The sun was high in the sky when Lan Wangji sat down at the desk in his quiet study. A single sheet of fine paper lay before him, its pristine surface awaiting his words. The brush in his hand trembled slightly—not with hesitation, but with the weight of what he was about to convey. His pale, slender fingers dipped the brush into the inkstone, and with deliberate strokes, he began to write.
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To Brother, Lan Xichen,
I write to inform you that I will return to Gusu soon. However, this return will not be as it once was. Wei Ying, the one who holds my heart, will be accompanying me.
After years of separation and hardship, he has made his decision, and we have made our choice—to walk this path together. Wei Ying has agreed to marry me.
I know this is unconventional, and I understand that bringing him to Gusu as my chosen partner will challenge tradition and expectation. I do not take this lightly. However, my commitment to him is unwavering, and I hope that as my brother and my closest kin, you will stand by me in this.
Wei Ying may not adhere to the ways of the Gusu Lan clan, but he is steadfast, compassionate, and true of heart. In these qualities, I find a kindred spirit that I can no longer deny. I ask for your understanding and support.
Prepare for our arrival. I will speak to you personally upon my return. Until then, trust in my decision.
Yours sincerely,
Lan Wangji
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Lan Wangji placed the brush down with finality, folded the letter with care, and sealed it. A white ribbon tied the scroll neatly, the Lan insignia emblazoned on the clasp. He handed it to the trusted messenger who awaited outside his door. "Deliver this to Gusu without delay," he instructed. The messenger bowed and departed at once.
Behind him, Wei Wuxian leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "So formal," Wei Wuxian teased lightly. "Did you tell him about how I spill wine everywhere or how I talk too loud?"
Lan Wangji turned to him, the corner of his lips lifting ever so slightly. "Wei Ying," he said simply, his voice firm yet filled with affection, "he will see for himself soon enough."
Wei Wuxian stepped forward, his smirk softening. "And what do you think your brother will say?"
"He will support me," Lan Wangji replied with confidence. "He has always stood by me, even when he did not fully understand."
Wei Wuxian nodded, trying to quell the nervous flutter in his chest. The Gusu Lan clan was a world far removed from what he knew—a world of rules, discipline, and formality. He wasn't sure how he would fit into it, or if he even could. But for Lan Wangji, he was willing to try.
"I suppose there's no turning back now," Wei Wuxian said, offering a grin to mask the tremor in his voice.
Lan Wangji stepped closer, his hand gently taking Wei Wuxian's. The touch was warm, steady—anchoring. "There was never a need to turn back," Lan Wangji said. "You chose me, Wei Ying. And I, you. That is enough."
Wei Wuxian exhaled slowly, finding reassurance in those words. "Alright then," he said, his grin returning with more vigor. "Let's go shock the world, Hanguang-jun."
Lan Wangji's gaze softened, but his determination remained steadfast. "We go to face it together."
With the letter sent and their decision made, they prepared to depart. As they walked toward the waiting carriage, Wei Wuxian glanced back at the Jiang Manor one last time, memories of his family and his roots lingering in his heart. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but for once in his life, he wasn't afraid.
Lan Wangji stood by his side, his quiet presence a promise of unwavering support. They boarded the carriage, setting their course for Gusu and the life that awaited them there.
No matter what awaited, Wei Wuxian knew one thing for certain: he was no longer walking alone.