Chapter 9:Secrets and Suspicions

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Lan Wangji sat at the library, surrounded by stacks of ancient texts and scrolls. He tried to focus on the words in front of him, but his mind kept wandering back to the Patriarch.

Their last encounter had left him breathless.Lan Wangji's heart still raced at the memory of Wei Wuxian's eyes locking onto his, the intensity of their gaze still burning in his mind. He felt like he'd been seen, truly seen, for the first time in his life. the spark of electricity that ran through his body.

The silence of the library was oppressive, the only sound of the soft rustle of pages turning.
He tried to push the thoughts away, focusing on the texts in front of him. But his eyes kept drifting back to the memory of Wei Wuxian's gaze, his heart still racing with anticipation.

And then, just as he thought he couldn't take it anymore

He found himself standing up and walking towards the Patriarch's room, his feet moving of their own accord.

He told himself he just wanted to check on the Patriarch's health, make sure he was recovering well. But deep down, he knew it was more than that. He needed to see the Patriarch again, to understand what had happened between them earlier.

As he approached the Patriarch's room, Lan Wangji's heart began to race. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He would just ask about the Patriarch's health, and then leave. That was all.

Lan Wangji walked down the corridor, his footsteps quiet on the wooden floor. The Burial Mounds' eerie silence enveloped him, punctuated only by the distant howling of wind. Approaching Patriarch's room, he heard Wen Qing's neutral tone and his husband's deeper voice.

Lan Wangji slowed his pace, not wanting to interrupt. He turned to leave, thinking he shouldn't disturb them.

But then, his name echoed through the door.

Lan Wangji's footsteps halted, his body freezing in place. His heart skipped a beat.

"Lan Wangji didn't leave the Burial Mounds for a second. I can confirm that.we've been monitoring his every movement, weiwuxian.There's nothing suspicious."Wen Qing said, her voice neutral and matter-of-fact.

Lan Wangji's heart skipped a beat.Things started to make sense to him now. The feeling of being watched, the subtle disturbances in his room whenever he returned. It all clicked into place.

They were monitoring him.

Lan Wangji's mind reeled as he processed the information. Why were they watching him so closely? What did they suspect him of?

Wei Wuxian's response made him confused. "Then how can he be in two places at once?And this time I fought with him.He was wearing his white robes and his fighting style was unmistakable - it was Gusu Lan style. The attacker wore the Lanclan's main family's forhead ribbon, the same one Lan Wangji wears. I'm certain it was him," Wei Wuxian said, his voice laced with conviction."

Wen Qing's voice rose again,
"But you didn't see his face  weiwuxian."

Wei Wuxian's hesitation was palpable. "But... I could sense it. I know it was him"

Wen Qing's voice was neutral and firm. "Weiwuxian, I think you're struggling to accept the truth. Your instincts are clouded.You don't want to accept that it wasn't Lan Wangji."

Wei Wuxian's silence hinted at defeat,his eyes likely fixed on floor.

Wen Qing continued, "You're feeling guilty, weiwuxian. Guilty because you dragged Lan Wangji into this mess."

Wei Wuxian's voice was barely audible, his words laced with self-doubt. "What do you mean?"

Wen Qing replied, "You married Lan Wangji, knowing the risks and uncertainties. Now, you're faced with the possibility that he may be innocent, and that's tearing you apart. The weight of your responsibilities is crushing you."

Lan Wangji stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. His thoughts swirled with fear and uncertainty.

Just as Weiwuxian began to respond, Lan Wangji pushed open the door. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on him.

Wen Qing's eyes widened in shock, her face pale. Wei Wuxian's expression darkened, guilt flickering in his eyes as he met Lan Wangji's gaze.

"Lan Wangji," Wei Wuxian said, his voice low and measured, laced with a hint of apprehension.

Lan Wangji's eyes locked onto Wei Wuxian's, his expression unreadable. But beneath the surface, turmoil brewed. His heart ached with every glance at Wei Wuxian, the weight of his secrets threatening to crush him.

"Patriarch," Lan Wangji replied, his voice steady, despite the storm raging within
Lan Wangji's breath caught in his throat.

Wen Qing found her voice, her tone laced with unease. "Lan Wangji, we were just... discussing the recent events."

Lan Wangji's gaze never wavered from Wei Wuxian's. "I think I know who might be the person who attacked the Patriarch."

Wei Wuxian's eyes flashed with surprise and wariness, guilt lingering in their depths. His brow furrowed, as if bracing for the worst.

"Who?" Wei Wuxian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lan Wangji's hesitation was palpable. His eyes searched Wei Wuxian's, seeking reassurance, but finding only uncertainty.

Lan Wangji's composure cracked, his voice barely above a whisper. "The person who attacked you, Patriarch... I believe it may be my cousin, Lan Xusheng,Birth name Lansushe."

Wei Wuxian's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Why do you suspect Lan Sushe, Wangji?"

Lan Wangji's gaze dropped, his voice low and measured. "As you said Patriarch,attacker's resemblance to me is uncanny. And the technique used...was gusu lan's.

Wei Wuxian's gaze intensified. "Go on."

Lan Wangji's hesitation was palpable before he continued, "Lan Sushe has always... admired me. Or, rather, emulated me. He's copied my mannerisms, my speech, even my attire."

Wen Qing's eyes widened in surprise. "Imitated you?"

Lan Wangji's expression turned grim. "Yes. He's done it since we were children. But what's more important is that he's no longer a part of the Lan clan. Su Fu dismissed him years ago."

Wei Wuxian's eyebrows rose. "Dismissed? What was the reason?"

Lan Wangji's voice took on a hint of disapproval. "Lan Sushe was caught sneaking into the Forbidden Library without permission. He had forbidden scripts and texts in his possession... ones that even clan members are not allowed to access."

Wen Qing's eyes narrowed. "Forbidden scripts?"

Lan Wangji's nod was curt. "Yes. Su Fu had no choice but to dismiss him. Lan Sushe's actions were a betrayal of our clan's trust and values."

Wei Wuxian was about to press Lan Wangji further when a soft knock interrupted the moment. Wen Ning, his expression solemn, slid the door open.

"Patriarch," he announced, his voice carrying a hint of urgency, "Sect Leader Lan is here."

Lan Wangji's eyes flickered towards Wen Ning's, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

"Lan Xichen?" The patriarch asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity.

Wen Ning nodded. "Yes, Patriarch. Sect Leader Lan has requested an audience with you and Master lan.

Wen Qing's glanced at Lan Wangji, her expression conveying a silent question.

Lan Wangji's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with a mix of emotions. He seemed both apprehensive and intrigued.

Wei Wuxian's expression turned thoughtful. He considered the implications of Lan Xichen's arrival, the potential motives behind his visit. After a moment, he nodded.

"Have him wait in the outer chamber," he instructed, his voice firm. "Prepare refreshments."

Wen Ning bowed and exited the room.

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⏰ Last updated: Oct 08 ⏰

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