The Cloud Recesses basked in the golden light of morning, its serene air now brimming with an undercurrent of joyous anticipation. The grand hall had been transformed for the occasion. Delicate white and red lanterns swayed gently in the mountain breeze, and arrangements of lotus flowers interspersed with elegant plum blossoms adorned every corner. The union of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian would be a day to remember, not only for Gusu but also for Yunmeng.
The arrival of the Jiang clan was met with respectful bows from the Lan disciples. At the forefront was Jiang Yanli, her face glowing with excitement as she carried a box of auspicious gifts. Behind her, Jiang Cheng walked stiffly, his face carefully neutral, but his eyes held a mixture of pride and longing as he surveyed the Cloud Recesses. Jiang Fengmian followed with his ever-gentle demeanor, his gaze warm as he took in the preparations. Madam Yu, uncharacteristically silent, trailed slightly behind, her expression unreadable.
When the Jiang clan entered the main hall, Wei Wuxian's face lit up as he spotted them. He immediately ran over, his red wedding robes billowing like a flame.
"Shijie!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement as he hugged Jiang Yanli tightly.
She returned the embrace with equal warmth, smoothing his hair affectionately. "A-Xian, you look wonderful. Today is your big day. Are you nervous?"
Wei Wuxian pulled back, his grin as wide as ever. "Nervous? Nah. Lan Zhan would never let anything go wrong."
Jiang Yanli chuckled softly and handed him the gift box. "This is for you and Hanguang-jun. A small token of my blessings for your new life together."
"Thank you, Shijie," Wei Wuxian said, his voice quieter now, his gratitude unmistakable.
Turning, he came face-to-face with Jiang Fengmian, whose expression was kind and proud.
"Foster Father," Wei Wuxian said, bowing deeply.
Jiang Fengmian reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "A-Xian, I am proud of you. You have always followed your heart, and today is no different. May your marriage be filled with love, understanding, and happiness."
Wei Wuxian's eyes shimmered, and he nodded fervently. "Thank you. That means everything to me."
Behind them, Jiang Cheng crossed his arms, shifting uncomfortably before muttering, "You better not embarrass me today."
Wei Wuxian shot him a teasing grin. "Don't worry, Jiang Cheng. I'll behave—for the first half of the day, at least."
Jiang Yanli nudged Jiang Cheng lightly. "A-Cheng, just wish him well."
After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Cheng sighed and muttered, "Fine. Congratulations. I hope… you're happy."
Wei Wuxian blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. He stepped forward and clapped Jiang Cheng on the shoulder. "Thanks, Jiang Cheng. That actually means a lot coming from you."
Madam Yu, still silent, stood a little apart from the group. Wei Wuxian turned to her, his cheerful demeanor softening.
"Madam Yu," he began, bowing respectfully.
She regarded him with her sharp eyes, her expression unreadable. Finally, after a tense pause, she spoke, her tone curt but void of the sharpness he'd expected. "Wei Wuxian… just don't make a fool of yourself. Or us."
Wei Wuxian straightened and nodded. "I'll try my best," he said simply, his voice calm and sincere.
The Ceremony
As the wedding ceremony began, the atmosphere in the grand hall was one of reverence and joy. The Lan clan stood gracefully on one side, their white robes and calm expressions a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of the Jiang clan on the other side.
Wei Wuxian stood beside Lan Wangji, the red wedding robes accentuating his lively features, while Lan Wangji's composed elegance shone in the traditional white.
When they knelt for the formal bows—first to heaven and earth, then to their families, and finally to each other—the audience watched in silence, the weight of the moment touching everyone.
After the final bow, they stood and exchanged quiet words only they could hear.
"I told you I wouldn't trip," Wei Wuxian whispered with a mischievous smile.
Lan Wangji's gaze held nothing but warmth. "En. You were perfect."
The ceremony concluded with applause, and as they walked out of the hall together, hand in hand, Wei Wuxian turned back briefly to see Jiang Yanli clapping enthusiastically, Jiang Cheng giving a reluctant nod, and Jiang Fengmian's gentle smile of approval. Even Madam Yu's expression softened ever so slightly, though she quickly turned away when she noticed him looking.
For once, everything felt right.
Later that Evening
As the evening festivities began, Wei Wuxian, ever the life of the party, managed to coax even the most reserved Lan disciples into smiling. Lan Wangji, standing beside him, exuded quiet contentment.
Jiang Yanli approached them, holding a cup of wine. "To A-Xian and Hanguang-jun," she toasted, her smile radiant. "May your days be filled with happiness and peace."
Lan Wangji inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Jiang-guniang."
Wei Wuxian raised his cup, his grin wider than ever. "And may Shijie always be blessed with happiness, too!"
As the night went on, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji shared quiet glances that spoke volumes. The world around them felt lighter, brighter. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—with the approval and love of their families, even if begrudging in some cases.
For the first time in a long while, Wei Wuxian felt truly at home. And it was all because of the man standing by his side.