The quiet halls of the Cloud Recesses buzzed with muted excitement as word spread of a letter sent by Lan Wangji himself. It wasn't often that the famously reticent Hanguang-jun offered personal correspondence, and the contents of this missive had caused a stir in the usually stoic Gusu Lan clan.
Lan Xichen sat in the main hall, the letter in his hands. His serene expression shifted as he read, a small, genuine smile gracing his lips. The words from his younger brother spoke of certainty and devotion, feelings Lan Xichen could feel emanating from each stroke of Wangji's meticulous calligraphy.
"So, this is the path you have chosen, Wangji," he murmured, pride and understanding in his voice. His gaze lifted as Lan Qiren stormed into the room, his robes swishing with every step. The elder's face was tight with displeasure as he made no effort to hide his agitation.
"This is preposterous!" Lan Qiren exclaimed, holding the letter Lan Xichen had shared with him. His fingers trembled ever so slightly from anger. "Lan Wangji wants to *marry* Wei Wuxian? That ill-mannered boy? The very one who defied our rules at every opportunity?"
Lan Xichen placed the letter carefully on the table before replying, his voice calm and measured. "Uncle, Wangji is not one to make decisions lightly. He has considered this deeply, and his heart is set."
"His heart is clouded!" Lan Qiren snapped. "This Wei Wuxian has no respect for our traditions or our way of life. Do you remember how he caused chaos here during his last stay? Laughing loudly in the middle of quiet hours? Running about like some undisciplined child? This boy will ruin everything the Gusu Lan clan has built!"
Before Lan Xichen could reply, an older clan elder entered the hall, his face serene but his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Elder Lan, a respected member known for his cryptic remarks and fortune-telling abilities, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Ah, finally, it has come to pass," he mused aloud, ignoring Lan Qiren's outraged expression.
"What has come to pass?" Lan Qiren demanded, exasperated.
Elder Lan's smile deepened. "Years ago, I foresaw that a union of opposites would bring balance to Gusu. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian—Yin and Yang, discipline and freedom. Their bond is not the destruction of the Lan clan but its renewal."
"Ridiculous," Lan Qiren scoffed. "That so-called fortune of yours was nonsense then, and it's nonsense now. The boy is wild and disrespectful!" He turned to Lan Xichen, his voice rising. "And you! Are you truly fine with this? With your brother bringing someone like *him* into our home?"
Lan Xichen met his uncle's glare evenly, his smile unwavering. "Yes, Uncle, I am. Wangji has found someone who makes him happy. Wei Wuxian may not follow our rules, but his heart is kind, and his devotion to Wangji is clear. Should we not support them?"
Lan Qiren huffed, his frustration palpable. "Support? He will break every rule we have. Mark my words—chaos will follow!"
"Or perhaps," Elder Lan interrupted gently, "harmony will emerge from the chaos. Wangji and Wei Wuxian may teach us something we have long forgotten—balance is not found in rigidity but in understanding."
Lan Qiren opened his mouth to argue, but the arrival of a young Lan disciple carrying another letter cut him off.
"This just arrived from Hanguang-jun," the disciple announced, bowing as he handed the scroll to Lan Xichen.
Lan Xichen opened it and read the short message aloud.
("Brother, Uncle, Elders: I will arrive with Wei Ying in two days. Please prepare.")
The words were simple, but their meaning left no room for debate.
Lan Qiren groaned, rubbing his temples. "Two days... Not enough time to prepare for this disaster," he muttered.
Lan Xichen set the letter down and smiled. "Then we must be ready to welcome them. Uncle, please trust Wangji's judgment."
Lan Qiren stormed out of the hall, muttering about strict guidelines for Wei Wuxian's behavior.
Elder Lan chuckled softly. "Oh, this will be quite the spectacle."
Lan Xichen nodded, his eyes warm. "Perhaps it will, but I believe it will be a good one."
And so, the Lan clan braced itself for the arrival of its most unpredictable guest yet—and the beginning of a new chapter in their family's legacy.