The boat glided silently over the placid waters as Lotus Pier grew smaller behind them. Jiang Fengmian sat at the helm, his expression as serene as the surface of the lake. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng sat side by side, the former fidgeting restlessly while the latter leaned against the rail, arms crossed and a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Wei Wuxian finally broke the silence, his voice sharp and accusatory. "Uncle Jiang, you said you would give me more time to think about the marriage proposal. But here we are, on our way to Gusu! Does this look like 'more time to discuss' to you?"
Jiang Fengmian glanced at him, his expression unruffled. "This journey is not to finalize the marriage, Wei Ying. It is simply to meet the Lan Clan and discuss the matter further. Nothing has been decided yet."
Wei Wuxian frowned, suspicion clear in his eyes. "Oh really? Then why am I coming along? If nothing's been decided, why do we need to go to Gusu at all?"
Before Jiang Fengmian could respond, Jiang Cheng snorted. "Isn't it obvious? Father has already decided. We're just here to deliver you to Lan Wangji like some gift-wrapped package."
"Jiang Cheng!" Jiang Fengmian's voice held a rare note of sternness, and Jiang Cheng looked away with a scoff, though his smirk remained.
Wei Wuxian groaned dramatically, throwing his head back. "See? Even Jiang Cheng knows what's going on! Uncle Jiang, you're not seriously going to hand me over to that ice-cold, rule-obsessed, boring—"
"Wei Ying," Jiang Fengmian interrupted gently but firmly, "this is not a punishment, nor is it a decision made lightly. The Lan Clan extended this proposal with respect and sincerity. It is only fair that we show them the same respect by hearing them out in person."
Wei Wuxian folded his arms, glaring at the water. "Hearing them out? More like letting them tie me up in their 30,000 rules before I even set foot in Cloud Recesses."
Jiang Cheng laughed under his breath. "You'd probably break all the rules within an hour anyway."
Wei Wuxian shot him a glare. "Not helping, Jiang Cheng!"
Jiang Fengmian sighed, his tone patient but firm. "Wei Ying, I understand your concerns, but you must also consider what this could mean for your future. The Lan Clan's offer is not one to be dismissed lightly. It is rare for Lan Wangji to make such a gesture, and it shows how much he values you."
Wei Wuxian's frustration didn't abate. "But I don't value him! I mean, sure, he's strong and talented, and I guess he's not *completely* terrible… but marriage? With him? It doesn't make any sense!"
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "What doesn't make sense is how Lan Wangji even tolerates you, let alone wants to marry you. I thought the Lans were all about quiet and order, and you're…" He gestured vaguely at Wei Wuxian. "...you."
Wei Wuxian jabbed a finger at him. "You're supposed to be on *my* side, Jiang Cheng!"
"Who said I'm not?" Jiang Cheng retorted. "I'm just saying you're an idiot for not seeing how lucky you are. Do you know how many people would kill to marry into the Lan Clan? And here you are, whining about it like a spoiled brat."
Wei Wuxian gaped at him, then turned to Jiang Fengmian. "Uncle Jiang, are you hearing this? Your *real* son is throwing me under the boat!"
Jiang Fengmian smiled faintly, though his gaze remained steady. "Wei Ying, I promised you that nothing would be decided without your consent. But I also believe it is important for you to see the Lan Clan's sincerity for yourself. Meeting Lan Wangji in person will give you a clearer understanding of what this proposal entails."
Wei Wuxian slumped back, crossing his arms. "Fine. I'll go. But only to make it clear to Lan Wangji that I'm not interested in marrying him. He can go back to his rules and cold stares, and I'll stay here with the Jiang Clan where I belong."
Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. "You say that now, but don't come crying to me when you realize Lan Wangji is better than anyone else who'd ever put up with you."
Wei Wuxian glared at him again but said nothing, muttering under his breath instead.
Jiang Fengmian remained silent, letting the two boys bicker as the boat continued its journey. Inwardly, he hoped that this visit would help Wei Wuxian see the bigger picture—not just the honor and stability the marriage could offer, but the possibility of someone like Lan Wangji standing by his side.
The towering peaks of Gusu were just visible on the horizon, their silhouettes bathed in the soft light of the setting sun. As the boat moved closer, Wei Wuxian's protests faded into quiet grumbles, though the stubborn set of his jaw remained.
The journey to Gusu was just beginning, but Jiang Fengmian knew the real challenge lay ahead.