Chapter 18
"The clan elders and Shifu want me to marry again," Lan Zhan began to explain. "I told them I'm already married and that my heart belongs to only one person-Wei Ying, now and forever.
They want an heir for the future, but I refused, saying I won't marry anyone, not now, not ever. That's why they suggested I take a concubine as the Sect leader."
Wei Ying, who had been sitting silently, looking at Lan Zhan like a mirror, couldn't speak at first. His heart was racing, and he had to gather his thoughts before speaking. "Firstly, Lan Zhan is not the permanent Sect leader, just a temporary one. Xichen-ge is... unless you want to be.
Second, producing an heir is not your responsibility, that's Xichen-ge's problem. And third, let's assume Xichen-ge will never marry anyone in his life, like Master Lan Qiren. Then there are two adopted sons for you, Sizhui and Jingyi, among whom you can choose a future Sect leader."
Wei Ying continued, "So, I don't see any problem in this matter, unless Lan Zhan wants a woman in his life..."
"Wei Ying!" Lan Zhan yelled his name for the second time, his body shaking with anger. "How could Wei Ying think like that?!"
Tears rolled down Lan Zhan's face as he choked on his words. Immediately, Wei Ying started sobbing too and crawled into Lan Zhan's lap. Lan Zhan gathered him in his strong arms, now shaking, and hugged him tight.
"I'm sorry, Lan Zhan, so sorry," Wei Ying said between tears. "I can't live without you; I'd rather die than live without you."
Lan Zhan's mouth closed over Wei Ying's, their salty tears mingling as they kissed for almost two minutes.
They held each other, crying and kissing wherever their mouths landed on each other's faces, murmuring how much they missed each other in those three days.
Minutes later, Wei Ying fell asleep in Lan Zhan's arms, his arms wrapped around Lan Zhan's body as if afraid someone would separate them.
Lan Zhan stroked his hair, thinking that the person sleeping in his arms is his husband, his soulmate, and his love, Wei Ying, not the Yiling Patriarch who sat opposite him a moment ago. When Lan Zhan shivered, it was not out of fear. In his eyes, Wei Ying was so hot and adorable that it made Lan Zhan's body shiver.
He made him comfortable before taking him to bed and laying him down, then removed their outer robes and lay next to Wei Ying, hugging him tightly.
Right now, they needed rest, a comfortable sleep they hadn't had in three days. The rest would have to wait. Lan Zhan kissed Wei Ying's temple, his closed eyes, nose, and cheeks, and then stole a long kiss on his soft pink lips. Lan Zhan closed his eyes too and fell asleep.
Lan Zhan stood before the elders, his expression resolute. The weight of their expectations pressed down on him, but his heart remained steadfast.
Their plan to insist on an heir had not swayed Lan Zhan. He had refused outright, adamant that he would never marry anyone else.
But the elders had not given up. They suggested taking a concubine as a compromise, an idea that Lan Zhan rejected with equal fervor.
"Lan Zhan glared at the elders. "Uncle," he started, "I don't know why you want to pressure me with this issue. I'm not the permanent Sect Leader; Xioangzhang is. Why should I be the one producing an heir?"
Lan Qiren stroked his beard. "Wangji, you are our only hope. Who knows when Xichen will come out of his seclusion? It's been almost two years since he isolated himself. Your children or his own are all the same; any of them can be an heir."
"I have two children," Lan Zhan continued. "Sizhui would make a good leader." Lan Qiren scowled at him. "We want blood heirs, not adopted ones. Not that we don't like them, but the sect leader must be blood-related."
Lan Zhan bowed and left. He didn't see the use of continuing the conversation, knowing he wouldn't do what they wanted.
"Wei Ying," Lan Zhan said, his voice steady, "I will never cheat on you. I will never sleep with another woman. My love and loyalty belong to you alone."
Wei Ying felt a surge of warmth and gratitude. Yet, the elders were not so easily dissuaded. Lan Qiren, Lan Zhan's Shifu, decided to take matters into his own hands.
***
Wei Ying was tending to the garden at the back of Jingshi, when Lan Qiren summoned him.
The elder's stern face gave away little, but Wei Ying could sense the gravity of the situation.
"Sit down," Lan Qiren said, motioning to a chair. Wei Ying complied, feeling the weight of the elder's gaze.
"You know why you're here," Lan Qiren began. "The clan needs an heir. Wangji has refused to marry again or take a concubine. This is unacceptable."
Wei Ying clenched his fists, his heart pounding. Despise his fear of this Man, he gather the courage and say "Lan Zhan and I are married. We made vows to each other."
Lan Qiren's eyes narrowed. "Wei Wuxian, you must understand the importance of this. As a man, you cannot bear children. The clan's future depends on an heir."
"I'm aware of that," Wei Ying replied, his voice trembling with suppressed anger. "But forcing Lan Zhan to be with someone else isn't the solution."
Lan Qiren leaned forward, his voice lowering to a menacing whisper. "If you truly care about Wangji, you will convince him to do what is necessary. If not, there will be consequences. The clan's needs must come first."
Wei Ying's mind raced. He knew Lan Zhan would never agree to this, but the pressure was immense. Lan Qiren's threat hung in the air like a dark cloud.
"I can't... I won't make him do something he doesn't want to," Wei Ying said, his voice breaking. "Lan Zhan loves me. He chose me." Wei Ying is not longer afraid of this old Man at the moment.
Lan Qiren's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained. "Then consider this your only warning. The clan's needs are paramount. Think carefully about what you will do."
Lan Zhan found Wei Ying in their Jingshi, his face pale and eyes wide with fear. "What happened?" Lan Zhan asked, rushing to his side.
Wei Ying swallowed hard, tears brimming in his eyes. "Master Qiren... he wants me to convince you to take a concubine. He said if I don't, there will be consequences."
Lan Zhan's jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. "He has no right to threaten you. I will speak to him."
Wei Ying grabbed his arm, stopping him. "No, Lan Zhan. You can't. You'll make things worse. He'll try to tear us apart."
Lan Zhan pulled Wei Ying into a tight embrace, his heart aching at the sight of his husband's distress. "I won't let that happen. I promise you, Wei Ying, I will never betray you. We will find a way through this together."
Wei Ying buried his face in Lan Zhan's chest, his sobs muffled. "I can't lose you, Lan Zhan. You're everything to me."
Lan Zhan kissed the top of his head, his resolve solidifying. "And you are everything to me, Wei Ying. No one will come between us. Not now, not ever."
The next morning, Lan Zhan sought out Lan Qiren. The elder was in his study, surrounded by scrolls and books. He looked up as Lan Zhan entered, his expression unreadable.
"Wangji," he said, inclining his head. "I assume you're here to discuss the matter of the heir."
"I am," Lan Zhan replied, his voice cold. "I will not take a concubine, nor will I marry another. My loyalty is to Wei Ying, and I will not betray him."
Lan Qiren's eyes hardened. "You are the Sect leader. You have responsibilities."
"My responsibility is to my husband and to the principles we stand for," Lan Zhan retorted. "Forcing me to take a concubine would betray those principles."
Lan Qiren stood, his face inches from Lan Zhan's. "Do you think you can defy the clan's will without consequence?"
"I will protect Wei Ying and our marriage," Lan Zhan said firmly. "If that means defying you and the elders, so be it."
Lan Qiren's face darkened, but he saw the unyielding resolve in Lan Zhan's eyes. He very well known Wangji stubbornness since his childhood "Very well," he said at last, his voice icy. "But remember this, Wangji: the clan's needs will not be ignored forever. You may have won this battle, but the war is far from over."
Lan Zhan turned on his heel and left the study, his heart heavy but his resolve unshaken. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but with Wei Ying by his side, he was ready to face any challenge.
Returning to Wei Ying, he pulled him into a fierce hug. "No matter what happens, Wei Ying, we will face it together. I will never leave you."
Wei Ying nodded, tears of relief streaming down his face. "Together," he whispered, clinging to Lan Zhan. "Always together."
And as they held each other, Lan Zhan knew that no matter the trials ahead, their love would see them through.
The tension in the Lan clan was palpable. Despite Lan Zhan's firm stance, the elders were relentless. Lan Qiren, especially, was determined to ensure the clan's future, even if it meant pressuring Wei Ying.
Days passed, and the pressure on Wei Ying grew unbearable. Lan Qiren's words echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the duty he was being forced to uphold.
"Wei Wuxian," Lan Qiren had said in their last meeting, his tone colder than ever, "the clan's survival is at stake. If you truly love Wangji, you'll do what's necessary. Trick him if you must, but ensure he sleeps with the woman we've chosen."
Wei Ying's heart ached at the thought. How could he deceive Lan Zhan, the person who meant everything to him? But the weight of the clan's expectations and the threat of severe consequences loomed over him like a dark cloud.
***
One evening, as Lan Zhan returned from his duties, he found Wei Ying waiting with a jug of Emperor Smile wine and two cups.
"Lan Zhan," Wei Ying began, forcing a smile, "I thought we could share a drink today, it has been since we do. and with this tension and all I want to relax tonight."
Lan Zhan's eyes softened as he looked at Wei Ying. "That sounds wonderful, but Wei Ying knows my alcohol tolerance" he said, taking a seat beside his husband.
As they sipped the wine, Wei Ying's hands trembled, his heart heavy with guilt.
The night wore on, Wei Ying poured Lan Zhan another cup, and then another. Soon, Lan Zhan's eyes grew heavy, and his movements sluggish.
"Wei Ying, I love...you," Lan Zhan mumbled, his head lolling slightly.
Wei Ying's heart broke at the sight. "I love you too, Lan Zhan. Just rest. I'll take care of you."
Supporting Lan Zhan's weight, Wei Ying guided him to Guests quarter's the room where the woman was waiting. Each step felt like a betrayal, each breath a stab of pain.
At the door, Wei Ying paused, tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry, Lan Zhan," he whispered. "Forgive me."
With a heavy heart, Wei Ying pushed the door open and helped Lan Zhan inside. The woman stood up, her eyes widening at the sight of the Couples.
"Please," Wei Ying said to her, his voice cracking. "Take care of him."
Leaving Lan Zhan in the woman's care, Wei Ying stumbled out of the room, his body wracked with sobs. He had done the unthinkable, deceived the one person he loved more than anything in the world.