Respect

Lan Wangji’s usually emotionless face had a crack today as he worriedly looked at his beloved, Wei Wuxian, then his elder brother Lan Xichen who currently are facing each other. One could see the sparks between them which almost turn into lightning with how tense the atmosphere is. Since even Lan Wangji who has a perpetual expressionless face could show such an expression, albeit so minimal, this shows how grave the situation is since Wei Wuxian, who has just found out from Jiang Cheng that it was still Lan Xichen who he (JC) ended up marrying, almost marched into the Cloud Recesses had Jiang Cheng not immediately reacted and stopped Wei Wuxian. 

But, in the end, Wei Wuxian cared for Jiang Cheng so he stayed in the Lotus Pier while he sent a message to Lan Wangji to come to the Lotus Pier… along with Lan Xichen! However, Lan Qiren who knows the situation the most also arrived after knowing that Wei Wuxian has already found out about Lan Xichen ended up being Jiang Cheng’s groom… and now husband. 

For the first time, Lan Qiren felt guilty towards Wei Wuxian and was also ashamed. But the one who should be ashamed the most here is –

“Young master Wei.” Lan Xichen called with a calm expression as he faced Wei Wuxian. He knows that ever since he showed up on the wedding day, he has to face many things and people. And one of these people is Wei Wuxian. “I know that I owe you an apology regarding my marriage with sect leader Jiang.” He spoke. “And you also don’t like me.” He added. 

“So Zewu-jun is aware.” Wei Wuxian coldly spoke. Even if his face is now Mo Xuanyu’s face, his temperament, especially right now that he is angry, will forever be the same - the Yiling Patriarch, who he is. 

How Wei Wuxian would like to drop all the addresses (as a sign of respect), but despite he is angry, he still remembered that his husband is Lan Wangji so he is now a member of the Lan Clan, which the sect leader is Lan Xichen who ironically is the person he is angry at. So, he is trying his best to suppress his anger both for Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng, who is now the husband of Lan Xichen. 

And oh, for Lan Qiren, too. After all, not only he (LQR) is his (WWX) elder, but also (now) of Jiang Cheng’s (elder). 

“Zewu-jun.” Wei Wuxian called. Even though his voice now sounds calm, yet his extremely cold expression and red pupils reveal his anger. “To be honest, I highly respect you, both from when we were studying in the Cloud Recesses… and when you became a sect leader.” He spoke. 

Lan Xichen did not speak since he not only wanted to listen what Wei Wuxian is going to say, but he also has to respect his brother-in-law… wait, he is already brothers-in-law with Wei Wuxian when Wei Wuxian married Lan Wangji. And now, they became brothers-in-law again with his (LXC) marriage with Jiang Cheng. 

But anyway -

“I still have some respect left for you.” Wei Wuxian continued. 

‘some’. Lan Xichen, Lan Qiren, Lan Wangji, as well as Jiang Cheng caught the keyword. 

“Not only as Lan Zhan’s elder brother, but also as the Lan Clan’s sect leader.” Wei Wuxian said. “But… I really don’t like you.” He looked at Lan Xichen who met his gaze. “Because you not only doesn’t like Jiang Cheng - “ he clenched his fists. “ - but also you never will (love Jiang Cheng). You already have someone in your heart.” He told him. 

Lan Xichen’s fists clenched inside his sleeves. He subconsciously glanced at Jiang Cheng. After all, the other is now his husband but with what Wei Wuxian said… he really felt ashamed. However, seeing Jiang Cheng’s calm expression, as if he was just a passerby and not one who is the most involved… and is actually being mentioned right now, who is a victim of this marriage… Lan Xichen doesn’t know what to feel. Should he feel relieved since Jiang Cheng isn’t affected by what Wei Wuxian said, which heavily implies how loveless this marriage is so it will bear no fruit? Or should he feel angry at him (JC) for his no reaction? 

Yet what does he (LXC) expect)? Why should Jiang Cheng be angry just because of him? It is Jiang Cheng who should be angry since not only he was pulled (by Lan Qiren) into this dilemma of Lan Xichen out of an uncle’s concern for his nephew, he (JC) will also be never loved by his marriage partner. So, Lan Xichen doesn’t have the right to be angry toward Jiang Cheng. This all is his (LXC) fault. 

(A/N: I can't concentrate writing this in my laptop with all my younger siblings waiting for me to stop writing so they can borrow it... fortunately, I can still write on my mobile phone since my mind (seems) active at this hour to write this fanfic XDDDD anyway, enjoy reading!)