Soul bonds

Wedding veils

Lan Qiren stood at the door of the Hanshi, observing Lan Xichen. His nephew was staring at an empty space, frozen, with glassy eyes, his hands gripping a piece of paper. He had called him thrice and received no answer.

"Xichen!"

Lan Xichen was startled. He looked at his uncle and immediately raised to greet him and invited him inside.

"I am sorry Uncle..."

Lan Qiren sensed that his nephew was tense. He sighed and put his hand on his shoulders, whispering,

"A-Huan, what is the matter?"

Lan Xichen was astounded. It has been years since Lan QiRen has addressed him directly with such familiarity. In fact, he did not even remember when was the last time it happened. He was deeply touched by the love and care conveyed by this simple gesture.

"The Chang clan – all the fifty-two members – have been murdered in a gruesome way. Even the spiritual animals were savagely killed... this is darker than bloodlust, Uncle!"

"There is nothing we can do now. Once the wedding of A-Zhan and A-Ying is done, we will focus on the upcoming war. You need to prepare A-Ying. He will need your help with the dizi..."

"Uncle, I wanted to ask – That day, Wei Ying recognised Chenqing... How?"

Lan QiRen turned his back to Lan Xichen, and looked at the beautiful pavilion gardens bathed in the warm sunlight. It was not yet dusk, and the rays of the autumn sun were dancing on the lush greenery. Lan Xichen moved next to his uncle; the sight before them was undeniably stunning, yet it was tinged with melancholy.

Lan QiRen continued,

"As you know, Chenqing is a first class spiritual tool belonging to the Lan Sect. Unlike other spiritual tools, Chenqing has always chosen its master. To be able to wield it, one must have a pure heart, be selfless and truthful in all intent, and be ready to uphold justice and defend the downtrodden at whatever cost... Fortunately or unfortunately, A-Ying qualifies... A few days ago, Sect Leader Jiang informed us that A-Ying saw glimpses of the future. One of the things he saw, was Chenqing, though I doubt he knows anything about the origin of the dizi..."

"Who was the last wielder of Chenqing?"

"Cangse Sanren!"

"But Uncle... How"

"When she died, the dizi came back to the Lan!"

"What future did Wei Ying see?"

"War – a most horrific war! But enough of this for now... Is A-Zhan ready yet?"

Lan Xichen smiled, his eyes sparkled with mischief, "He should be..."

"A-Huan, what have you done?"

"Nothing much Uncle..."

"Wait, this smell... Did you ... Is it what I think it is?"

Lan Xichen nodded and chuckled. Lan QiRen burst out laughing. It was so rare to see him laugh that Lan Xichen just starred for a few seconds, and started laughing too.

Lan Zhan heard the ruckus and rushed out from the dressing room. Fortunately, he was already dressed. He bowed and asked,

"Uncle, is everything alright?"

"Ah Wangji! I am fine!"

Both admired Lan Zhan in his crimson wedding attire. The dress was simple, yet very apt for the occasion. It was magnificent, without being showy or gaudy.