

Lan Zhan froze.

Pregnant?

He turned to look at his husband whose mouth was making love to a slice of pickled cabbage with glee.

He didn't know much about pregnancy...but just the odd snippets of information that had come his way.

Pregnancy included dizzy spells, an inability to eat, and then eating the strangest food later...and then...there was that mysterious bump. It was getting bigger every day, and Lan Zhan hadn't wanted to mention it because it was a sensitive subject for his Wei Ying, who had burst into tears the last time he had noticed it....

High levels of emotions...Wasn’t that yet another symptom?

And all of this...it wasn’t making him panic...no. Lan Zhan was overcome with such a strong sense of longing, he had to hold onto the table as it washed over him.

To have a little one...with Wei Ying...

Such a force of protection hit him, that Lan Zhan was ready to pick up his Wei Ying and take him immediately to the Jingshi and barricade themselves for the rest of the time...if indeed it was that Wei Ying was pregnant.

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

But Lan Zhan stopped his hope. How could it be possible? Until it was...

No, he wanted a second opinion before he said anything at all.

So he straightened his back, masked his features and collected a glass of water for his husband, keeping his thoughts at bay. They would know soon enough.

Wei Ying had polished off his plate with gusto, and was still licking his lips when he sniffed the air again.

"What's that smell?" He asked, his silver eyes lighting up again. One hand rubbed his belly warmly and in anticipation.

Before either of them could rise, the smell came closer with the elderly lady, who brought over a plate of cookies.

"Omg..." Wei Ying had grabbed a few still warm pieces and stuffed them into his mouth before she smiled and winked at Lan Zhan, walking away.

"Do you think they'll taste nice together?" Wei Ying finally spoke after polishing off the rest of the cookies.

"Mn?"

"Cookies and pickled cabbage?"

Lan Zhan tried to imagine it, but he could not.

"Does Wei Ying wish to try?" He asked instead, fervently hoping he did not.

"Nope! I'm so full, you could roll me back to the Jingshi...I'm a ball..." He said smiling at first, but then looking at his stomach, his gaze turned mournful.

Lan Zhan took hold of his hands. He lifted them up one by one to his lips.

"I love Wei Ying. All of him." He said quietly, meaningfully.

Wei Ying's eyes filled with tears, and Lan Zhan wiped them away gently.

"How are you still so sweet with me?" He cried.

Lan Zhan went over to sit beside him. He lifted the emotional man into his lap, holding him tightly.

"Listen to me." He commanded in his deep voice.

He immediately had all of Wei Ying's attention, feeling him shiver with anticipation.

"I love Wei Ying. I love you. All of you. If Wei Ying is bigger, then that means there is more of Wei Ying to love. Am I clear?"

Wei Ying nodded tearfully afterwards. It took time for that to sink in. That Wei Ying was loved regardless of whatever was happening to his body. And then he was loved even more. His eyes were back to shining with brilliance as he stared adoringly up at his husband.

"I love you too." He leaned up and kissed his mouth, eagerly lapping at his tongue.

It was so sudden, that Lan Zhan was kissing him back, and they were rising, on their way back to the Jingshi.

This time when he laid Wei Ying on their bed, it was with infinite gentleness. He made short work of their clothes and then he began an intense worshipping of his husband's body, with each kiss making sure that Wei Ying understood how precious he was to Lan Zhan.

First he paid treasured attention to Wei Ying's mouth, each suck and bite of his lips, tasting the precious nectar that lay within. Each caress designed to show him how much he was loved, how much Lan Zhan was grateful for his presence in every minute of every day.

His mouth drifted down to clamp his teeth upon Wei Ying’s collarbone, a place that made them both weak at their knees. Lan Zhan never failed to bite him there, but today, he merely fastened his lips and sucked a bruising kiss in his special spot.

His wandering mouth caressed every inch on the way down to Wei Ying's tummy where quite possibly, another life had formed. Lan Zhan discovered how much he really wanted it to be true.

He kissed around the bump, ignoring Wei Ying's muted cries of embarrassment, and then he grabbed Wei Ying's hands and held them down by his sides.

"Watch me." He ordered. "Do not close your eyes."

Wei Ying nodded silently, loving this different side of his husband. Sure, Lan Zhan was in control most of the time, directing their alone times as he saw fit...but now? Now he was even more in command, like a military general.

It was making Wei Ying shiver in anticipation. Goosebumps broke out all over his body, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He didn't know whether he was hot or cold...but whatever this was, he never wanted it to end. His heart was beating so fast, drumming in his chest and making him weak with desire.

Lan Zhan looked so beautiful as he raised himself to look down on Wei Ying's body, as if deciding where to start. The waiting was adding to the build up of their passion.

Lan Zhan glanced once more at the stunning man lying beneath him, red ribbon askew, ebony hair a wild halo framing his gorgeous face. Long, sooty eyelashes curled revealing bright sparkling silver eyes, shining up at him with so much love, Lan Zhan felt humbled.

And if there really was a little one in here somewhere, then they should know how much love was here, and waiting for them when they arrived.

So he leaned down and kissed the centre of Wei Ying's bump, smiling when he flinched.

"Wei Ying is beautiful. Repeat after me."

"Lan Zhaaan! I can't..." Wei Ying did close his eyes then, screwing them tightly shut.

"Won't you do it for me?" Lan Zhan asked him, softly.

"But it's so embarrassing!" He whined.

"It is an exercise. Simply because Wei Ying does not believe it right now. The more he learns to say these words out loud, and then, in his own mind, that is the only way he will believe it." Kindness shone from Lan Zhan’s golden eyes, brilliant with unconditional love.

It was like a warm blanket that wrapped around them both, warming their bodies and kindling their hearts.

"I am beautiful." He whispered, the softest pink blush dancing upon his face.

"Good boy..." Lan Zhan praised him, reaching up to kiss him once more.

This was a special time, just for them.

As Lan Zhan proceeded to kiss every part of Wei Ying's body, and repeat the litany, this phrase that by the end, Wei Ying was gasping out the words, so ready for Lan Zhan to make him feel better.

Afterwards, exhausted and ready for another nap, Wei Ying smiled as warm lips kissed his forehead.

"Sleep."

He was told, so he did.

***********

Wei Ying pouted.

"I don't wanna go."

"Why not?" Lan Zhan inquired, putting socks on his beautiful feet.

There wasn't a single part of Wei Ying's body that he didn't love. But when Lan Zhan put his boots on, Wei Ying kicked them off, inexplicably angry.

Which was strange because he never felt angry, not really.

These days his emotions were like a broken compass, pointing in any and every direction without warning. And the levels were out of this world!

He could understand a mild reaction towards anything but all it took for him to burst into tears, was a pretty flower, or even the cuteness of the bunnies, and he was a weeping mess of hormones. And like a waving fan, he could switch from happy to sad to emotionally distraught in seconds...but this anger...this anger was something new.

"I just don't want to. Isn't that enough?" He asked petulantly.

"If there is a reasonable reason...then we do not have to go." Lan Zhan told him.

He stood up, ready to retrieve the flung-away boot so it could be worn again.

But Wei Ying grabbed his waist and buried his face in the hard abdominal muscles.

It wasn’t practical but he had nowhere else to go.

Lan Zhan could feel him trembling, and realised that there was something more behind his feelings of not wanting to go and see the healers.

"Wei Ying?" He asked, softer now.

"Lan Zhan..." He shook his head, unwilling to say the actual words.

Lan Zhan began stroking his hair, something he had discovered would immediately calm down an agitated husband.

"Wei Ying should say what is on his mind." He encouraged instead, hugging him back.

"Well...it's just...what if...what if it's something really bad? What if I'm dying?" Tearful silver eyes stared miserably up at him.

Lan Zhan had been suspecting for days now, that the elderly ladies in the kitchens were correct in their speculation of what was happening to them. Everything about Wei Ying’s symptoms added up and made sense if applied to their diagnosis that Wei Ying was pregnant, and now, all Lan Zhan wanted was for them to find out for real.

But his every attempt at convincing a naughty husband that this was in their best interests had gone astray. Wei Ying could be quite inventive when faced with the possibility of doing something he didn't want to.

Lan Zhan could feel his ears getting hot, just by remembering the last time.

So no....he wasn't going to give up today! He was going to be strong. And as long as Wei Ying didn’t pout, he was going to be just fine...

"Wei Ying has a fifty fifty percent chance in either direction." He answered instead, smiling inwardly. "And, no proof. As a result, it is only logical that we should seek expert advice."

"What will you give me in return?" Wei Ying finally agreed.

Lan Zhan was in a particularly stubborn mood today, and Wei Ying could see him being unbudgeable...so if he had to go, it was not going to be for free.

Lan Zhan stared deeply into hypnotic silver eyes, intent on making this easy job as difficult as possible. He was wary.

"What would Wei Ying like in return?" He asked, a little bit tense now.

Wei Ying held up all five of his fingers.

"This many kisses."

Lan Zhan positively beamed at him, his lips twitching in eager delight. This was easy. This? He could do.

"And..." Wei Ying continued as if he hadn't paused.

"Mn?" Lan Zhan could feel the onslaught of grey hairs. He could feel them. They were there.

"You said you would eat whatever I eat, right?" Wei Ying pouted. "But you haven't. Not the last three times! We're supposed to be in this marriage together...but I'm all by myself..." his eyes were suspiciously wetter.

How could Lan Zhan refuse him now?

And he pouted!

Unfair!!

"I will eat everything Wei Ying eats." He solemnly promised immediately.

Wei Ying brightened enthusiastically, smiling so widely, that Lan Zhan forgot the reason why.

"Great!" He snatched his boot from Lan Zhan’s hand and grabbed his other one, hopping and trying to put them on at the same time, until Lan Zhan picked him up and placed him on their bed so he could do it safely.

"Let's go!" Wei Ying said, extremely excited.

"Why is Wei Ying so ... so-" Lan Zhan had to ask, but dreaded the answer.

"Happy? That's because when we get back, we're going to try a combination of durian, eggplant and pickled cabbage, with carrots." He enthused, his smile brighter than the sun.

Lan Zhan tried not to panic.

***********

As expected, Wei Ying caused a stir.

None of the healers could believe it, and when they checked the results of the tests they did, it was conclusive: Wei Ying was pregnant.

Both Wei Ying and Lan Zhan cried, but for different reasons.

Wei Ying had been terrified that it was some incurable disease, ready to snatch him away from his love, so it was now pure relief that was making his eyes water.

He still couldn't quite believe it.

And Lan Zhan? Lan Zhan was ecstatic!

They were going to be fathers!

He was so happy about this, he stood right next to Wei Ying, one arm wrapped around his waist and the other big, warm palm placed protectively over Wei Ying’s bump.

The healers had some questions, of course.

They were quite shocked to find out that although Wei Ying looked to be about three months along since he became pregnant, it was actually only one full month in reality.

"That means, two months from now, your baby will be ready to be born." One of the healers announced.

"How big is he right now?" Wei Ying asked, his big silver eyes wide in his face.

This was one surprise he hadn't been expecting.

"Or she? It could be a girl?" Lan Zhan said, smiling at how cute his husband looked.

"It's definitely a boy." Wei Ying declared. "I can feel it."

Lan Zhan did not want to get into a disagreement, not when he was so happy, so he remained quiet.

But he couldn't help smiling at that because not even two hours ago, Wei Ying hadn’t even known he was pregnant...

"As long as they are healthy, we do not mind." He replied, diplomatically.

"I wonder how it happened?" Wei Ying mused. And then his head whipped around to face Lan Zhan. "Oh my god, Lan Zhan! Do you remember that farmer? The one who wanted baby cows desperately?" He tugged on the white sleeves in his excitement.

"Mn. What about him?"

"Well, remember he wanted to have them quickly? Do you think-?"

"Yes!" Lan Zhan replied immediately. "Wei Ying is correct. That night, didn't you say it exploded on your face?"

"Everywhere, actually." He admitted. "I think that's what caused this." Wei Ying waved a hand over his body.

"It is a good thing." Lan Zhan kissed his temple.

"That's why I've been going crazy with all these changes. That farmer wanted everything to happen fast, and I think that's what is affecting my pregnancy too. That's why we will be parents in three months, not nine..." his eyes filled with tears again, this time joyful ones. "Oh. My. God. Lan Zhan...we're going to be parents...like...really soon..."

They were interrupted by a commotion by the doors of the infirmary and Lan XiChen and Uncle Qiren entered, both looking shocked but happy.

Congratulations were offered and exchanged, explanations given and a celebratory mood was in the air.

"Is there anything you would like delivered to the Jingshi?" Uncle Qiren asked.

While Wei Ying thought about it, Lan XiChen smiled at his baby brother.

"Didi, you are not to leave A-Xian's side, do you hear me?"

"Mn." Lan Zhan bowed, terribly pleased.

He wasn't going to go into work anyway, but XiChen didn't need to know that.

"Maybe...when the baby is born...we'll need things then...and babysitters..." Wei Ying offered.

Uncle Qiren was lost for words, and XiChen patted his back comfortingly.

This was a miracle and they were lucky that Wei Ying was such a kind soul who put family before everything else.

*********

Wei Ying's second month, in actuality his second Trimester, more changes occurred. Wei Ying began to love going outside more than staying indoors.

This would have been fine, except he was soon unable to sleep at night. And given his condition, the kinds of sedatives he was allowed were limited, and he himself did not want to put anything unnecessary into his body.

Whenever the sun sank into the horizon, Wei Ying would start to yawn, and then he followed it up by lying all over Lan Zhan. Wei Ying’s body was already considerably larger, but due to Lan Zhan's love and care, Wei Ying was blossoming into a proud father. He no longer minded his shape because as Lan Zhan had told him countless times, and continued to show him that he was loved no matter what.

But a couple of hours into sleep, Wei Ying was alert and awake as if something was wrong, and they were at a loss to explain it. He would have an uncontrollable urge to go outside, and of course, Lan Zhan would go with him. Wei Ying inevitably fell asleep there, and unfortunately, would wake up as soon as Lan Zhan brought them indoors.

This happened so often, that Lan Zhan decided to let him go to sleep outside from the get go.

His sleeping pattern had changed, from going to bed late at night and waking up after midday, to going to sleep and rising, with the sun.

He was definitely getting more tired too, walking around with more weight than usual too.

One day, Lan Zhan was playing their song on WangJi and Wei Ying was dozing next to him with his head in Lan Zhan’s lap, when he gasped and sat up straight away.

"Wei Ying!?" Lan Zhan stopped strumming immediately and turned to him.

Wei Ying grabbed his large hand and put Lan Zhan’s palm on his belly. A second later, Lan Zhan felt the baby kick. He rubbed the spot gently, his eyes filling with tears. He bent down and kissed Wei Ying's stomach softly.

"I cannot wait to meet you, little one." He whispered.

He wiped away the tears on Wei Ying's face, kissing his beautiful plump lips gently, full of love and devotion.

"Me too." Wei Ying covered his hand with his own. "Me too, little Radish."

That name stuck and henceforth, the bump was referred to as Little Radish whenever they talked about him. Even Lan Zhan was convinced that it was going to be a boy, especially from the force of his kicks.

Little Radish was only soothed and quietened down when either Wei Ying sang him a lullaby or Lan Zhan played upon WangJi for him. His favourite song was WangXian, immediately settling down faster whenever it was played.

The third major change was Wei Ying's diet.

So far, Lan Zhan had kept up his end of their agreement by dutifully eating everything that Wei Ying ate. The only difference between the two of them was that while one tremendously enjoyed their cravings, the other had to tolerate whatever was wanted on any given day, wordlessly terrified that his tongue was definitely going to suffer.

However, Lan Zhan's Cultivation was strong and he manfully ate without a complaint, everything on his plate.

Durian, mushrooms, olives both green and black, eggplant and jackfruit, all accompanied by carrots and pickled cabbage were consumed and experimented upon without restraint. There was even the occasional sweetened haws thrown in for good measure, and truly, it was an assault on Lan Zhan’s taste buds.

Instinctively, Wei Ying stayed away from papaya, bananas, watermelon and tamarind, all by himself.

But one day, in the height of summer, he discovered something even more delicious to eat.

They were out walking as usual, and Lan Zhan noted that they hardly ever spent much time inside the Jingshi as before. The Little Radish was extremely active, and as a result, so was both of his fathers.

That's when it happened.

Wei Ying's third month, and third Trimester was about to begin, and the healers had asked him to be even more careful with Wei Ying now. Their walks were slower now, on purpose. The pace controlled by Lan Zhan in a way that made Wei Ying not think twice about it.

Summer was in full bloom with patches of bluebells and buttercups dancing in the tall grasses, the scent of honeysuckle strong in the air.

And Wei Ying ran towards a particularly appealing patch of the greenest blades of grass and began munching mouthfuls of it, moaning in delight.

At first, Lan Zhan had simply stared.

It was not a common occurrence...

And then because Wei Ying was enjoying it so much, Lan Zhan pulled out a scythe and cut some, about a plateful, and stored it away, thinking to show the healers what his husband's latest craving was.

They had to walk past the infirmary anyway and Lan Zhan popped inside to ask them if eating grass was harmful to the baby at all.

The healers were shocked but helpful. They said it was fine because grasses contained many nutrients that were beneficial to all and as long as Wei Ying was happy, everything would be okay.

Lan Zhan was pleasantly surprised and happier to hear this.

When it was time for dinner, he washed the collected grass and served both of them in separate plates.

Wei Ying had smiled enthusiastically at him at the start of their meal and Lan Zhan was happy because he had done something to make him happy...but as he dug into his own plate of the green plants, he noticed that Wei Ying wasn't actually eating it.

Wei Ying ate everything else with no problems, just the grass was proving to be a problem.

"What is wrong?" Lan Zhan asked him, at last.

"Hmm? Oh...nothing..." Wei Ying replied quickly.

Too fast....

Lan Zhan narrowed his eyes at him.

"Fine, fine!" Wei Ying threw his hands up in the air. "It tastes different, okay?"

"Different?" Lan Zhan was puzzled.

This grass was collected from the same portion as the one Wei YIng had enjoyed quite a bit from...so what was wrong?

Wei Ying wouldn't meet his eyes.

Lan Zhan reached across the table and held his hand, his thumb tracing along the ridge of his knuckles.

"I am sorry...if I have done something wrong..." He said, softly.

Wei Ying was quick to deny it.

"No, no! My love...it's not your fault! I think...I think it's me..." He gave Lan Zhan’s fingers a warm squeeze.

"What does Wei Ying mean? If he clarifies, it can be avoided." Lan Zhan put his own confusion aside to better focus on what Wei Ying needed.

The truth was, so many changes had happened to Wei Ying's body, that of course, it must be confusing and challenging to wake up every day and deal with some new symptom.

For Lan Zhan, while it was hard to see Wei Ying suffering, he only felt happier and happier as each day passed by, but there was one question in his mind that he wanted to go and ask the healers about. Soon, he promised himself, and concentrated on what Wei Ying was saying.

"Well...it's just that grass on a plate, indoors...isn't as appealing as grass still growing, rooted to the earth and outside....do you know what I mean?"

He sounded so uncertain, and Lan Zhan didn't like it at all.

He was up and leaning across their table within seconds, kissing a surprised Wei Ying ruthlessly, trying to get his point across.

Wei Ying was so startled, he began giggling, and trying to kiss him back, but of course, he had to pick one or the other.

"Do you know my love, your solution to most things involves using your mouth?" His eyes darkened as he thought about the double meaning.

Lan Zhan ignored everything else and remained on point.

"Wei Ying must say everything on his mind. Don't be scared...I am here." He lifted both of Wei Ying's hands and kissed the back of them, one by one. "This is important. We are together for a reason, and we must face this new challenge, together."

"I know..." Wei Ying smiled tentatively. "It's just that...this uncontrollable desire to go outside and start munching on grass like a grazing cow...oh! Oh, my God!" He shot up as fast as his belly allowed and waddled to his desk, pulling out all manner of papers. "It's this one!" He shouted.

Lan Zhan was already next to him, alarmed by his reaction.

"What? What is it?" He asked, worried.

"Look! See this here, and this?" He pointed to the various strokes on his talisman. "This is what I created for that farmer, right? The one that exploded in my face? The one that made cows want to procreate like rabbits???"

"Oh." Lan Zhan finally understood. "Is this why Wei Ying has been displaying bovine tendencies?"

Wei Ying threw his arms around Lan Zhan’s neck. And then, he licked the side of Lan Zhan’s face.

Lan Zhan was stunned. He was both turned on and ....and...

"Omg...sorry!" Wei Ying blushed harder than a ripe tomato. "I couldn't help myself...I just had to..."

"It is okay..." Lan Zhan put his palm on his now hotter skin. "But it explains-"

"Yes! Yes! This explains everything! The wanting to go outside, the chewing on grass, the sudden love for more vegetables....everything!" Wei Ying kissed his cheek warmly, still embarrassed. "And the licking...gosh, I've been wanting to do that for so long!!"

Lan Zhan lifted him into his arms so that they were more comfortable. Wei Ying could no longer straddle him as before, but they managed a side hug quite comfortably and more importantly, they could still be close.

"Then...does Wei Ying want to go outside to graze?" Lan Zhan couldn't resist, and smirked.

Wei Ying smacked his arm lightly. But his silver eyes were bright with relief and amusement.

"Look at that! It took you knocking me up to actually make a joke!"

Lan Zhan beamed at him and kissed his sweet, sweet lips.

"Does Wei Ying regret it?" He asked.

This question too, had been on his mind for a long time now.

"Not at all! My love, how could you say something like that?" Wei Ying hugged him again.

"It was unplanned..." Lan Zhan explained.

"Even then, there's no way I would ever regret anything like this. In the same way that you love me because there's more of me, I love our child already because not only is he more of you, he's both of us, the best parts of both of us! So I have only good thoughts and love towards everything." His starlight eyes were shining with excitement. "I cannot wait to meet our Little Radish either."

"Xiao Luobo..." Lan Zhan whispered.

"Have you thought about names, my love?" Wei Ying asked him. "I mean, technically speaking, we can't really go around calling him that..." He grinned.

"Mn."

"You have?" Wei Ying squealed with delight. "What is it? I'm sure it will be a good one!"

"Lan SiZhui...Wei Yuan...if it is acceptable for you."

"Hope...and round?" Wei Ying was touched, but slightly confused.

"Yes...round...like a circle. It is us...no corners, just continuous." Lan Zhan stared deeply into his eyes, hoping it didn't sound silly. "And hope...for us."

"Lan Zhan...my love...these names...they mean so much." Tears fell from his beautiful eyes like tiny gems. "I love them, Lan Er-Gege..."

Lan Zhan hugged him back, stroking his hair.

"I love that you've been thinking about this...that's what makes our partnership so great. Me...? I feel like I've just been eating and eating...literally like a cow..."

Lan Zhan hid his smile, kissing his beautiful silky hair.

Wei Ying sagged against him, yawning.

"Wei Ying is tired?"

"Ahuh...it seems that's all I am these days...I could do with a nap." He yawned again.

Lan Zhan let him close his eyes and stood up, carrying him. He took Wei Ying outside into their back garden where another bed had been set up, under the canopy of the stars. He lay Wei Ying down on their bed and kissed his beautiful lips once more, and then he kissed their Little Radish too, before covering both with a blanket.

Then he returned inside to clean up after them.

As he put away their dishes and picked up the pieces of talisman papers, he wondered what had happened with the farmer, and made a mental note to himself to find out tomorrow. Maybe he could ask JingYi to go out and ask him.

Feelings of supreme contentment drifted over Lan Zhan as he got ready for bed. When he slid into theirs behind Wei Ying, his hand went to cover Little Radish too, and finding Wei Ying's hand already there, he linked their fingers together. His eyes closed peacefully, thinking what a beautiful family they made.

*********

Wei Ying knew something was ...not wrong...but it wasn’t right, either.

He had felt more tired than usual, his size awesomely so much bigger now, and any activity seemed to drain him of all his energy, what little there was left. His back had been hurting, and Little Radish had been pressing on his bladder more than usual; even a sip of a water made him want to go...and what was up with the amount of water he was expelling anyway?

So tired, and so exhausted, he had managed to waddle to their bed outside and lie down, after feeling so out of sorts.

But he was woken by a sharp pain in his abdomen so suddenly, he knew right away, their Little Radish was ready to come out.

The healers had told them that since this was not a normal pregnancy, and everything had been speeded up, plus the added fact that Wei Ying's insides were slightly different to a woman's, A-Yuan would have to be cut out of his body.

Wei Ying was pragmatic enough to know and realise that this was the only way, but it still terrified him.

Not unlike the transfer of his golden core, this whole procedure seemed even more important than that.

But as the pain grew, he knew he needed Lan Zhan right now. They had devised an emergency plan should the need arise, beforehand. Wei Ying was just about to send off a butterfly, when Lan Zhan burst through the back doors of the Jingshi.

"How did you know?" Wei Ying panted, giving up trying to sit up.

"I felt it." Lan Zhan told him, picking him up effortlessly.

He had been feeling strange all morning, and hadn't wanted to leave Wei Ying alone for some reason, but he had to go and fetch them something to eat. Today's wild cravings had been pickled cabbage, steamed carrots and black olives, with chocolate cake...

He had returned in record time, only for his sharp ears to catch the sound of Wei Ying's painful gasps.

Wei Ying tried to breathe through the pain, though it was unimaginable as A-Yuan tried to break free. His heart rate spiked up as soon as Lan Zhan brought him into the infirmary.

The healers had been prepped and ready for days now, keeping a close eye on his condition, so that they were fully prepared to perform the operation. They lay Wei Ying down on the bed and made Lan Zhan stand by his side as they set up a barrier so Wei Ying would not be able to see and distress himself further.

"You are going to be fine..." Lan Zhan told him, as Wei Ying writhed in pain, moaning out loud now.

It was so hard to see him like this, and Lan Zhan had never felt so helpless in his life.

Wei Ying was squeezing his fingers so tightly, Lan Zhan was sure there would be permanent damage, but he didn't care: as long as Wei Ying was alright and their son was healthy...

The healers administered anaesthetic and sanitised his belly.

Wei Ying's eyes had glazed over and he was biting his lip so hard, there was a drop of blood. His forehead was slick with sweat and Lan Zhan could see how uncomfortable he was. But Lan Zhan kept whispering words of comfort next to him, trying to let him breathe through the pain. It seemed to be helping too, because as soon as the anaesthetic began working, Wei Ying melted into the mattress, relaxing completely.

And as soon as he stopped moving, the healers made the cut.

Lan Zhan forced himself to look only at Wei Ying's face, mopping away his sweat and trying to make him feel better, and it was hard not to look beyond the barrier. But he knew, he could not stomach seeing any more of Wei Ying's blood spill, so he concentrated on his task.

It was over faster than anyone hoped, and the healers took a crying baby away to be cleaned before handing him over.

"Oh."

Lan Zhan couldn't help his gasp of surprise as he was overcome with tears.

Little Radish was beautiful.

He already had curly black hair, and nestled on top of his head were two knobbly horns and a pair of the fluffiest ears they had ever seen!

His face was clean and cute, his eyes silver bright, but he looked so much like Lan Zhan...

Wei Ying was kissing him all over his little face while the baby giggled, tears of joy escaping from both of his parents.

"Lan SiZhui, Wei Yuan...I am so pleased to meet you..." Wei Ying cried, his heart bursting full of joy. "Lan Zhan, Lan Er-Gege, meet our beautiful son, our Little Radish!" He lifted the baby up from his chest and gave him to his father.

Lan Zhan looked at the little boy and fell in love once more.

Little A-Yuan grabbed his finger and put it into his mouth, sucking gently. He closed his beautiful eyes and fell asleep.

When Lan Zhan looked over to Wei Ying, he had also succumbed to exhaustion and closed his eyes.

The healers gave him a chair and a blanket, and he sat next to his beloved, gazing upon the angelic face of their son, feeling peaceful love wash over him.

***********

Life changed for everyone in Cloud Recesses after that.

Lan SiZhui was smart, growing faster than expected and the healers suspected he was still under the influence of Wei Ying's talisman.

The first few months were relatively calm in comparison to what would come later.

Every morning, the little baby would wake up hungry and since cow milk was fine, they didn't have to worry. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying would take turns to feed him.

Thankfully, Wei Ying's cravings had subsided, and he was back to his usual diet of spicy food. His mood had much improved and he was back to his usual mischievous ways, but now, there was an air of carefulness over his manner.

It was almost as if he had realised that he was now a parent and had to act accordingly, ensuring that not only was their child safe, but both he and Lan Zhan were also.

Lan Zhan asked him about it one day.

"I suppose I am." Wei Ying had mused. "Mostly it's because...it's because I know what it's like to have to grow up without parents...and trust me, there are few things worse than that..."

Lan Zhan had brought him into the safety of his arms then and kissed his hair, wanting him to be happy.

They had sent JingYi as soon as he was able, to go and check on the farmer with the cows, and discovered that he had by mistake, given Wei Ying samples of both male bulls instead of one female and one male.

This explained so much...

"I told you he was an idiot..." JingYi had grinned and run away, after reporting that the farmer was now selling limited edition milk, and sent a wheelbarrow full of silver pieces to show his appreciation.

Meanwhile, Lan SiZhui was growing up in leaps and bounds.

Literally.

And he too, liked to sleep outside, as they found out early in the beginning when both fathers and child came back to live in the Jingshi.

Lan Zhan was skeptical at first but since SiZhui seemed to be most comfortable there and stayed asleep until the sun rose, made sure of by wakeful parents at his bedside, Lan Zhan had to acquiesce.

Three nights into his vigil, Wei Ying had dragged him back inside the Jingshi.

"He's asleep, and I can't, not without you, my love."

So Lan Zhan had kissed his sleep-soft lips and let himself be guided back to bed.

But as he went to sleep, he had another thought.

The next night, after they had sung their son to sleep, Lan Zhan was in a frisky mood, and their kisses were suddenly more passionate. It became a dance of who could kiss the hardest and of course, Lan Zhan won.

When his lips drifted over the dip in Wei Ying's collarbone, Wei Ying moaned and spoke softly.

"Do you think, my love...do you think that talisman has worn off?"

Fire blazed in golden eyes, as Lan Zhan had had the same thought in the previous night, and he bent to kiss the now mended scar on Wei Ying's belly.

Then he raised himself up to stare into beautiful silver eyes and said, "Let's find out."

*********

Uncle Qiren, now GrandUncle Qiren found his self control taking a much needed hike, away from him.

Lan SiZhui was a ray of sunshine in the blackened hills of his heart and the resulting rainbows served to brighten all the lives in Cloud Recesses. Loud and booming laughter could be heard from behind the doors of his quarters, and where once disciples had feared to walk past, children and adults alike paused to greet him and wave hello.

Lan SiZhui was the miracle child, who made it all possible. The boy would tilt his head and ask the most interesting questions, after listening intently to the answers of all his thoughts.

He was a thoughtful boy, who spread love and happiness wherever he went. He loved to sleep in the back gardens of his GrandUncle and his Uncle XiChen, bounding to their homes with abundant joy. And the two members of their family welcomed the little boy with open arms. He was so trusting and happy, that he made the people around him automatically happy.

One such day, Lan Zhan was standing with his arm around Wei Ying's waist, watching their son wave as he left to go visiting.

"I'm so glad our Little Radish is so happy." Wei Ying reached up to kiss Lan Zhan’s neck.

"Mn. It is because he was borne out of pure love." Lan Zhan replied, staring into shining starlight eyes.

"Lan Er-Gege...I do believe...I do believe you're right."

And they lived happily ever after.

THE END

********

A/N

Dear beautiful Readers,

Thank you so much for your patience with me. If I didn't have a job, I'd probably be writing all day, but then...starvation and out on the streets...hehe...

Anyway, I hope you like it.

So many requests for this, and it was a surprise how much I enjoyed writing this chapter. It's a huge one, finishing at around 11K, but the words flowed by themselves so I guess it was meant to be.

Especially for ashleyhall232 and FujoshiLover0129

Please accept this gift as it is.

I'm not sure if I will write another Pregnant WangXian again, and the reason is this:

I believe that their love is something so strong, that children are a bonus but not a necessity. There probably are some marriages that depend on producing heirs, and I did not want to taint their pure love with something like this, even though I can understand why other fans would want that.

So this is my gift to everyone.

Have a fabulous day and I hope you can all take a moment to enjoy some chocolate.

Charlie.