"Bound by Destiny"

Chapter 2: Unforeseen Circumstances

The days following the announcement of the marriage were filled with tension in both the Gusu Lan and Yunmeng Jiang Clans. While Wei Wuxian continued with his mischievous antics, unaware of the life-changing decision made on his behalf, Lan Wangji was enveloped in a storm of conflicting emotions. In the Gusu Lan Sect's main hall, discussions were becoming increasingly heated.

Lan Wangji’s Dilemma
Lan Wangji sat silently beside his older brother, Lan Xichen, who maintained a calm and composed expression. Across from them, Lan Qiren’s stern face bore an air of determination as he continued his argument.

“Wangji, you must understand,” Lan Qiren insisted, his voice sharp. “This alliance is crucial. The Jiang Clan’s support is indispensable if we are to maintain our position in the cultivation world. With Wen Ruohan growing more aggressive, we need allies who are strong and trustworthy.”

Lan Wangji’s golden eyes remained fixed on the polished floor. He had always trusted his uncle’s judgment, but this time, the decision felt too personal, too sudden. A marriage with someone he barely knew, and a child at that – how could such a union be of any strategic value? He clenched his hands tightly, considering his response carefully. Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet but firm.

“Uncle, I understand the need for alliances, but why this child? Why Wei Ying?” His expression was unreadable, but Lan Xichen could sense the turmoil beneath his composed facade.

Lan Qiren sighed heavily, knowing that convincing his nephew would not be easy. “Wei Wuxian is not just any child. His potential is remarkable, and his bond with the Jiang Clan is unbreakable. By bringing him into our family, we strengthen our ties with Jiang Fengmian and ensure his loyalty in these troubled times.”

Lan Xichen, ever the mediator, gently interjected, “Wangji, this is not only about politics. There is much promise in Wei Wuxian. I’ve seen the way he approaches cultivation – there’s a brilliance to him that is rare. Given time, he could become a great cultivator, and he could learn a lot from you.”

Lan Wangji’s expression softened at his brother’s words, but his uncertainty remained. “But… he is a child. How can a child comprehend the responsibilities that come with such a union?”

Lan Qiren’s gaze softened, revealing a rare glimpse of understanding. “That is where you come in, Wangji. You will guide him, teach him, and help him grow into his potential. Perhaps, in time, you may even come to see him as more than just a duty.”

Lan Wangji was silent, pondering the weight of his uncle's words. The room fell into a tense quiet, broken only by the distant sound of wind rustling through the bamboo leaves outside. After a long pause, he nodded. “I will do what is necessary for the clan,” he said, his voice steady but resigned.

**The Jiang Clan's Concerns** 
Meanwhile, in Yunmeng, the Jiang Clan faced their own set of challenges. Jiang Fengmian, the clan leader, and his wife, Madam Yu, sat in their private quarters, discussing the situation. Madam Yu’s face was drawn with displeasure, her brows furrowed as she paced back and forth.

“I still do not understand why you agreed to this!” she snapped, her tone sharp. “Wei Wuxian is just a child! How can you send him away to Gusu, to marry into a clan as cold and rigid as the Lan?”

Jiang Fengmian remained calm, his hands clasped on his lap. “Yu Zi Yuan, you know as well as I do that the cultivation world is changing. The Wen Clan grows stronger by the day, and we cannot stand alone. An alliance with the Gusu Lan Clan offers us protection and stability. And Wei Wuxian… he is more than capable of handling himself.”

Madam Yu scoffed, her eyes flashing with irritation. “He is a troublemaker! What makes you think the Lans will tolerate his behavior? And what about Jiang Cheng? He is our son, yet you favor an outsider!”

Jiang Fengmian’s expression softened. “I do not favor him. I only see his potential, just as I see Jiang Cheng’s. But this is not about favoritism. This is about survival. Wei Wuxian is strong, intelligent, and resourceful. He will thrive in Gusu, and in time, he may even bring honor to both clans.”

Madam Yu’s face hardened. “I still do not agree with this,” she muttered, but there was a hint of resignation in her voice. She knew that once Jiang Fengmian made up his mind, there was little she could do to change it.

Wei Wuxian’s Discovery
Unaware of the storm brewing around him, Wei Wuxian was in the lotus pond, a place he often visited to escape the stern lectures of his elders. He was splashing water with Jiang Cheng, laughing as he tried to catch a lotus seed pod to throw at his friend.

Jiang Yanli approached, her face carrying a look of concern. “A-Xian, A-Cheng,” she called out softly. “Come here. Father wishes to speak with you both.”

Wei Wuxian turned, still smiling. “What is it, Shijie? Did we do something wrong again?”

Jiang Yanli hesitated, then gave a soft smile. “Just come along,” she said gently.

In the main hall, they found Jiang Fengmian waiting, his expression serious. He looked at Wei Wuxian with a mix of affection and concern. “A-Ying,” he began, “there is something important you must know.”

Wei Wuxian, sensing the gravity of the moment, straightened. “What is it, Sect Leader Jiang?”

Jiang Fengmian took a deep breath. “You are to be married… to Lan Wangji of the Gusu Lan Clan.”

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Wei Wuxian did not react. Then, his eyes widened, and he burst into laughter. “Married? Me? To that cold-faced Lan Er-Gege? This must be a joke, right?”

Jiang Fengmian’s expression did not change. “It is not a joke, A-Ying. The decision has been made. The marriage will strengthen the bond between our clans.”

Wei Wuxian’s smile faded, replaced by a look of disbelief. “But… why me? I’m only twelve! I don’t know anything about being a husband, especially not to someone like him.”

Jiang Fengmian’s eyes softened. “You are young, but you are strong and capable. This is a great honor, and in time, you will understand its importance.”

Jiang Cheng, who had been silent, suddenly stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. “Why A-Xian? Why not me? He’s not even a real member of our clan! Why should he be the one?”

Jiang Fengmian’s gaze turned stern. “Enough, Jiang Cheng. This is not a decision to be questioned. It has been decided for the good of both our clans.”

Wei Wuxian felt a surge of emotions – confusion, fear, and even a bit of excitement at the prospect of going to Gusu. But he was also afraid of leaving the only home he’d ever known, and of the cold, unfamiliar place he was being sent to.

**The Journey Begins** 
Three days later, Wei Wuxian stood at the gates of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, ready to depart for Gusu. He was dressed in new robes, a gift from Jiang Yanli, who had tears in her eyes as she hugged him tightly.

“Be good, A-Xian,” she whispered. “Remember everything I taught you. And… try to listen to Lan Wangji. He is a good person, even if he seems strict.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, his eyes watering despite his best efforts to stay cheerful. “I will, Shijie. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Jiang Cheng stood beside him, arms crossed, looking sullen. “You better not embarrass us, A-Xian,” he muttered, but his voice was thick with emotion.

Wei Wuxian grinned. “I’ll make sure they know Yunmeng Jiang’s A-Xian is the best!”

With a final wave, he turned and climbed into the carriage waiting to take him to Gusu. As the wheels began to turn, carrying him away from his home and into the unknown, he felt a mix of fear and excitement swirling in his chest. He had no idea what awaited him in Gusu, but he was determined to face it head-on, just as he did everything else.

End of Chapter 2

As Wei Wuxian's journey to Gusu begins, the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty and challenge. How will he adapt to the strict ways of the Lan Clan, and how will his unexpected marriage to Lan Wangji unfold amidst the brewing tensions in the cultivation world?