Home.

Lan Zhan couldn't help the thrill he felt when Wei Ying had called Gusu, home. And the casual way that word had fallen from those lips, when it meant everything.

They travelled on horseback for speed and to conserve energy. To be honest, Lan Zhan hadn't felt any different after their wedding, and upon quizzing his husband, Wei Ying had felt nothing either. Whether or not they had both achieved immortality was not something he wanted to test anytime soon. It was just for his peace of mind, especially when it concerned Wei Ying, the biggest magnet for trouble.

Jiang Cheng had joined them, since there was going to be another wedding here, and he didn't want to miss it. Plus Lan Zhan thought his brother might have something to do with him coming along. During the past few weeks, his brother had been with Jiang Cheng more often than not, and he wondered about it. Were they becoming more than friends? He wanted talk to Wei Ying about it...

Wei Ying took the time riding to Gusu to appreciate the scenery, taking in the willows and rocky terrain. Lotus Pier was full of lakes and rivers, more of a flat land than mountainous. So it was a welcome change. Mountains were so peaceful, whether the air was cleaner and colder or if it was just because of the familiarity that Gusu represented.

He remembered Lan Zhan's face when he'd called it home. The truth was, despite of the many punishments he'd had to endure, Gusu felt more like home, even more than Lotus Pier did now. The only person he was nervous about meeting was Uncle Qiren, but with a little bit of luck, he might be in seclusion.

*****

It was not to be.

Uncle Qiren was back from meditating in seclusion, the disciples guarding the gates to Cloud Recesses told them.

Wei Ying tried not to think about it. They walked the rest of the way to Uncle's quarters. Lan Zhan held his hand, feeling his nerves. Before they entered, Lan Zhan faced him.

"You have nothing to worry about. I love you. Uncle will understand."

Wei Ying took a deep breath and tried to smile. If Uncle Qiren did not suffer from a qi deviation, that would be a win in his book, he thought to himself.

Lan Zhan kissed his cheek, took his hand again, and opened the door.

Zewu-Jun went in first, ever the diplomat. Wei Ying tried to hide behind Lan Zhan, all too aware of his Uncle's feeling for him.

Sure enough, the smile vanished when he saw Wei Ying, and then his gaze landed on their joined hands.

Uncle Qiren scowled.

Wei Ying gulped. It was not going well.

Zewu-Jun bowed, and they followed his lead. They sat at the table and tea was poured. Then there was silence.

Wei Ying couldn't help but fidget, stopping only when the hand around his tightened.

"Wei Ying and I are married. We are Cultivation Partners now." Lan Zhan said without warning. Wei Ying dared not look up.

"WHAT?!" Uncle spluttered, smashing his cup down. "When?"

"In Lotus Pier, a few days ago." Lan Zhan replied calmly. "I hope we have your blessings."

Uncle Qiren poured more tea, swallowed, stared at Wei Ying, and poured more tea.

More awkward silence. Wei Ying wished to be anywhere but here.

"We will of course, have another ceremony here in Gusu." Zewu-Jun said, helpfully, smiling.

Still no reaction except a tightening grip of the teacup. Wei Ying thought it was remarkably strong for porcelain.

"When?" Uncle Qiren suddenly looked tired and resigned.

"In a few days?" Zewu-Jun replied brightly, clearly enjoying himself. "That should be enough time to organise a banquet in their honour."

Uncle Qiren poured another cup of tea.

*****

"Well, that went...well." Wei Ying said.

They were in the library now. Jiang Cheng had joined them after spending some time in their stables, a fact that Wei Ying had not forgiven him for not coming with them to see Uncle.

"You have to admit it, any meeting where he doesn't throw something at you is a good thing!" Jiang Cheng grinned.

Wei Ying flicked a brush at him. "I'm likeable once you get to know me!"

"Wei Ying is the best." Lan Zhan said from behind a shelf.

"Your opinion doesn't count, you married him!" Jiang Cheng retorted. "My brother takes some getting used to, that's all."

"Make yourself useful." Wei Ying dumped a pile of books in front of him.

Zewu-Jun found the journals he had thought of; he and Jiang Cheng decided to work together, something that hadn't gone unnoticed by the other two.

"If only we knew why they want the Yangsui. What does it do? Apart from taking in the sun's rays?" Wei Ying plopped down beside Lan Zhan in defeat. "I have so many questions!" He leaned against his shoulder.

Lan Zhan kissed his head and continued reading.

"Do you think they have bad intentions?" He carried on musing. "Anyone related to Wen Rouhan doesn't necessarily have to be bad, right?"

"They kidnapped you. Chained you up."

"Okay, you're right. But if they want to do something bad, what could it be?" He gasped. "Lan Zhan! If it's something bad, we're looking in the wrong place!"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean the Forbidden room. It stands to reason that any information which will help us would be there, especially if the Yangsui must not be found by Mei Tongqing Xin."

Zewu-Jun was already standing up, listening to them.

"I think Master Wei is right."