Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 61 - The Tempest Within

Lan Xichen held the envelope containing the invitation from Jiang Cheng to the annual clans meeting in Yunmeng, now scheduled to take place in just two weeks. True to his word, Jiang Cheng had moved the meeting up by a month due to the escalating concerns over foreign illegal activities within the four major regions.

Flipping the envelope around in his palm, Lan Xichen's mind was preoccupied with another matter entirely. Despite his calm exterior, a storm brewed within him. Of all the challenges he had faced in his life, never had he encountered a situation as difficult as this. The weight of responsibility bore down on him, a burden he had not sought but could not evade.

One of the esteemed Grandmasters of the Gusu Lan Clan was involved with the infamous criminal black market group, Dache. What was even more appalling was his role within the organization, particularly his abhorrent appetite for children. The mere thought of it was enough to make Lan Xichen's stomach churn. He reached a hand up to massage his forehead, trying to soothe the persistent headache that had plagued him lately. The weight of recent events within the clan had taken its toll, leaving him constantly on edge and battling with the heaviness of responsibility.

"Brother," Lan Wangji's voice broke through the veil of Lan Xichen's thoughts, pulling him back to reality.

Lan Xichen looked up, startled. He hadn't noticed his brother's entrance, so deeply entrenched was he in his own contemplations. He had instructed Lan Wangji to convene a meeting of the entire Lan household to address the troubling matter concerning the Grandmaster.

Joining his older brother at the table, Lan Wangji began, his tone heavy with concern, "The clan elders wish to begin the meeting in an hour. Their agitation is evident."

Letting out a heavy sigh, Lan Xichen responded, "Agitation is an understatement. Who would have thought that such depravity and instability could exist within our own clan? And from a Grandmaster, no less. Our teachings, our principles, our supposed righteousness... it all feels like a cruel joke now." Frustration and disappointment colored his voice, a reflection of the turmoil within.

Lan Wangji's sigh mirrored Lan Xichen's own, their shared disappointment etched upon their expressions. "Depravity is an intrinsic part of the darkness that pervades our world," Lan Wangji spoke, his voice heavy with sorrow. "It seems even a clan as steeped in self-righteousness as our Gusu Lan Clan is not immune to its grasp."

Lan Xichen met his younger brother's gaze, a flicker of understanding and determination passing between them. "Yet, that does not mean we must succumb to it," he declared, rising from his seat. "We will cleanse the darkness and its inhabitants from the Gusu Lan Clan, regardless of their identity or position."

With a nod of agreement, Lan Wangji stood beside his brother. "I concur," he affirmed, a small smile breaking through the somber atmosphere.

As the brothers readied themselves to depart for the meeting, Jing Shi entered the chamber with little Lan Yu in her arms. The sight of his father brought a radiant smile to Lan Yu's face, but as his gaze shifted to his uncle Lan Wangji, a look of confusion settled upon his features. Lan Yu had always struggled to distinguish between his father and his uncle, often regarding them both with a puzzled expression whenever they were together.

"Ah, Ze Wu Jun, Han Guangjun. I hope I'm not interrupting," Jing Shi apologized, her expression apologetic.

Lan Wangji smiled warmly, offering a respectful bow. "Greetings, sister-in-law," he greeted formally, his eyes softening as they landed on his nephew. Lan Yu, catching sight of his uncle's gentle smile, beamed in return, reaching out his arms towards him. "Pa pa," he exclaimed happily, his delight palpable.

Jing Shi chuckled as she observed the scene unfold. "Oh dear, he's mistaken Uncle Wangji for 'papa' again."

Lan Wangji lifted Lan Yu into his arms, his voice gentle as he asked, "Am I really 'papa'?"