The Mad Ҡìղց

Marriage proposals.

In the misty evening air, Lan Wanji's steps were slow and deliberate as he left the slaves' quarters, his mind troubled by his father's strict disapproval of Wei Ying. Wei Ying's presence had been on his mind since early this morning when he had told Wei Ying about his feelings. That confession had stayed with him all day, and he couldn't help but search for him now, needing to see him again.

After hearing that Wei Ying had gone for his nightly run, Wanji headed toward the forest. The path was familiar, yet his heart raced, each step drawing him closer to a reunion he felt was as inevitable as it was uncertain.

Lan Qiren, Wanji's father, spotted him heading into the forest and decided to follow, curious about his son's intentions. Though his father rarely involved himself in Wanji's personal affairs, the discovery that a boy—had attracted his son's attention had clearly roused his ire.

Lost in thought, Wanji barely noticed the figure hurtling toward him until it collided with his chest. Stumbling slightly, he looked up, surprised to see none other than Wei Ying, his face flushed from the run.

"I'm sorry," Wei Ying said, reaching out to steady him.

Wanji's chest tightened at the unexpected contact. "It's okay," he replied softly, though Wei Ying still held his arm.

Wei Ying searched Wanji's eyes, sensing his distraction. "Wanji, are you okay?" he asked with quiet concern.

Wanji managed a small smile, his heart warming at the familiarity of the other's voice. "I'm fine. I was actually looking for you."

Wei Ying's gaze shifted, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I went for a run," he explained, releasing Wanji's arm with a twinge of reluctance.

Wanji's voice softened. "Yes, they told me."

The silence that followed was heavy yet comforting. Wanji cleared his throat, his heart hammering as he leaned in slightly. "Have you... thought about what I said this morning?"

Wei Ying's gaze dropped, and he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "No, I... I haven't," he replied, though his evasive tone suggested otherwise.

Their exchange was interrupted by a cold, commanding voice from behind them. "I see," the voice boomed, slicing through the stillness.

Wanji turned, startled. "Father?"

Wei Ying's face paled, and he instinctively bowed his head, a gesture of respect he'd known since his earliest days in servitude.

Lan Qiren's gaze was sharp and judgmental, his eyes zeroing in on Wei Ying's attire. "A slave boy?" he sneered. "Or is that not the clothing of a Yunmeng clan servant?"

Wanji's face flushed with embarrassment and anger. "Father, please stop," he pleaded, struggling to keep his voice steady. "I told you he wasn't high-born."

"You neglected to tell me he was a slave," Lan Qiren retorted, his tone scathing. "How did you even deceive my son into this foolishness? What charm did you use on him?"

Wei Ying knelt down feeling the heat of shame rise to his cheeks, but he kept his voice steady. "I'm sorry, sir," he said, his words respectful but tinged with frustration. "I didn't do anything to him. I told him I wasn't interested."

The sting of those words hit Wanji harder than he expected. His throat tightened as he knelt beside Wei Ying, his expression raw and unguarded. "I love him, Father," Wanji whispered, his words trembling with unspoken longing.

Wei Ying froze, the confession sending a shock through him. How could Wanji be so reckless with his feelings, especially in front of his father? He knew this would only fuel Lan Qiren's contempt.