When Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji returned to the main pavilion, Jiang Cheng was already waiting for them. He leaned against a wooden pillar, arms crossed, his gaze flickering between the two as they entered. Jiang Fengmian looked up from a scroll, offering a calm smile.
"Well?" Jiang Cheng asked, the question blunt and direct. "Did the two of you figure anything out, or do we need another round of awkward silences?"
Wei Wuxian waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, don't worry, Jiang Cheng. We had a lovely walk, Lan Zhan delivered one of his poetic speeches, and I promised to 'think about it.' Very productive!"
Lan Wangji's expression remained unchanged, but Jiang Cheng frowned. "So, in other words, nothing's changed."
"I didn't say that." Wei Wuxian plopped onto a cushion near the table, grabbing a cup of tea and downing it in one gulp. "I'm just saying this whole thing is… complicated."
Jiang Cheng snorted. "What's complicated about it? Either you say yes and spend the rest of your life annoying Lan Wangji in Gusu, or you say no and stay here to annoy us instead."
Wei Wuxian shot him a mock glare. "Wow, thanks for the heartfelt analysis, Jiang Cheng. Truly touching."
Jiang Fengmian stepped in, his tone gentle. "Jiang Cheng, this isn't an easy decision for Wei Ying. Let him process it in his own time."
Lan Wangji inclined his head toward Jiang Fengmian. "Thank you for your understanding, Jiang-zongzhu."
Jiang Fengmian returned the nod before addressing Lan Wangji. "Hanguang-jun, your sincerity in this matter is clear to all of us. However, as I've told Wei Ying, the decision is his to make. I hope you'll allow him the time to fully understand his own heart."
"I will wait," Lan Wangji said calmly.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, "Patience of a saint…"
Wei Wuxian smirked at Jiang Cheng before glancing at Lan Wangji. "See? You should take notes from me, Jiang Cheng. At least Lan Zhan *understands* me."
"Understand you? He must have lost his mind if he's volunteering to marry you," Jiang Cheng shot back.
Jiang Fengmian sighed quietly but allowed the bickering to continue, recognizing it for the bond it was. Lan Wangji remained silent, his composed demeanor unchanged, though his gaze lingered on Wei Wuxian in a way that spoke of steady resolve.
---
That Night
Later, as the moon rose high above the lotus lake, Wei Wuxian sat by himself on the edge of the pier. The water reflected the silver glow of the sky, and the faint rustle of the wind was the only sound. He rested his chin in his hand, staring at the ripples below.
"Thinking about saying yes?"
Wei Wuxian turned sharply to see Jiang Cheng walking up, his silhouette dark against the soft moonlight.
Wei Wuxian sighed, leaning back on his hands. "You're surprisingly interested in my personal life, Jiang Cheng. Should I be flattered?"
Jiang Cheng sat down beside him, tossing a stray pebble into the water. "I just don't get it. Why would someone like Lan Wangji pick *you*? You're loud, reckless, and the furthest thing from a proper Lan cultivator."
Wei Wuxian grinned. "Don't hold back, Jiang Cheng. Tell me how you really feel."
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes but continued. "I'm serious. If you say yes, it's not going to be easy. The Lans aren't exactly known for their tolerance, and you… you don't exactly do well with rules. Are you really thinking about throwing yourself into a life where every step you take is scrutinized?"
Wei Wuxian was quiet for a moment before he said softly, "It's not about the rules, Jiang Cheng. It's… it's about him."
Jiang Cheng blinked, turning to look at him.
"I used to think Lan Zhan was just cold and boring," Wei Wuxian admitted, a small smile playing on his lips. "But now… I don't know. The way he looks at me, the way he talks to me—it's like he really sees me. Not just the troublemaker or the orphan or… whatever else people think I am. He sees *me*, Jiang Cheng. How do you say no to someone like that?"
Jiang Cheng sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're impossible, you know that? If this is what you want, I'll… support it. But if you get in over your head, don't come crying to me."
Wei Wuxian's grin widened as he clapped Jiang Cheng on the back. "Aw, Jiang Cheng, I knew you cared!"
"Don't push your luck," Jiang Cheng growled, shoving him lightly.
The two brothers sat in silence after that, watching the moonlight dance on the water. Wei Wuxian's decision wasn't finalized, but for the first time, he felt the scales tipping toward a new path.