Thread by @honeyyyaeons

#蓝忘机0123生日快乐 Happy Birthday, Lan Wangji 🎂 Here is the long awaited PrinceJi and (gasp!) Royal Sect Leader Wei Wuxian / / / /

It was a celebration day in the Lan kingdom. Bells rang clear into the winter air and pale blue and white ribbons decorated the Cloud Recesses.

Disciples and nobleman alike wore their best silks and the common folk all put up beautiful handmade banners on their homes and storefronts. It was a long awaited day for the entire land but it was especially joyous for Lan Qiren. The younger Twin Jade and his baby nephew

had finally come of age. A rare smile graced the sovereign's face as he approached the Lan Wangji's quarters that morning, a book on the virtuous path tucked under his arm, wrapped lightly as a gift. He knocked once and let himself into Lan WangJi's chambers.

There he found his nephew already dressed for the day, posture proper as he tied up his hair, placing a single jade comb in place. "Shufu" he said as he made to rise but Qiren beat him to it and placed a soft hand on his shoulder. "I have a gift for you" He said

As he placed the book onto Lan WangJi's vanity. His eyes widened. "Shufu, I-" he started but was shocked as LQR cut him off with a small huff and a proud smile. "Today is your day, dear nephew." He said simply and gestured for LWJ to follow him.

As they both walked side by side down the castle halls, LXC met them halfway and smiled brightly at his baby brother. "Happy Birthday, dear" He said, fanning LWJ playfully, catching the barest blush on his ears at the affectionate teasing. LQR led them to the throne room

where his silence became heavy with the words he was about to speak. "Now that you have both come of age, and I have witnessed both of your strengths and talents as you have grown into fine young men" He whispered deeply, voice soft with emotion.

He turned to face them, his eyes serious once more as he regarded them. "I believe you are both ready for the responsibility of planning this year's Cultivation Tournament." LWJ glowed with pride at his words and LXC's smile turned sentimental.

"We won't let you down, Shufu." Xichen said confidently into the quiet room. LQR turned to sit stiffly in his throne. "I know you won't" He said, pride clear in his every word. /////////

The annual Cultivation Tournament was the most anticipated event of the year. One cultivation kingdom would host the event on rotation each time, housing each delegation sent by its neighbors and providing food to traveling common folk to view the tournament. It was a

show of the Five Kingdoms progress as peaceful nations, a sign of renewed civility toward one another and a great test of cultivation technique. One single tradition kept it from being devoid of political manipulation: an ancient promise. Whoever the champion of the

tournament was received one unconditional favor from the sovereign that hosted the tournament that year. In the past, great lengths had been taken to cheat or bring misfortune to the opposing contestants to receive this grand reward. LQR and his Twin Jades were dead set on

keeping the games fair and amiable. So while, LQR took care to survey the visiting royal families of each cultivation kingdom, LWJ and LXC checked in each of the delegates with sharp eyes for any cheating tactics or illegal weapons. A rainbow of garments filled the hall

as cultivators shuffled into place to sign their name in to represent their kingdoms. As the hall began to grow loud as the last stragglers checked in, LWJ heard a large hush fall over the crowd. LWJ turned to see his brother staring at the entrance of the tent as a tall

figure in an exquisite black cloak approached the sign up tables. LWJ's eyes narrowed in suspicion, the onlookers began to whisper amongst themselves, filling the warm tent with their gossip. The figure stopped directly in front of LWJ, tugging their hood down and revealing

a sharply handsome man with playful eyes and an easy smile, a smile charming birthmark just under the corner of his mouth. LWJ met his silver eyes for a moment and a breath caught in his chest at the spark he felt in his spine at the contact. The handsome man lowered his gaze

in mischievious deferment to LWJ's status and bowed. He picked up a brush and dipped the ink without a word and wrote his name in sprawling characters across the scroll and LWJ's eyes widened with each one. / Yiling Wei, Wei Wuxian / it read. LWJ snapped his eyes back up to see

the king of the newly formed Yiling Wei kingdom already staring back at him with soft eyes. "Happy Birthday, Hanguang Jun." He rasped, his tone genuine and happy. He nodded politely, stunned to see the elusive man in the flesh. "Welcome, Laozu." was all he could manage as the

Patriarch smiled at him again and replaced his fur lined hood back on his head and tuned with a flourish around and walked calmly out of the tent into and into the night. LWJ turned to his brother to confirm he wasn't seeing an apparition but his brother seemed just as stunned.

The gossiping around them only invigorated after that.
////
Word had reached LQR long before LWJ was able to finish his duties and reach the throne room. LWJ expected his uncle to be suspicious of the sudden appearance of the Yiling Laozu as a contestant for his own nation but

instead found him strangely approving as it was honorable to show such transparency. LWJ excused himself after reporting the days events to the king and retired early to his quarters, his thoughts full of the gentle eyes of WWX. He tried to calm his thoughts through routine,

slowly removing his outer layers and putting them away. He sat gracefully down at his vanity and began to take down his hair, one pin at a time until finally his jade comb. He thumbed the delicate cloud pattern carved into it, feeling comforted. The night was

lively outside his window, just beyond the gates as celebrations for the tournament and coming of age would stretch long into the night. He felt beckoned by the sounds of laughter and the lantern lights and decided to sit at the edge of his window to watch the festivities

while he combed his hair from the days knots. He felt the tension from his shoulders ease at the joy in the night air. He was startled from his thoughts as he spotted a familiar black cloak wander through the crowd and toward his tower. He sat as still as possible as he watched

Wei Wuxian look around himself once and then twice before settling beneath a small bench under a tree. LWJ blinked a few times before he leaned over the edge of the window to get a better look. The movement must have caught WWX's eye because his eyes travelled

up the tower and caught LWJ's curious gaze.

(Gonna stop here for tonight but will continue tomorrow!)

LWJ watched WWX gulp as he took in his state of undress, his head tilted all the way up. He watched as LWJ’s hair fell over his shoulder and he quickly averted his gaze and began to strut awkwardly away. LWJ felt a sudden surge of panic seeing him leave.

“Wait!” He said over the festivities, way louder than he intended and he saw WWX hesitate before turning back to him with an unsure tilt to his shoulders. LWJ felt the back of his neck flush and quickly gathered his coat, rushing down the stairs

Politely of course. He gathered himself with a breath and turned the corner to a stunned WWX waiting in the garden. “Hanguang Jun!” He said, hands flailing a bit in confusion. LWJ took in his flustered posture and shuffling and sought to comfort him and sate his own

Curiosity. “I promise I didn’t mean to intrude..” WWX apologized, a bashful look on his handsome face. LWJ shook his head and took a small step forward. “Laozu, if I may ask a question.” It seemed to catch him off guard but the soft lantern light

Revealed an intrigued flint in silver eyes. “Oh course, Hanguang Jun” he said gesturing to the small bench for them to settle. As LWJ sat gingerly down next to him, he got a whiff of sugar and spice from the man next to him and felt himself inhale deeply.

“Why did you decide to be the only delegate from Yiling in the tournament?” WWX paused, one finger tapping his chin as he thought. LWJ felt the moment sink in for him as he waited and strangely felt no shame at having come out to meet the interesting man. He took

I’m the side profile of his sitting partner and his mind wandered and wandered. WWX finally leaned toward him “Not every delegation, or sovereign for that matter, is as devoted to fairness as the Lan kingdom. I feared if I sent anyone else, they may have been accused

Of cheating. I’d rather that responsibility rest on myself alone.” LWJ thought this noble as it seemed that WWX took his position seriously and without the hierarchy l prejudice of the honor of delegate being beneath a royal. The two talked well into the night and slowly

Closed the gap between them. Soon, they occupied a comfortable intimate space. Passers by might mistake them for lovers. This was the thought that propelled WWX to walk LWJ back to his rooms as his eyes began to droop. LWJ accepted his arm and enjoyed the charged

Air as they touched chastely. “Good night, Hanguang Jun.” WWX said as they stopped in front of LWJ’s chambers. LWJ took a steadying breath and said in his most brave voice. “Lan Zhan.” WWX’s voice caught in his throat as he took in the sincerity in the prince’s

Voice. He swallowed hard and said barely above a whisper “Goodnight, Lan Zhan” and bought one elegant hands to kiss his knuckles. LWJ felt his ears heat with the eye contact WWX kept as he did. “Wei Ying” he spoke. LWJ repeated it in a deep timber and found he liked

The silver ring of it on his lips as he bid the king goodnight.

/ / / /

On the first day of the tournament, LWJ took his place as reigning champion at the front of the archway overlooking the cultivation field. He watched as the crowd filled in and the delegates walk underneath the arch. Young Lan cultivators came came in pairs to the

Front of the crowds to give flowers to the onlookers. LWJ took a single white flower and watched as violet, gold, red, and charcoal robes flashed by to take their positions until a distinct black cloak came into view. Wwx waved at the curious crowd, charming some just by smiling

While others seemed nervous at his presence. It was not too long ago that he was a rogue cultivator before them. He took care to look up at LWJ as he passed, winking shamelessly at him. LWJ felt himself blush but tossed the single flower he’d in his hand to him.

WWX caught it swiftly, seemingly by reflex and brought it close to his chest as he inhaled its scent. LXC cleared his throat next to LWJ as the delegations took their places under their sect banners. “Rumor has it a figure dressed in a black cloak visited with the second

Prince on his birthday…” he started as the horns of the tournament sounded. “Curious.” He finished with a small huff of laugh at the glare he got over LWJ’s shoulder. They rose as LQR took his place at the center and began the first round of the competition. With

A wave of his hand, the first match was set. NHS and JZX. LWJ say NMJ scrub a hand over his face at the match and LWJ returned his eyes to the field, roaming and then meeting WWX’s. WWX inclined his head before focusing his attention in the match. The competitors

Took their places opposite the field and drew their swords. Much to the shock of the crowd, they’re swords only met a handful of times before NHS’s saber was thrown from his hand. JZX stood awkwardly in his last fighting stance before raising his sword as NHS forfeited.

LWJ heard more than saw NMJ’s large palm meet his forehead. WWX looked nothing if not terribly amused as he welcomed NHS back to the outer edge. The preliminary rounds lasted the whole day, broken by the announcement of the night banquet for the competitors / / / /

To the top 🔝

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The main hall was filled with the sounds of high tilt music and the buzz of conversation. LWJ stood stiffly as he watch LXC make conversation with their guests and LQR greet JYL politely. He felt confident in his part of the planning of the annual tournament but

Felt himself longing for the peace of his chambers this deep into the night. A few of the delegates began dancing in the center to the soft music. LWJ decided to focus on this rather than on his lack of conversational skill. That is, until an unturned hand caught the corner of

His eye. He turned to see WWX dressed in fine black and scarlet robes that hugged his waist and showed off his broad shoulders. “May I have this dance?” And LWJ felt nothing but relief and a giddy uptick in his chest as he took his warm hand and followed him to the

Center of the hall. He enjoyed the way his own pale blues and whites looked next to WWX’s sect colors.

(Stopping here again, sorry!)

(Okay today I’m gonna speed things up a bit cause I wanna get to the juicy stuff and I didn’t expect this thread to be so long!😩)

It was more than that for LWJ as the crowd parted for their, more than the beautiful form he thought they cut in so close together

It was more than WWX’s charm and prowess on the cultivation field. It was the way he held LWJ’s waist like an unimaginable privilege, the way his entire focus rested solely on him, the safety and understanding he felt in waves when he was around the older man. It

All made him dizzy with the amount of care the young sovereign had for him. The short time he had known him did nothing to quell the growing crush he had on WWX. They twirled together gently and WWX whispered gossip in his ear, teasing him for the flower he’d thrown to him

And LWJ had to fight back a smile as he teased him back for the hopeless way he caught it. LWJ could feel eyes on them both and wanted the entire world to see how well they complimented each other. Afterward, WWX excused himself from the banquet and disappeared for the

Rest of the event. When LWJ retired to his wing, he took extra care to walk as slowly as possible so WWX could catch up to him. He found him waiting on their bench outside his window and felt the corner of his lip tug up as WWX sprang out of his seat with a delighted

“Lan Zhan!”

/ / / /

The young Prince and the Yiling Laozu kept up this trend, and each night for the month of the tournament they met on that small bench, crowded near each other for warmth as they talked about everything and nothing. Each day, LWJ would toss a single flower

To WWX as the days events commenced. WWX had taken to leaving a small paper man in LWJ’s sleeve that radiated a light warmth into his palm during the ceremony. It made LWJ wonder what WWX’s own skin would feel like against his. The court had begun a rumor that WWX had

Received the highest honor by winning HGJ’s favor. Many speculated how such a feat may have been accomplished. Wen Chao becomes consumed by these scraps of talk. You see, he know exactly what he wants to ask King LQR when he wins the Tournament and he will do anything

To ensure he gets just that. Sabotaging his own delegates? Done. Sleeping powder in the food and drink of his opponents? Of course. And when he comes up against a young Jiang fighter, nearly blinds him with an underhanded ash trick. At the end, it’s left between WC and

WWX as the last standing finalists, prompting bets to erupt. LWJ could not be more proud of WWX. He glows when he walks into court at LQR’s announcement of the final contenders. All of the five, now six cultivator on kingdom delegations clap promptly at LQR’s serious tones.

LWJ takes his place across from the crowd, side by side with his uncle and brother, ready to congratulate the finalists. He feels an excitement course through him at being able to approach WWX so closely in the daylight. LWJ’s heart pounded against his rib cage at the

Knowledge of what he was about to do. He saw WC approach him after bowing to LQR and let his face go cold and distant. Completely opposite to the almost burning he felt against his chest at the small silk square tucked into the breast of his robes. The edges of the lace

Tickling the soft skin there. WC leered at him, snatching his hand to the shock of the crowd. An audible gasp travelled through the court and LJY almost drew his sword. LWJ raised his other hand to let him know he saw no threat in this man. LWJ glanced briefly at WWX

And saw the subtle grind of his jaw and the tightening of his fists. LWJ turned his attention back to the tasteless man before him as he placed an obnoxious smacking kiss to his knuckles. “Perhaps HGJ will watch this warrior and think of him fondly while he’s away.” His grin

Ugly and cruel. LWJ raised a single eyebrow and let his voice go flat. “Only a worthy warrior.” Was all he said. WC chuckled and shook his head, moving to bow before LXC who’s smile turned murderous. LWJ paid WC no more thought as WWX stepped forward. He let that bright

Flying excitement overtake him as he watched WWX bow to his uncle. He watched grateful as LQR showed begrudging acceptance of the new king and reintroduced him to the court. WWX turned his roguish smile on the crowd and watched some swoon and one WC scoff. He could not

Fault them. WWX’s eyes changed when they fell on his, glittering with an intoxicating longing and a his smile turned fond. It lit up his entire face and LWJ realized he loved him. LWJ blinked fondly back, delicately raising a hand to his chest as the room went hushed.

WWX’s eyes widened at his movement, his face falling a little in confusion as LWJ pulled a simple blue silk and white lace handkerchief. This time he heard the tell tale thump of someone collapsing in the crowd. WWX let out a short breath but recovered quickly enough to

bend to one knee to accept LWJ's gift with one palm facing upward and the most awed look in his eyes. LWJ placed the small garment in his waiting palm, shaking a little at the temperature difference between the cool silk and WWX's warm skin. WWX bit his lip as their hands

touched. As LWJ looked down at the beautiful man, he couldnt help feeling a heat ruse under his collar and his ears burned. WWX seemed to know just how to make him flustered as he flipped their joined hands and brushed his lips against LWJ's palm through the silk like the

ghost of a passionate kiss. LWJ knew he must be scarlet by now but took a deep breath. "Good Luck, Laozu." WWX gently slipped the token from his hand and tucked it safely against his own robes. "Thank you, my prince." he whispered withe heavy eyes and a lingering look.

(Srry for the pause, here's some more) LQR watched these developments with a growing sense of horror, the traditional sensibilities in him screaming against the idea of a previous rogue cultivator turned fledgling monarch take so deep an interest in LWJ. A terror

reared itself in the simple fact that his young nephew had taken a noticeable interest back. LQR gripped the edges of his throne in discomfort as he saw LWJ show unorthodox favor to the Yiling Laozu and felt a cold sweat break out on his brow at the smitten looks of the crowd

and the ominous aura of angry cultivators at the display of affection. A great nagging fear manifested as he witnessed the shine in both their eyes as WWX made to stand and could barely take his eyes off of the Second Jade. What if, by the Gods themselves, the unconditional

request WWX asked of him was his dear nephew's hand in marriage? He clutched his heart to the concern of LWJ and LXC but waved them off as the festivities continued. LQR felt his soul attempt to escape his body at the mental image of the YLLZ standing before him, eyes glowing

red and a leering smile aimed at LWJ. He shook his head quickly. There were redeeming qualities to WWX, of course. LQR could sense the stark sense of justice in his cultivation and his conduct but he knew nothing of his more gentlemanly attributes, as

would be proper for an official courtship of the second prince of the Lan Kingdom. LQR could only pray he would not be put into a position to offer his dear LWJ as a prize at the end of this tournament.

/////////

That evening, as the festivities wound down and

LWJ retired for the evening, he turned to the night view of the kingdom from his wing of the castle until he caught the familiar sight of WWX's black cloak wandering his way. This time, he hurried to gather his sword and changed into less formal robes that cinched

tightly at the waist, skirts that were cut to high on his thigh to allow freedom of leg movement. He emerged from the tower just in time to see WWX lower his hood, silently scoping for peeping villagers with a sharp look that stole LWJ's focus for the moment. When

he heard LWJ approach him, his gaze brightened and he smiled. "Ah, Lan Zhan, I-" he started but risked a gaze down at his unusual attire and his voice caught at the shape of LWJ's hips and long legs beneath his flowy robes. LWJ saw his eyes darken for a moment before his silver

eyes snapped back to his face, a flush high on his cheeks. He rubbed the bridge of his index finger against his nose and LWJ almost forgot what he came here to do, distracted by the way WWX pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. He breathed in slowly. "Wei Ying,"

He brought Bichen around the front of him, filled with longing as he spoke simply into the night air "Spar with me." WWX's embarrassment turned to pleasant surprise as he fully took in LWJ's expression. The corner of his mouth curled up like a challenge and LWJ felt

his ears sting. He watched closely as WWX took a couple of paces back in the grassy field and drew his sword in an easy and prowling stance. LWJ widened his own without a sound and tried to memorize the playful look on the young monarch, the red

lining of his cloak blazing in the night as he shrugged it off and began to circle LWJ. "Lan Zhan, I had no idea you were so starved for competition! I would have suggested this a long time ago if I'd known!" He teased. LWJ began to circle him as well, a thrill

shooting down his spine at the dark and stalking gait of the patriarch. "The court is no place for swordsmanship." WWX huffed as LWJ took the first strike, ringing their swords together like the first chime of a song. "So you have been bored?" WWX laughed.

"I think I can change that." LWJ startled as the broad part of his sword was pushed toward his own chest by a burst of strength from WWX. LWJ spun to dodge him and take the pressure off. WWX followed after like he did in the ballroom and LWJ was suddenly on the defense.

WWX stuck once again, narrowly swinging in a long arc over his body as he bent his back low to miss the blade. As he righted himself he quickly leapt over WWX, twisting in the air to catch him at the end of his sword as he floated down. He charged forward but WWX was too fast

and as the momentum of his movement carried him across the field, he felt the presence of WWX behind him. Just as he caught his bearings, Bichen was knocked from his hand and the long edge of WWX's sword was an inch from his throat, WWX's body crowding him against it

from behind. LWJ blinked at the glint of WWX's sword in the night. He realized with a jolt that this was the closest he had ever been to WWX, trapped between his arms, back to his chest. There they were, frozen together in the middle of the field, an accidental embrace, no less

warm from circumstance and lit on fire by adrenaline. LWJ could feel WWX's harsh breath in his ear as he tipped LWJ's chin back with his sword until his head rested on his shoulder. One warm hand gripped the side of his waist tightly and his mouth fell open on

a gasp. The heat in his body pooling low on his naval as WWX pulled him closer, his own hands useless at his sides. He felt his breath as be nuzzled the side of his neck. "Lan Zhan" He whispered over the breeze. LWJ turned his head to look at his and saw those beautiful silver

eyes hooded and all but overtaken by his pupils as WWX panted against his lips. He was more overwhelmed than he had ever been, but the weakness in his body left him open to WWX's touch as he threw his sword haphazardly into the grass beside them, wrapping shaking arms around LWJ

"Wei Ying" LWJ all but whimpered against WWX's plush mouth. "Kiss me." The desperation in those two words caused WWX to spin LWJ in his arms and lean their foreheads together in a tender way, as he held him so close and spoke words so close to his lips he could feel the

shape of them as they tumbled into the air. "If I kiss you now" He hissed. "I won't be able to stop." A red glow flashing in his sultry eyes. LWJ moaned softly as his hands flew up to clutch WWX's robes. "I won't let my selfish desire for you dishonor you." He spoke

raw with aching hunger and self restraint. LWJ closed his eyes hard at the words and anchored himself by hiding his flushed face on the side of WWX's throat. "I want to do this the right way, my love for you will not be clandestine." WWX said as he hugged him tightly

LWJ could barely register those words, all the places they were touching and all the ways they were not clouding his thoughts. His knees were weak and he could smell the spice of WWX's skin and-
"Ah, I forfeit." He confessed; primal hunger wrapped into the end of their match.

(Almost to the end y'all! Thanks for all the love on this thread!)

(Sorry for the long pause! Here’s more!)

The two cultivators stood there in a warm embrace for what could be minutes and what could be hours until WWX felt LWJ sway just the slightest bit, his head resting gently against his shoulder. He tilted his neck down

To get a better look at the young Prince and found that those golden eyes were watching him back, a liquid heat in them that reminded WWX of his own desire and the desperation in his veins having him so close. He swallowed. “Lan Zhan, may I escort you back to your chambers?”

LWJ seemed to sober up at this and straightened his spine as he continued looking at WWX. He nodded once and WWX offered his arm for the young prince to loop his own through as they walked back to his tower. As they approached the threshold of LWJ’s chambers, they both hesitated

In their goodbyes. LWJ’s ears grew redder by the second and WWX wanted him to think about him long after he had left his tower, long after he know he would have to return back to Yiling and deep into the night, the same way that LWJ had bloomed in his mind at every corner

Since he had first met him. So he crowded him against the door, startling a gasp out of LWJ as one strong and elegant hand came up to clutch at the front of WWX’s red and black robes. His own fingers circled LWJ’s pale wrist as he tipped his chin up and leaned far into his space.

He knew LWJ could feel how hard his heart was beating against his chest and he head LWJ’s breath quicken at the feeling. WWX’s silver eyes flirted across LWJ’s face as he took in his flushed appearance and wide eyes before lingering on his lips, plush and pink. He cupped LWJ’s

Jaw with one palm and squeezed the tiniest bit. LWJ’s mouth fell open on a small gasp and WWX closed the gap between them, pressing a warm kiss to the top of LWJ’s forehead, right over the cloud pattern on his ribbon and leaned back to watch LWJ’s pupils enlarge and his eyes

Darken. “Please, keep your eyes on me tomorrow. I will earn my place by your side, Lan Zhan, mark my words.” And with that he slowly left a stunned LWJ to wallow in the heat low in his stomach and the delighted flutter of his heart.

(Sorry for the long wait! Here's an update)
As LWJ watched the dark figure of WWX flutter down the corridor, it was inly muscle memory that took him past the threshold of his chambers. As he shut the heavy door, his hands clenched to fists and he slowly slid to

the ground, forehead pressed against the sturdy wood, panting and embarrassingly hard from such precious little of the older sovereign. He clutched his racing heart and steadied himself for the long night ahead. He knew he needed the rest for the last day of the tournament. //

LWJ rose with the sun and a deep clarity of mind settled over him as he heard the palace awaken as well. His brother and uncle would have their own numerous duties to attend to on last day of the tournament. LWJ dressed quickly, choosing his best silks to wear,

His mother's cloud pin for his hair and a sheer over robe that had delicate lace clouds on the edges. He carefully tied his forehead ribbon and felt a calm wash over him. He knew what he wanted and he would not waste his opportunity. LWJ read a passage of The Virtuous

Path and felt both duty and passion find a harmony in him as he set about the final preparations for the festival planning and the final banquet, all the while thinking of laughing silver eyes and and dancing toothy smile. At last, the time had come and the arena filled with

nobleman and common folk alike, every seat filled and small banners in the hands of the onlookers waving with their favored candidate. LWJ felt the smallest tug at the corner of his mouth to see that most had waved the Yiling Wei black instead of red. He took his

place at the side of the King. He was anxious to see WWX as a hush fell over the crowd but held himself still at the impulse to fidget. Then, like dusk he saw his black cloak appear under the archway and the crowd erupted in cheers. WWX pulled his hood down and shook out his

long dark hair, his crimson ribbon catching the early morning sunshine. He smiled dazzlingly at the crowd before he reached into the fold of his black robes and pulled LWJ's handkerchief, pale blue and obvious to the crowd. LWJ leaned forward and licked his lips.

He raised the small silk square up high for the audience to see and then brought the handkerchief to his lips to place a delicate kiss, meeting LWJ's golden eyes from his high throne. The audience erupted in sound and applause. LWJ saw the King rise halfway from the corner

of his eye and cautiously turned to him, knowing he must be red. In a sort of aborted motion, LQR seated himself stiffly back down and LWJ ducked his head down against the sound of uproar clapping. LWJ understood how it must look to those who were not in court to see

his and WWX's earlier displays of favor. To the common people of Gusu, who made up a majority of the crowd, seeing WWX show honor by kissing the Gusu Lan colors must spark some level of pride of one's nation. However, for the nobleman and gentry, the cultivators

who came to attend, it was as if WWX had kissed him on the lips. Despite the way it was courtly sanctioned, it was still romantically unambiguous. LWJ felt more than pleased at his favor being returned publicly in such a way. He saw LXC rise and come to his side as he

vaguely watched WX saunter into the arena, barely heard the cheers for him as his brother whispered conspiratorially "Young Master Wei is very brave, a fitting quality in a husband, perhaps?" he finished on a knowing giggle as LWJ grunted in response. LQR only fumed. A curious

combination of shame and pride washed over LWJ as LQR schooled his features and announced the final match.

(Stopping here again, but this will continue tomorrow!)