Beloved Beyond the End

Part 5

Lan Wangji felt the intensity of pain reflected in Weiying's eyes, a silent plea that stirred something deep within him. Stepping forward, he protested, "Uncle, Jiang Wanyin is right. He may not survive if the punishment continues." Weiying's gaze met Lan Wangji's, disbelief mingling with a strange warmth in his heart. *Is he really trying to protect me?* The thought momentarily brightened his despair, but he quickly chastised himself. *No, he doesn't truly care; this marriage was forced upon him.*

Lan Qiran's voice thundered in response, "Wangji! You want to save him? Is this how you intend to damage the reputation of the Lan Clan? Disrespect our rules?"

Silence enveloped the hall as Lan Wangji took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Uncle, I don't mean to disrespect our clan's rules," he began, his voice steady yet firm. "But this punishment is excessive. 300 strikes are more than enough for anyone to endure. Continuing now could kill him or cause permanent damage. I insist we wait for the healers' approval before proceeding."

Lan Xichen stepped forward in support. "Uncle, Wangji is right. We cannot continue if his condition is poor. Let's postpone the remaining 200 strikes until he has healed and allow the disciples to take him to the healer's pavilion."

Lan Qiran hesitated but eventually nodded, leaving the room with a scowl. Yu Ziyuan's displeasure was palpable as she glared at the decision made by the Lan Clan.

Weiying was escorted to the healer's pavilion, nearly fainting from pain and fatigue by the time he arrived. The healers gasped at his condition as they laid him down on a bed, swiftly tending to his wounds with gentle hands and soothing medicines.

After some time, Lan Wangji entered the pavilion, driven by an inexplicable urge to see Weiying. *Why am I here?* he questioned himself, trying to rationalize his concern as merely a duty to ensure that their clan didn't kill him.

Yet deep down, he struggled to understand his emotions. Ever since meeting Weiying, he had been captivated by his beauty and spirit; his heart raced at the mere thought of him. With hesitation and unsteady emotions swirling within him, Lan Wangji stepped into the pavilion, ready to confront whatever feelings lay ahead.