The boat docked at the pristine shores near Cloud Recesses. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine. As Jiang Fengmian, Wei Wuxian, and Jiang Cheng disembarked, a group of Lan disciples approached in neat formation. At their head stood Lan Qiren, his expression as rigid and composed as ever.
"Clan Leader Jiang," Lan Qiren greeted, bowing with impeccable form. "Welcome to Gusu. We hope your journey was smooth."
Jiang Fengmian returned the bow with equal respect. "It was, Elder Lan. Thank you for receiving us on such short notice."
Lan Qiren's sharp gaze shifted briefly to Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng. He gave a small, almost imperceptible sigh before gesturing. "Come. We shall speak further in the Discussion Hall. There is much to address."
The Jiang group followed the Lan disciples through the gates of Cloud Recesses, the white walls and tranquil courtyards radiating a sense of order that made Wei Wuxian fidget.
"I already feel like I'm suffocating," Wei Wuxian muttered under his breath, earning a glare from Jiang Cheng.
"Quiet," Jiang Cheng hissed. "At least try to act like you belong here."
Wei Wuxian snorted but fell silent as they entered the Discussion Hall.
Inside, the Lan elders were seated in orderly rows. Lan Xichen sat at the head of the room, his expression serene yet slightly strained. Lan Wangji stood to his right, his face as impassive as ever, though his gaze lingered briefly on Wei Wuxian before shifting away.
After formal greetings were exchanged, Lan Qiren addressed the Jiang group, his voice steady but laced with tension. "We appreciate the Jiang Clan's willingness to discuss this matter in person. Let me be candid—this marriage proposal is not one we initiated, nor one we support."
Wei Wuxian blinked, startled by the bluntness, while Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow.
Lan Qiren continued, "The Lan Clan values discipline, harmony, and tradition. A match such as this..." He hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. "...is unconventional, to say the least. However, Lan Wangji has expressed his intentions clearly. Despite our counsel, he remains resolute."
Wei Wuxian glanced at Lan Wangji, expecting to see some hint of emotion, but the other man's expression was as unreadable as ever.
Jiang Fengmian spoke calmly, "It is not uncommon for two clans to have differing perspectives. May I ask, Elder Lan, what has led to this disagreement among your elders?"
Lan Qiren exchanged a glance with one of the older elders before replying, "A divination was performed by a trusted seer. It foretold a strong, harmonious future for Gusu if Lan Wangji were to marry Wei Wuxian. The implications of this prediction are significant, and some among us view it as an opportunity that cannot be ignored."
Wei Wuxian gaped. "A fortune-teller? You're seriously considering forcing me into a marriage because of what some fortune-teller said?"
"Wei Ying!" Jiang Fengmian's voice was sharp but not unkind. "Please be respectful."
Lan Qiren's frown deepened. "Rest assured, the Lan Clan does not force anyone into marriage. However, Lan Wangji's unwavering agreement with the prediction is what compels us to take this matter seriously."
Jiang Cheng leaned closer to Wei Wuxian, whispering, "So the great Hanguang-jun wants to marry *you* because a fortune-teller said so. You must be feeling very special."
Wei Wuxian glared at him before turning back to Lan Qiren. "But what if *I* don't agree? Doesn't that matter?"
Lan Xichen's voice was calm as he finally spoke, "It matters greatly, Wei-gongzi. Hanguang-jun understands this as well. He has asked only for the opportunity to present his intentions directly to you."
Wei Wuxian frowned, caught off guard. "He wants to... talk to me? About this?"
"Yes," Lan Xichen replied. "And only if you agree to hear him out."
Wei Wuxian hesitated, looking at Jiang Fengmian, who gave him a reassuring nod. "This is why we came here, Wei Ying. To understand, not to decide."
Lan Qiren rose. "Let us allow the two to converse. Perhaps it will bring clarity to this matter."
Lan Wangji stepped forward, his gaze steady as he addressed Wei Wuxian directly. "Wei Ying." His voice was soft but firm. "Will you speak with me?"
Wei Wuxian sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Fine. But don't think this means I'm agreeing to anything."
Lan Wangji nodded once, then gestured for Wei Wuxian to follow him out of the hall.
As they exited, the elders exchanged glances, and Jiang Cheng muttered, "This is going to be a disaster."
Jiang Fengmian remained calm, his gaze following Wei Wuxian. "Perhaps. But sometimes, clarity comes from the most unexpected places."