"Bound by Destiny"

Chapter 31 : A Glimpse of Understanding

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Days turned into weeks, and Wei Wuxian's daring venture into the forbidden library remained a secret between the two of them. Their bond deepened as they explored each other's boundaries, both physical and emotional. For the first time, Lan Wangji allowed himself to hope that their relationship would evolve naturally, without the burdens of societal expectations or clan duties weighing them down.

But Cloud Recesses was never truly quiet. Despite its reputation as a place of peace and study, the whispers of elders and the judgments of other clans had begun to circulate. Rumors spread like wildfire: the lack of an heir in Gusu Lan, the scandalous nature of a marriage that had begun when one partner was still a child. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were not blind to these whispers, but they chose to ignore them, focusing on each other instead.

The Meeting of the Clans

One morning, a formal assembly was called, bringing together the heads and elders of the prominent clans. Lan Xichen, with his calm and dignified presence, presided over the gathering. As Sect Leader, he was used to such meetings, but today's agenda made his heart heavy. The other clans had demanded a discussion about the "problem" of his brother's marriage.

Wei Wuxian, who usually found such meetings tedious, had been told to attend. He knew something serious was brewing when he saw the grim expressions on the faces of the assembled elders. Lan Wangji stood beside him, his posture as rigid as ever, but there was a tension in his gaze that Wei Wuxian rarely saw.

"Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian," one of the elders began, his voice clipped and formal. "It has been many years since your marriage. Yet, despite this time, there has been no issue from your union."

Wei Wuxian's heart sank. He had known this was coming, but it still hurt to hear it spoken aloud. He glanced at Lan Wangji, but his husband's face was an unreadable mask.

"An heir is crucial for the stability of our clans," another elder chimed in. "Especially for one as prominent as Gusu Lan. It is expected that a marriage, especially one so controversial, would at least fulfill this duty."

The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement. Wei Wuxian felt a flush of anger, but also shame. He had never considered the implications of their childless marriage, had never thought that it would be used as a weapon against Lan Wangji.

"Enough," Lan Xichen's voice cut through the din, his tone gentle but firm. "The matter of my brother's marriage is not one for public debate."

"But Sect Leader Lan," an elder from Qinghe Nie interrupted, his voice respectful but insistent, "the matter affects us all. A union without offspring is seen as incomplete. It is not just a matter of personal concern, but one that could impact the future of your sect."

Lan Wangji's jaw tightened, his hands clenched at his sides. "Wei Ying is still young," he said, his voice steady but laced with steel. "I will not push him into something he is not ready for."

Wei Wuxian's heart ached at the words. Lan Zhan was, as always, protecting him. But he couldn't help the feeling of inadequacy that washed over him. He wasn't doing his duty, wasn't giving Lan Zhan the heir that everyone seemed to expect. Was it his fault? Was there something wrong with him?

He was only nineteen, but in the eyes of the elders, he was already failing as a spouse.

Doubts and Insecurities

After the meeting, Wei Wuxian wandered aimlessly through the Cloud Recesses, his mind swirling with the elders' words. He knew he was being irrational, but he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and inadequacy. Was he holding Lan Zhan back? Was he not enough?