Fan fiction "Bound by Fate: The Marriage of Ice and Fire"

The peacefulness of the evening was broken by hasty footsteps that echoed down the corridor. The normally unruffled energy of Wei Wuxian was substituted with a tempestuous resolve as he flung open the doors to Jiang Fengmian's study without knocking.

Uncle Jiang!" he bellowed, more loudly than the situation called for. Jiang Fengmian stared up at him from his seat behind the desk, shocked yet composed, and Madam Yu, who remained in the room, folded her arms across her chest, pursing a knowinmg grin.

"What's the matter, Wei Ying?" Jiang Fengmian replied, putting aside the letter he'd just signed off on.

Wei Wuxian halted a few steps back, his face an odd combination of frustration and desperation. "I don't want to marry Lan Wangji!"

Madam Yu's smile became more pointed, but she remained silent, allowing the boy to dig his own grave.

Jiang Fengmian let out a soft sigh, inviting Wei Wuxian to sit, but the boy did not move. "Wei Ying, this challenge was one proposed by the Lan Clan, and I have thought about it carefully. It is an honorable—"

"Honorable?" Wei Wuxian broke in, his voice incredulous. "Uncle Jiang, Lan Wangji is a frigid, expressionless log of wood! He doesn't even like me! He spends half his time glowering at me or scolding me about regulations!"

Madam Yu smiled secretly. "Intelligent child. At least you know what you're getting into."

Wei Wuxian dismissed her, his eyes completely fixed on Jiang Fengmian. "You said the Jiang Sect provided me with a home, a family. I don't want to have to give that up to be trapped in Gusu, reciting 30,000 regulations and wasting my life wedded to a man who doesn't even smile!

Jiang Fengmian leaned back in his chair, studying Wei Wuxian carefully. "And is this truly about Lan Wangji's personality, Wei Ying, or something more?"

Wei Wuxian paused, but his determination came back to him in an instant. "It's about everything! First of all, I'm a man. Why would I marry another man? I know the cultivation world is more open-minded about things like that, but I… I've never even considered marriage, let alone marrying *him*!"

Jiang Fengmian nodded gradually. "I see. But this offer isn't for you alone, Wei Ying. It's for your future, your security. Lan Wangji is offering you his name, his protection, and a position in his sect. You would never fear where you fall in the world."

Wei Wuxian's tone became a little softer, though the frustration remained. "I never requested that, Uncle Jiang. I've always been content with what I have here. I don't need a high profile or a strong husband. I just want to remain here, in Lotus Pier, with everyone.

Madam Yu finally spoke, her voice laced with contempt. "Said like the innocent child you are. Do you think the Jiang Sect can protect you for the rest of your life? Do you think the world will allow you to run wild and do whatever you want without repercussions? This marriage is the best you will ever have.

Wei Wuxian faced her, his face burning. "I don't require anyone to 'protect' me, Madam Yu. I can manage on my own, just like I always do. And for sure, I don't have to marry some cold-faced Lan to prove my worth!

She had her mouth open to respond, but Jiang Fengmian held up a hand, stopping her. "Wei Ying, if you really feel that way, I won't pressure you. But I want you to consider it well. This isn't about fleeing from responsibility or remaining in your comfort zone. Lan Wangji's offer is sincere, and it's not often that someone like him makes such an offer. Are you certain you want to dismiss it outright?"

Wei Wuxian hesitated once more, his previous assurance wavering in the face of Jiang Fengmian's unyielding stare. But then he stood up straight, his tone resolute. "I'm certain, Uncle Jiang. I don't wish to marry Lan Wangji, nor do I wish to marry anyone else. I simply wish to remain here and keep guarding the Jiang Clan as I always have. That is sufficient for me."

Jiang Fengmian's face softened. "Alright. I won't send the letter for now. I'll tell the Lan Clan that we require more time to consider the issue."

Wei Wuxian let out a sigh of relief, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Uncle Jiang."

Madam Yu snorted, her disillusionment evident. "You'll be sorry for this, boy. You wait and see. Chances like this don't come twice."

Wei Wuxian stood up, grinning at her cheekily in spite of the tension. "Then I suppose I'll just have to create my own opportunities, Madam Yu."

Her glare was hot enough to melt steel, but Wei Wuxian didn't stick around to find out. He spun and exited the room, feeling a lightness in his heart that he hadn't felt all day.