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To the esteemed Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
The Gusu Lan Clan extends our sincere greetings.
I write on behalf of the Gusu Lan Clan in my capacity as leader to propose a marriage alliance between our clans.
My younger brother, Lan Wangji, who is highly distinguished in both character and cultivation, holds genuine admiration for your head disciple, Wei Wuxian. I believe they would make a harmonious match.
If you agree, Gusu Lan would be honored to formalize an alliance between our families with the proper rites and welcome Wei Wuxian into our family through the bond of marriage.
Lan Xichen
To the Gusu Lan Clan Leader,
As the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan, I have received your proposal and must consider it carefully.
Though Wei Wuxian is not a member of the Jiang family, he has been raised in our sect since childhood at great expense to us and has benefited significantly from our clan’s cultivation techniques and instruction.
Should this union proceed, I hope you as the representative of the Gusu Lan Clan are prepared to demonstrate your sincerity.
Yu Ziyuan
To the esteemed Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
The Gusu Lan Clan extends our sincere gratitude for your reply.
I understand your reluctance to part with such a promising disciple in the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, and I am prepared to demonstrate our sincerity in forming this marriage alliance. As such, I have included a list of the betrothal gifts that will be delivered along with this letter. If you have any concerns, I would be more than happy to address them.
I look forward to witnessing the harmonious union of our families.
Lan Xichen
Lan Zhan,
What madness has overtaken the Cloud Recesses that your brother has sent a whole procession of gifts here? Is he trying to butter us up for some nefarious purpose?
I’m a little disappointed that he only sent some boring livestock and not any of your prized Gusu rabbits. Are you looking down on us???
I’m sending you a jar of Emperor’s Smile with my letter in yet another attempt to broaden your horizons. This time, maybe you can actually drink it instead of smashing it and sending me back the broken pieces (it’s been quite a while since that particular incident, but it remains a fond memory). Or you can just wait for the next time we meet, and we can drink it together, even!
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Leader,
I have received the aforementioned betrothal gifts.
Though that humble disciple possesses neither exceptional talent nor virtue and is unworthy of such extravagance, I would not want others to doubt the sincerity of your honorable clan.
In the interest of protecting the reputations of both clans, I am including a revised copy of your list that better reflects the noble standing of your clan and attributes appropriate gravity to Lan-er-gongzi’s marriage.
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
Are you unsatisfied with the gifts? I have asked him to send rabbits as well.
I will save the Emperor’s Smile for the appropriate occasion to consume wine.
Lan Zhan
To the esteemed Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
The Gusu Lan Clan extends our sincere apologies that the betrothal gifts were not sufficient to demonstrate our good faith.
I thank you for your keen attention to detail and honest critique. I must confess that our sect rules forbid us from indulging in luxury, so we do not possess all of those rare treasures. As we would of course not wish for anyone to assume we are looking down on your clan, we are sending what we believe to be equivalent substitutes.
Lan Xichen
Lan Zhan,
What does my satisfaction have to do with anything? Aren’t these gifts for the Jiang family?
Thank you for the rabbits. They were delicious!
I am desperate to know what you consider an appropriate occasion to drink wine. What day could possibly be so special? Are you saving it for your wedding day, you sly creature?
Is Madam Yu bullying your brother? She looks particularly fierce whenever she sends a letter to him these days. I highly recommend that he just start burning all her letters and pretending not to see them so he doesn’t have to respond.
Is there anything interesting going on in Gusu these days? Have you added any exciting new rules?
Things are lively as always in Yunmeng. Jiang Cheng won’t speak to me since I overturned the boat he was napping in and he fell in the pond. In my defense, however, I thought I would help him cool off.
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Leader,
I have received the replacement gifts you provided.
While I appreciate your attention to this matter, I have other concerns that I have outlined in the attached document. I hope you understand that I only seek to raise these issues so as to strengthen the bond between our clans and ensure the success of this union.
Additionally, I am including Wei Wuxian’s Eight Characters so that you might proceed with the proper marriage rites.
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
You ate the rabbits I sent you?
Yes, I will save it for the wedding day.
Xiongzhang can handle Madam Yu.
Gusu is the same. When you come, it will be livelier.
Lan Zhan
To the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
As an elder of the Gusu Lan Clan, I, Lan Qiren, will be presiding over all matters pertaining to this marriage alliance while the sect leader attends to pressing affairs of the sect.
If the betrothal gifts provided are not acceptable to you, our humble Gusu Lan Clan may not be a suitable match for your Yunmeng Jiang Clan. It is unfortunate that we have wasted your time and are unable to meet your expectations.
Lan Qiren
Lan Zhan,
Somehow I can sense the violent force of your displeasure from a mere sentence in a letter! Since you haven’t learned about jokes just yet, I’ll kindly inform you that I was not being serious about eating the rabbits. I’m trying to teach them tricks, but I have to say I’m not too confident in their cognitive abilities after so much wasted effort.
What wedding day? Is the esteemed Lan-er-gongzi really planning to get married one day? I thought you were already lawfully wed to your Wall of Discipline.
Respectfully, I doubt anyone can truly handle the force of nature that is Madam Yu, especially your brother. He’s far too nice. Your uncle, however, could put up an entertaining fight.
Have you already planned out my next trip to Gusu? Why aren’t you making plans to come visit me in Yunmeng? The weather this time of year is perfect for swimming!
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Elder,
I have received your reply.
While the discussion on betrothal gifts was conducted in our utmost good faith to preserve the reputation of both clans, I could not bear to let it stand in the way of such a suitable match as Lan-er-gongzi and Wei Wuxian.
So as to facilitate the marriage of this fated pair, I am willing to waive my remaining concerns about the betrothal gifts and proceed with the proper marriage rites immediately.
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
I will come pick you up on the auspicious date.
Lan Zhan
To the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
As an elder of the Gusu Lan Clan, I understand Wei Wuxian’s importance to the Yunmeng Jiang Sect as head disciple and would not wish to deprive your sect of his potential. To that end, I respectfully propose that we dissolve this marriage alliance and pursue other means of collaboration between our sects.
Lan Qiren
Lan Zhan,
What auspicious date? Why are you always speaking in riddles? And why do we still have this giant pile of gifts from your sect? Are we forming some sort of alliance, or is this an underhanded bribery tactic?
Madam Yu always looks angry after reading a letter from Gusu, but if I try to ask her about it she just threatens to sell me. Actually, I’m not so sure it’s a threat as much as an expression of her most sincere desire. Luckily, I’m really good at dodging Zidian.
The rabbits still haven’t learned any tricks, if you were wondering, but I think they’ve gotten fatter. I suspect Jiang Cheng is secretly giving them treats when I’m not looking, though there’s no way to know if he’s developed a secret fondness for tiny furry creatures or if he just really wants some rabbit meat.
Have you ever had pork rib and lotus root soup? I’ll ask my shijie to make you some if you come to Yunmeng.
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Elder,
I have received your kind intentions but cannot accept them.
Though I appreciate your generous concern for the future of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, how could I ask you to sacrifice the future happiness of Lan-er-gongzi by preventing this marital union?
Wei Wuxian, though lacking in temperament and status, possesses adequate cultivation aptitude and intelligence, so I am sure he will contribute greatly to your clan. I am once again sending his Eight Characters for your convenience.
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
The auspicious date for the wedding.
I have not had pork rib and lotus root soup, as I do not typically eat meat.
Lan Zhan
To the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
As an elder of the Gusu Lan Clan, I consulted a matchmaker and did not learn of any auspicious days suitable for this marriage. Perhaps it is ill-fated.
Lan Qiren
Lan Zhan,
Whose wedding? Is your brother getting married? Is your uncle getting married??? Are you getting married?!?!?!
I’ve been meaning to bring this up with you, but I really don’t understand the whole “no killing livestock” rule in the Cloud Recesses. It’s holding you back! I think your clan would be way happier and more lively if you ate more meat. Not to mention alcohol! You people live in a prison!!!
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Elder,
I have received your concerns.
Perhaps a matchmaker in Yunmeng could offer a different perspective. Why don’t you send me Lan-er-gongzi’s Eight Characters?
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
Our wedding.
Your concerns are noted.
Lan Zhan
To the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
As an elder of the Gusu Lan Clan, I could not burden you with the task of consulting a matchmaker. Perhaps there is a suitable date further in the future, so that we might all take time to carefully consider this marriage alliance.
Lan Qiren
Lan Zhan,
Our what????????????????????????????????????????????????
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Elder,
I have received your proposal.
Of course, we can wait as long as you see fit to set the date of the wedding. Perhaps in the meantime, Wei Wuxian might stay in the Cloud Recesses to learn the customs and rules of your clan in preparation for this marriage.
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
Our wedding. The day we will be married.
Lan Zhan
To the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
As an elder of the Gusu Lan Clan, I feel it is more appropriate for the betrothed couple to remain apart until the auspicious date.
Lan Qiren
Lan Zhan,
The day we will be what???????
Lan Zhan, have you lost your mind or are you saying what I think you’re saying?
Is this why my shijie keeps trying to get my clothing measurements? And why my uncle gave me a strange talk about becoming a man??? And why Madam Yu looks so thrilled all the time now? She’s succeeded in selling me off!!!!
I thought you Lans only married for love, though?
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Elder,
I have received your recommendation and can’t help but wonder whether you are reluctant for this marriage alliance to succeed. Are you hoping to explore other options for Lan-er-gongzi’s marriage?
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
Yes, that’s correct.
Lan Zhan
To the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
As an elder of the Gusu Lan Clan, I wouldn’t dare.
My nephew evidently cannot be dissuaded from this match, so I have consulted the matchmaker, who was able to identify several auspicious dates that we might choose from. I have included them with this letter.
Lan Qiren
Lan Zhan,
Yes to which question? Yes, you’ve lost your mind? Is this because I touched your forehead ribbon that one time and now you feel contractually bound to me for eternity? Or are you taking revenge on me for past misdeeds by imprisoning me in the Cloud Recesses to learn your clan rules?
If that’s the case, you really don’t need to compromise your future marital happiness by going through with this scheme. I could never forget the Lan rules. They’re seared into my mind. Every night I see the Wall of Discipline in my nightmares. You can rest assured I don’t need to live in the Cloud Recesses to be haunted by them for the rest of my life and in the next life too.
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Elder,
I have received your proposed dates and selected the soonest option, so that this young couple can embark upon their married life expeditiously.
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
Yes, I am marrying for love. I love you.
Lan Zhan
To the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
As an elder of the Gusu Lan Clan, I commend your thoughtful consideration of my nephew and his betrothed.
Perhaps the young couple can reside in Yunmeng instead, so that they might receive your guidance.
Lan Qiren
Lan Zhan,
Oh
What????
That’s
Have you lost your
That’s really
I’m really
What?!?!!?!?!?
Oh
~~~
Lan Zhan,
Do my eyes deceive me, or are you confessing your love for me?
Was there not an easier way to tell me than having your family formally propose marriage and fight with Madam Yu over the wedding? We could’ve just eloped!
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Elder,
I have received your suggestion.
In my opinion, there’s no need to deprive the Gusu Lan Sect disciples of Lan-er-gongzi’s exceptional counsel. I’m sure Wei Wuxian will fit right in.
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
If you want to elope, I am willing. If you do not wish to live in the Cloud Recesses, I am willing to go anywhere with you.
I only wish for you to be happy.
Lan Zhan
To the Madam of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan,
As an elder of the Gusu Lan Clan, I thank you for your concern for our sect’s disciples and assure you they would manage to cope in my nephew’s absence.
Perhaps the young couple might split their time between our great sects.
Lan Qiren
Lan Zhan,
Are you possessed
Do you need medical assistance
Are you really really sure
Have you encountered any romantic ghosts lately
~~~
Lan Zhan,
As tempted as I am to elope, nothing would bring me greater happiness than seeing your uncle’s face when I enter the Cloud Recesses in the wedding sedan.
There is only one thing that might slightly surpass it, which is marrying you.
Because I love you.
And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
Or whatever.
However, I must tell you that I fear our marital happiness will be greatly imperiled if I’m to abstain from alcohol and meat for the rest of my life.
Wei Ying
To the Gusu Lan Clan Elder,
Perhaps not.
Yu Ziyuan
Wei Ying,
As my spouse, you can do whatever makes you happy.
Lan Zhan
Lan Zhan,
Being a Lan spouse comes with way more benefits than I anticipated! What are some of the other perks I can expect as your husband?
Wei Ying
Wei Ying,
Not all of them are appropriate for a letter.
Lan Zhan