The Silence And The Song

The Trial Of Elders

Chapter 3: The Trial of the Elders

Wei Wuxian hated formal assemblies. He found the stern faces of the Lan Elders suffocating, their perfect posture an insult to human comfort. Yet, today he sat beside Lan Wangji in the main hall, dressed in clean, proper Gusu robes, his famous smile replaced by a look of almost perfect, if strained, neutrality. It was a heroic effort of discipline, undertaken purely for his husband.

They were there for a ceremonial review—the Elders' veiled opportunity to scrutinize the newest addition to their family.

An Elder, his beard as white and stiff as glacial ice, spoke in a slow, judgmental drone. “Second Master Lan has taken a husband. It is now necessary to ensure the husband understands the gravity of his position and will not bring undue levity or shame to the three thousand rules.”

Wei Wuxian’s fingers twitched beneath his sleeve, a phantom urge to pull out Chenqing and disrupt the tedious formality. He glanced at Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji sat motionless, a pillar of jade. But Wei Wuxian noticed the subtle tension in the set of his shoulders, the near-imperceptible hardening of his jaw. Lan Wangji was not merely enduring the scrutiny; he was bracing for it, ready to intercede.

The Elder shifted focus, his gaze piercing. “Husband Wei. It is well-known your personal conduct has been… unorthodox. How do you intend to reconcile your wild spirit with the solemn traditions of Gusu? Will the Lan clan be forced to endure your youthful childishness?”

The word struck a sharp, accusatory note. Wei Wuxian felt a spike of resentment. His playful nature was who he was, and to have it dismissed as mere 'childishness' was grating. He opened his mouth, ready with a witty, defiant retort—the kind that would certainly earn him a week of copying scriptures.

But then, he felt a slight pressure.

Under the deep cuff of Lan Wangji’s sleeve, his hand had moved, his fingertips brushing lightly, momentarily, against Wei Wuxian’s wrist. It was a movement no one else could see, a gesture of silent warning and support. Don't fight them. I am here.

Wei Wuxian recognized the immense effort it took for Lan Wangji to break his perfect stillness in public. The silent touch was more profound than any declaration. It reminded him that this display was about protecting their life, not proving his own pride.

He took a deep breath, and when he spoke, his voice was surprisingly low, measured, and sincere.

“Elder,” Wei Wuxian said, inclining his head respectfully. “The rules of Gusu are born of wisdom and respect. While my nature is indeed lively, I understand the solemn duty that comes with being the husband of the Second Master Lan.”

He paused, crafting his words carefully, weaving truth with respect. “I do not seek to erase my nature, but I promise that I will never intentionally bring shame to this house or to Lan Zhan. My duty is to support my husband, and if that means learning the quiet ways of Gusu, I will strive to learn them.”

A hush fell over the hall. It was not the perfect, scripted obedience the Elders had expected, but a genuine vow spoken with heartfelt sincerity.

The Elder’s expression remained skeptical, but before he could press further, Lan Wangji spoke. His voice was calm, resonant, and carried the undeniable authority of a powerful cultivator.

“Wei Ying is my chosen partner,” Lan Wangji stated, his gaze level and unwavering. “His spirit, though different from Gusu's, is loyal. He has promised respect. I will be responsible for his adherence to our customs. Furthermore,” Lan Wangji continued, and now his voice was protective, possessive. “My husband’s name will not be subject to repeated public questioning. If there are further concerns, address them to me.”

He subtly shifted his weight, a silent move that placed his body slightly forward, acting as a shield for Wei Wuxian. It was the most fiercely protective declaration he could make in the presence of the Elders—a defense that acknowledged Wei Wuxian's difference but affirmed his unbreakable place by Lan Wangji's side.

Wei Wuxian watched him, his heart swelling with fierce, tender emotion. The man who had been so disciplined, so reserved, was publicly defying his own elders and risking censure—all for him.

The Elders exchanged uncomfortable glances, but Lan Wangji’s firmness was absolute. They concluded the review abruptly.

Later, walking back toward the Jingshi, Wei Wuxian caught up to Lan Wangji and grabbed his hand openly, ignoring the few passing disciples.

“Lan Zhan! You were magnificent!” he exclaimed, utterly delighted. “You looked so fierce! They were terrified of you! You even touched me in public to warn me not to be stupid!”

Lan Wangji stopped, his face still grave, but his ears, just visible beneath his hair, were faintly flushed with pink.

“You spoke well,” Lan Wangji admitted, his grip tightening around Wei Wuxian’s hand. “You showed respect.”

“Only for you,” Wei Wuxian whispered, leaning in and bumping his shoulder gently against Lan Wangji’s. “The others are just stone pillars. But you… you are my pillar. And you break your own rules for me. That is the greatest romance in all of Gusu.”

Lan Wangji looked at him, his face softening completely. For a long moment, he simply held Wei Wuxian’s gaze, a silent testament to the commitment they had just affirmed.

“Do not be reckless again,” Lan Wangji murmured, the warning empty of malice. He lifted their joined hands and brushed his thumb gently over Wei Wuxian’s knuckles.

“Never,” Wei Wuxian promised, a sincerity that settled deep into the peaceful quiet of the Cloud Recesses.