Beloved Beyond the End

Part 9

 
As Madam Yu's shouts echoed through the hall, Wangji felt the weight of the situation press down on him. It was clear that everyone was against Weiying, yet his heart whispered something different. Conflicted, he grappled with feelings of disappointment in himself and anger at those around him—should he be angry at Weiying for withholding the truth, at the Jiangs for their outbursts, or at himself for feeling so helpless? Emotionally broken, he felt like a sadhu, devoid of love yet yearning for a family he had never truly known.

He composed himself and glanced at his brother, Lan Xichen, who was striving to restore order. Wangji knew Xichen could see through his façade; he had lied about Weiying's condition, and it was evident that something serious lay beneath the surface.

“Sect Leader Jiang and Lan Jiang,” Xichen began, his voice steady but compassionate. “We understand your worries. We’re all facing this difficulty together. We don’t know where your daughter is, but I believe she is safe wherever she may be. I think it’s best if we let Wangji speak with him; if he claims to have married him willingly, perhaps he will reveal the truth.”

Just then, an elder of the Lan Clan spoke up. “I believe punishment is the best way to make him speak.”

Lan Qiran stroked his beard thoughtfully. “You’re right; if he isn’t punished, he won’t talk. But we can’t beat him anymore or he’ll die before we get any answers.”

“Let’s proceed with the punishment we decided earlier,” another elder suggested. “It will break him down and force him to open his mouth.”

Wangji’s heart sank at the thought of further tormenting Weiying. He felt a surge of protectiveness rise within him, battling against the cold logic of clan traditions. *This isn’t right,* he thought, but felt powerless to voice his dissent amidst the clamor of anger and fear surrounding them.