The Jade Emperor's Blessing...(Yù Huáng de Zhù Fú)

Eight

Four years had passed since Wei Ying's death, and everything was the same for Lan Zhan except for his children growing up.

Lan Xichen sat alone in his study, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. The news he needed to share with his brother, Lan Wangji, was heavy, and he knew it would not be received well. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself for the difficult conversation ahead.

As he made his way to Jingshi Lan Zhan's quarters, Lan Xichen's mind raced with memories of the past few years.

The loss of Wei Wuxian had left a deep scar on his brother, a wound that never seemed to heal. Lan Wangji's anger and grief had turned into a cold, unyielding hatred for Jiang Wanyin, the man he blamed for Wei Ying's death.

Lan Xichen paused outside Lan Zhan's door, gathering his resolve.

He knocked softly and waited.

"Enter," came Lan Zhan's voice from within.

Lan Xichen stepped inside, his eyes immediately finding his brother seated by the window, a distant look in his eyes.

"Wangji," Lan Xichen began gently, "I need to talk to you about something important." Lan Zhan turned to face him, his expression unreadable.

"What is it, Xiongzhang?"

Lan Xichen hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's about Jiang Wanyin." At the mention of Jiang Cheng's name, Lan Zhan's eyes darkened.

"What about him?"

Lan Xichen took a deep breath. "I have decided to marry him."

Lan Zhan's reaction was immediate. His eyes widened in shock, and then narrowed in anger.

"You what?"

Lan Xichen remained calm, despite the storm brewing in his brother's eyes. "Jiang Wanyin is my mate, Wangji. He is my omega, and he is carrying our children."

Lan Zhan stood abruptly, his hands clenched into fists.

"How could you, Xiongzhang?

How could you choose him, of all people? He is the reason Wei Ying is dead!"

Lan Xichen's heart ached for his brother, but he stood firm. "Wangji, you know as well as I do that what happened was a tragic accident. Blaming Jiang Wanyin will not bring Wei Ying back."

Lan Zhan's voice was cold and hard. "I will never forgive him. Never." Lan Xichen took a step closer, his voice softening.

"Didi, I love him. And I believe Wei Wuxian would not want us to live in hatred. Please, try to understand."

Lan Zhan turned away, his back rigid with tension.

"Do what you want, Xiongzhang. It is not my business."

Lan Xichen sighed, feeling the weight of his brother's pain.

"I hope one day you can find it in your heart to forgive, Didi.

For your sake, not for his."

Lan Zhan did not respond, his silence a clear indication that the conversation was over.

Lan Xichen left the room, his heart heavy but resolved. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he also knew that love was worth fighting for, even in the face of such deep-seated pain.

Lan Xichen stood on the balcony, looking out at the serene landscape of the Cloud Recesses. The air was crisp and clean, the morning sun casting a gentle light over the mountains.

Today was the day he would officially announce his union with Jiang Wanyin to the Lan sect.

As he turned to go back inside, he saw Jiang Cheng approaching, a soft smile on his lips. Despite the turmoil, seeing Jiang Cheng always brought a sense of peace to Lan Xichen's heart.