Wei Ying was elated when he saw the white gate of Cloud Recesses. His memories took him back to that first meeting, standing with Jiang Cheng and his Shijie. How they had turned and seen a heavenly being walking towards them, ethereal in his beauty, stern and unmoving in his belief.

He couldn't help himself; he giggled.

Lan Zhan raised a brow.

"I was remembering the first time I saw you." He jumped up into a koala hug. "Who would've thought the Great Hanguang-Jun would turn out to be the other half of my soul?"

Lan Zhan caught him easily and tightened his grip. "Mn."

"That's all you can say?" Wei Ying exclaimed. "Surely you can spare a few more words? How did you feel when you first saw me?"

Lan Zhan thought deeply. How had he felt, he wondered, walking the path to the Mingshi. True, his heart had been beating so much faster, his gaze returning again and again to the boy standing next to his brother, and wondering how someone could be so... captivating.

"Wei Ying is beautiful." He finally answered.

Wei Ying blushed and hid his face in the crook of Lan Zhan's neck. They were alone now, the children leaving them before, but he was still embarrassed.

"Lan Zhan is more beautiful," he whispered against his throat. "I can't believe we're married."

"I will show you later."

The ear next to his face was pink tinged and gorgeous, and Wei Ying couldn't stop himself from biting it. He ran his tongue over it to soothe, smiling at the shudder rippling through his husband.

"I look forward to it!" He let go reluctantly and followed after Lan Zhan into the room.

The Mingshi offered extra protection; wards were strengthened everyday and a permanent security cloaked the four walls for added peace of mind.

Wei Ying carefully produced the mirror covered in talismans, adding his own ward to the floating object.

Lan XiChen entered then smiling at seeing both of them.

"So this is the famous Yangsui?" He asked, walking around it.

Now that it was under control, they could examine it closely. The unblemished surface shone with an unnatural brightness, the talisman on its face preventing a reflection to happen. The surrounding bronze frame was in two parts, both intricately engraved with peaches and blossom. On the back was a single solitary peach tree surrounded by a Bagua compass.

"It's beautiful for something quite evil," Wei Ying breathed out. "I think the outer circle can be turned, but we will need to find out more, maybe experiment with it before we know what we're doing."

They filled Lan XiChen on everything that had happened since they'd left Cloud Recesses.

"That was some quick thinking on your part." He told Wei Ying, who blushed at the praise.

"But I think it's only a matter of time before he comes looking for it here."

"We should inform Uncle of the situation." XiChen looked worriedly at them. "We should be prepared, if it's a certainty."

Wei Ying nodded. Lan Zhan held his hand as they walked to Uncle Qiren's room, instinctively understanding that Wei Ying needed support. He knew the relationship between his uncle and his husband would perhaps always remain on tentative ground, but he would always be by his side now.

Wei Ying gave his hand an answering squeeze, and a breathtaking smile to reassure him.

Uncle Qiren had a pensive look on his face after they told him everything. He turned to Wei Ying (who was trying to hide behind Lan Zhan's sleeve unsuccessfully) to everyone's surprise.

"What do you think we should do, if he comes?"

"Um, I'm not sure. I think our first priority should be the people that are trapped within. If we can find a way to set them free-"

"Free?" Uncle Qiren shouted and then tried to calm himself. "Are you sure that freeing them won't cause more problems?"

"After all," XiChen turned to him too, "we have no idea what they're like. Are you sure that's the best option?"

"I don't know." Wei Ying suddenly felt so tired. "I can only put myself in their position and feel as if that punishment should come to an end now. It might be the wrong thing to do, but there must be a reason why all this is happening to us, right?"

Lan Zhan nodded his support, stroking his thumb over the knuckles on the hand in his firm grip.

Wei Ying swallowed thickly and went on. "The thing is, we know Mei Tongqing Xin wants to use them in some way, and we can't allow that. And aside from breaking the mirror itself, which might have some sort of curse on it anyway, is something I'd rather not do if we can avoid it."

"You have thought about this then." Uncle Qiren stroked his beard in approval.

"It's the only thing I've been thinking about," he moaned, sinking lower into his seat. "I wish this was all easier."

Uncle Qiren patted his knee to the surprise of the Lans, watching their interaction with interest. Wei Ying thought that if he wasn't already sitting down, he'd be that much closer to the floor.

"You should rest now. Perhaps the solution will come that much easier when you are not so tired."

Wei Ying threw him one of his brightest smiles. "Thank you."

He couldn't help yawning then, making XiChen smile fondly.

"WangJi, take some time to rest properly."

They were back in the Jingshi in no time, but when Wei Ying went towards the table in the middle of the room to use as a makeshift desk, Lan Zhan pulled him back into his arms.

"W-what are you doing?" Wei Ying asked, confused.

"No work. Must rest."

"Is that what we're doing?" Wei Ying smiled against his chest.

"Mn."

"You know, Mei Tongqing Xin could be knocking on our door tomorrow? We're not at all ready-"

"Rest first."

"What will you give me if I lie down now?" Wei Ying was not above bargaining. He grinned up at the White Jade.

"What does Wei Ying want?"

"I want you to stay with me. Please." He added, suddenly looking vulnerable.

Lan Zhan kissed him then, a chaste meeting of their lips to show him his love and climbed into bed beside him.