Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 17 - Blossoming Bonds and Unspoken Feelings

Several days had passed since Lan Xichen's visit to the Gusu Sylvatica. During this time, he had been fully occupied with matters concerning his own clan as well as those involving neighboring clans. News of the Cloud Recesses forming an alliance with a tribe from the distant South, renowned for their extraordinary healing skills, had rapidly spread to the surrounding regions. The three major clans neighboring Gusu had wasted no time in sending letters to Lan Xichen, expressing their fervent interest in establishing connections with the Koh Tribe. They recognized the immense potential of aligning themselves with a tribe possessing such remarkable healing abilities and knowledge.

The Nie Clan, in particular, was on the brink of hosting its annual Discussion Conference. The leader of the Nie Clan had passionately conveyed his desire for Lan Xichen to bring Yu Yan, the leader of the Koh Tribe, to the conference. This would provide an invaluable opportunity to introduce her tribe to the various cultivation clans. Lan Xichen had been contemplating inviting both Yu Yan and Jing Shi to discuss this matter. However, his uncle, Lan Qiren, had also been urging him to find an opportune moment to broach the subject of merging the Koh House and the Lan House.

Lan Qiren underscored the urgency of the matter, highlighting the possibility that if they delayed too long, Jing Shi's interest might wane, and her age could pose risks to her ability to safely bear children. These past few days had weighed heavily on Lan Xichen, becoming a source of immense stress and anxiety. He released a long, weary sigh, his thoughts burdened, just as Lan Wangji approached his quarters.

"Are you feeling unwell, brother?" Lan Wangji's calm voice broke the silence in the room. Lan Xichen sat with his back straight and posture impeccable.

Lan Xichen responded with his characteristic gentle smile, his fingers lightly massaging his temples. "I'm fine, just a slight headache, nothing to worry about."

Lan Wangji nodded in understanding and entered the room, gracefully taking his seat on the opposite side of the low table, where the brothers often held their discussions.

"Wei Gongzi isn't accompanying you?" Lan Xichen asked, genuinely curious about his brother's companion.

Lan Wangji's gaze softened as he looked at his brother. His signature stoic expression remained, but there was warmth in his eyes as he said, "I had a hunch that you might need my company at this moment, so I let him do as he pleases for now."

Lan Xichen's smile deepened. He had indeed wanted to discuss his inner turmoil with Lan Wangji, particularly the complex matters concerning their clan, but witnessing how content his brother seemed in Wei Wuxian's presence, he had refrained from burdening Lan Wangji with the weight of clan matters.

"I hope he doesn't get into trouble for indulging himself," Lan Xichen remarked, referring to his uncle's less-than-friendly attitude toward Wei Wuxian.

"Wei Ying has been enjoying his time in the Gusu Sylvatica. The people there appreciate his presence as well. He will be fine," Lan Wangji assured.

As Lan Xichen maintained his smiling facade, his thoughts drifted to Gusu Sylvatica and the recent conversation he'd had with Jing Xiang about Qing Yi. Unintentionally, a small, light sigh escaped him.

Observing his brother's subtle change in demeanor, Lan Wangji inquired, "What's troubling you, brother?"

Lan Xichen hesitated for a moment before beginning, "Uncle has been persistently urging me to discuss the possibility of merging our two houses." Lan Wangji remained silent but attentive. "I've been trying to find a delicate and appropriate way to broach this topic with the tribe leader. They've only just settled here for a little over a couple months, and I wonder if it's too early to bring up the idea of merging our houses." Lan Xichen continued.