Brothel Meme: Part 3

[notaturnip]

The first day of the tournament dawns bright and clear in Lanling - there's a chill in the air that speaks of the coming winter, but the sky is clear and the sun is bright and the day promises to warm long before any of the events actually start. It's an auspicious morning.

Officially, the tournament is being hosted by four clans - Jin, Jiang, Nie and Ouyang - but everybody knows this is Jin Ling's time to shine. This is the young clan leader's first official public appearance since the attempt on his life, and though his people have seen him several times, rumours have been rife amongst the cultivation community - the tournament is to be well attended, the visitors all expecting to confirm the rumours or dispel them.

There's talk, too, that Jiang Cheng's involvement in the planning is largely to try and repair his own damaged reputation, and Ouyang are there to strengthen their own ties with the Jin clan rather than improve their shaky relationship with the Jiang. Nobody's quite sure why the Nie clan are involved at all, though recently a few more rumours have surfaced about recent 'planning' trips to Lotus Pier...

In short, the gossip is everywhere and everybody who is anybody wants to be there to find out the truth.

It's the grandest tournament to have been held in quite some time - days of feasting and competition intended to bestow glory and accolades upon the greatest cultivators in the land. The Lan clan are not known, of course, to seek such things, but they similarly would not shy away from the chance to prove their worth and put their students to the test.

There are yet more rumours that Lan Xichen himself will be attending - it is known that the clan leader has come out of his seclusion, but he hasn't yet left Cloud Recesses, could this be his first public appearance as well? Not to mention the talk of Hanguang Jun's long lost son...

Those wishing to gawk, however, should have gotten up early, for the Lan delegation is one of the first to arrive. Xichen is indeed there, along with the chief cultivator and, of course, the incorrigible Wei Wuxian, and they climb the steps of Lanling followed by a column of young men, clad in pristine white and walking two by two in perfect step.

And at the head of that column, walking beside his sworn brother, is a young man whose serene expression perfectly hides the turmoil in his heart, and he can't help but be reminded that the last time he was here everything was different.

Comments

[young_mistress]

Jin Ling twists in front of a full length mirror inspecting his new golden robes. He's added a dash of vermillion to the traditional gold and white. His gold and ruby hair jewelry are beautiful and opulent- a symbol of his wealth and position. Instead of holding his sword as a gentleman normally would, the blade is hooked onto his back. It wasn't so unusual to do so that it was thought impolite and was a particular favorite way for the former Nie-zongzhu to carry Baxia. However, it was a change for the Jin clan.

In its original place, is an ornate, full length, gold and white scepter is in his hand instead that serves as a cane. It was once used by his great grandfather after a war had left the legendary man with a limp the rest of his life. Fortunately, Jin Ling has managed to get rid of that since his attack. It was his strength and energy that the scepter was to help conserve, at least while the chill in the air made his muscles ache.

"Jin-zongzhu, the Lan Clan of Gusu have arrived," a servant informs him.

Jin Ling looks at Liling, who smiles and nods her approval.

It's time.

Squaring his shoulders- as best he could given his worst injury- he steps out of the room and heads to the entrance of the main hall to greet his guests with Liling a few steps behind him. As he gets close, he nods to Jin Yatsen- the new captain of his guard and original one who had been loyal to him. With the older man are his two head disciples. Their bravery and loyalty during the ambush cemented their worth to him. Flanked by his retinue, he waits, hiding his anxiety behind a mask of calm/ arrogance.

~~~

Lan Wangji walks first with his brother and husband immediately behind him. Behind the three of them are the disciples. His expression is the same as it always is- stoic, unreadable, deceptively frigid. As he approaches the sect's leaders, his gaze lingers on the proud young man at the center. Silent approval touches his face as he sees how well his husband's nephew has obviously recovered- though with the scepter, maybe not quite as far as they'd all hoped.

He also approves when it's Jin Ling who bows first- as appropriate to the Chief Cultivator. The boy knows manners too.

"Welcome, your Excellency." Jin Ling's gaze only after that slips to the two behind him and pointedly, no further. "Welcome Lan-zongzhu and uncle Wei. I hope your trip went well."

Lan Wangji bows back to him along with the rest of his clan. He doesn't speak, but Lan Xichen does. He smiles, though it has yet to be as fully bright and easy as it once was- it's still genuine at least, as is the kindness in his tone. "Thank you for your hospitality, Jin-zongzhu. Our travel was uneventful and pleasant. We're glad to see you have recovered so well. We'd burned incense on your behalf to the gods when we heard of the incidents that you'd endured."

Jin Ling's hand subtly tightens around his scepter, but he keeps his expression polite and warm. "Thank you, Lan-zongzhu. We're grateful to see you as well. The cultivation community as a whole will benefit from you rejoining us."

[notaturnip]

There are any number of reasons that Yuan is nervous about this event - presenting himself as heir, doing his clan and his family proud - but this, this is the chief among them.

He keeps his face carefully forward as it should be, but from the moment Jin Ling enters the room, Yuan's eyes are on him. How could they not be? He looks every inch the perfect, powerful clan leader and twice as beautiful as Yuan remembers. He didn't think that was possible, but even the Jin Ling who visits in his best dreams pales in comparison to the real thing standing in front of him, dark hair shining with red and gold.

There's something, though, something that has changed in the intervening months. Yuan has gone over every inch of him in his mind repeatedly in the months since they saw one another last, and something has definitely changed. There's something older about him, he seems even more wise and regal, yes, but more... there's something... tired, maybe? Bitter? Some edge of youth that has been chipped away by his experiences... something that makes Yuan wonder if he was hurt more than anybody told him.

As Ling exchanges greetings with his fathers and uncle, Yuan finally drags his gaze away to focus on a point ahead of him, knowing that any moment Ling's eyes might stray to the column and truly scared of what he might see there. Hurt? Anger? Indifference? Love? He doesnt know what expression would pain him more to see. He longs to lift a hand to the ring tucked beneath his robes, or to reach out and seek Jingyi's comfort, but instead his grip tightens on his grandfather's sword and he tells himself to maintain serenity. He will not speak or move or act out of turn, he will do his clan proud.

However much he longs to throw himself into Ling's arms.

[young_mistress]

Jin Ling fights to keep his attention completely on the Lan clan leaders (and whatever the hell his uncle was considered). He wants to look over at the disciples to see Jingyi and perhaps.. maybe.. see if Yuan is among those present. He can't though. He doesn't dare risk the embarrassingly transparent expression that might show on his face if he does. Even if he's standing in front of family, there are other spectators around- elders of the Jin clan, some gossipy nobodies who have come to watch the clans arrive, and then there were the other Lan disciples as well. He can't afford to show any weakness, least of all one from the heart.

But..

But that doesn't mean he is immune to longing for the sweet boy's face. That doesn't mean he isn't dying to hold him again. That doesn't mean he's even sort of telling the truth that he isn't still completely, hopelessly, pathetically in love with Wen Yuan.. whoever and wherever he is now.

"Please, allow my steward to escort you to your tables. Forgive me for not seeing to it myself." As important as these guests were, if he wanted to get through this day without trouble he had to hold back physically on some of his duties. Besides, once upon a time his grandfather had left such things to Jin Guangyao (and well, they were sort of family and 'in the know' of his condition. He doubts they'll hold this against him).

"Of course, Jin-zongzhu," Lan Xichen replies humbly and bows to him again with a gentle, understanding smile.

As the group starts to leave, he shifts just a bit to lean more heavily on his cane. He can't wait for the chill to be gone from the air. However, just as he does so, his gaze falls on the first two disciples. He knew to expect Jingyi and thought to sneak him a quick nod in greeting, but his focus zeroes in on the other disciple so fast and strong he is almost dizzy from it.

His breath catches with the softest gasp. His eyes widen and his pulse races as he stares. Could it be..?

"Jin-zongzhu? Are you alright?" One of the men around him breaks his trance far too quickly and he has to look away, nodding.

[notaturnip]

Wei Wuxian is officially on his best behaviour - as difficult as that is for him, he knows he's still somewhat in enemy territory here, and he doesn't want to do anything to ruin the event his nephew has worked so hard to build. Right now, that's easy, since nobody is bothering him or making snarky comments, but he knows it's going to be more difficult later.

It doesn't stop him flashing his nephew a grin as he passes, mind, but that's all he does. It does mean he sees the moment that Jin Ling's eyes alight on Yuan and he has to turn away to hide his smirk. It's not quite as entertaining as it would be if the Lan disciple earning that look wasn't his son, but it's still pretty funny.

Yuan hears the gasp and almost stumbles, but he manages to catch himself just in time. When he hears somebody ask if Jin Ling is alright, however, his eyes flick up despite himself. He meets Jin Ling's gaze for a split second as the other young man turns away - so fast he doesn't even know if Jin Ling registered it - and finds himself pausing.

"Um, Sizhui?" A quiet voice behind him reminds him that he needs to keep moving and he forces himself to continue, moving to take his seat and hoping desperately that the attention will be off them in a moment so he can talk to Jingyi.

[young_mistress]

The steward, Jin Guangli, is cousin who had been working for his family's business. Once he was vetted by Huaisang's men and proved to have diplomatic skills he was summoned to Jin Ling's service. He's a rotund, gregarious man a little older than Guangyao would've been but friendly and polite. He leads the Lans to the best seats in the room, offering Wangji the throne if he preferred. As was his style, Lan Zhan declines and chooses to remain at his husband's table.

Behind them, Jingyi nudges Sizhui once they've seated. "You okay?" He whispers. He'd noticed the stumble but hadn't been quick enough to be the one to guide his brother to keep moving. Besides, he'd been kind of hoping Jin Ling would look back or greet them.. but he hadn't. He notices as a servant comes forward to pour tea for them that there is a lit censor near the throne. Why would Jin Ling need that?

Meanwhile, Jin Ling glances one more time in Yuan's direction but it's only to see his back. Unfortunately, he can't retreat or even approach should he want to. Another clan- one of the smaller clans connected to the Jin clan- was arriving that he needed to greet.

[notaturnip]

Wuxian smiles smugly, leaning in to his husband a little - he knows it's because Lan Zhan is a humble man who doesn't approve of ostentation or pride, but he likes to pretend it's actually because he just doesn't want to be parted from Wei Ying. Mostly because it annoys certain people.

He doesn't say anything about it though, see he's still being good!

Yuan gives his sworn brother a soft smile and nods.

"Of course," he says serenely "I'm..." he stops. There's nobody else really paying attention to them and this is Jingyi, he doesn't need to keep up the facade. His expression remains neutral, but the forced calm slips out of his voice as he speaks, carefully low so as not to be overheard.

"I just... didn't know what it would be like to see him again. It's..." better? Worse? "more than I thought it would be."

He wishes they weren't in public, wishes he could say something.

But he doubts they'll get a chance to speak at all, not with Ling's hosting duties.

[young_mistress]

Secretly, that was the reason. Why would he want to sit anywhere other than next to his husband? Wei Ying made anything like these insufferable social gatherings better and his commentary could be rather humorous- not that he'd ever let on or otherwise encourage him. Also, it is much easier to control the hot-head when he's within arms length. The fact that it further emphasizes Jin Ling's position of honor for the tournament and made other bristle, all the better.

Jin Guangli comes back after a little bit with a bottle of wine and strikes up a pleasant conversation with Wei Wuxian and Lan Xichen. He makes a point to keep the topic light and friendly.

Fortunately, that leaves the disciples in the secondary row even less noticeable as they talk quietly among each other.

Jingyi glances in Jin Ling's direction. It's not easy to see him through the crowd but not impossible. However, his gaze is drawn back to Sizhui's face. "It kind of sucks that that greeting had to be so public and all. He couldn't even greet me and we're known to be friends." He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Well if nothing else, we'll have the hunt in the mountains! We can maybe find him when he's not among so many others and get to talk more uh.. you know, less formally."

[notaturnip]

Yuan nods, but he's not sure if that's a good idea, it's not exactly private and as much as he loves his brother, he isn't sure he wants anybody else there, not even him.

He's not sure he can face it alone, either.

Given that he isn't sure how to respond, he's relieved when he notices the group just behind the clan that Ling is greeting at the moment. He nudges Jingyi gently and nods towards them - it's not hard to see what's caught his attention, Zizhen is standing behind his father practically vibrating with his obvious desire to come straight over to Jingyi. He'd clearly be waving if he thought he could get away with it.

As soon as Jingyi's attention is on him, his face breaks into a dazzling smile and he almost starts towards him despite knowing he can't - luckily that's the moment the other clan move away and his father clears his throat pointedly. He ducks his head sheepishly, finally looking away from Jingyi and turning his attention to Ling instead.

"Jin-zongzhu," he greets formally, but then he grins "I look forward to seeing all our hard work come to fruition. All your hard work, really."

[young_mistress]

Jingyi is certain they will find a way to get these two lovebirds together again. Besides, he highly doubts Jin Ling will be able to resist Sizhui's allure that long anyway!

Of course all thought and reason abandon his brain the instant he sees Zizhen. He jumps to his feet, waves excitedly, and would've dashed to the Ouyang heir's side if Lan Wangji didn't pick the most inconvenient time to clear his throat. The Chief Cultivator doesn't have to do or say anything else before Jingyi is sinking back down with a pitiful look on his face.

"Sorry," he mumbles quietly.

Jin Ling looks up pleased when the regional clan steps aside and he can address the Ouyang clan. He bows back politely to the clan leader, but instead of retaining his aloof demeanor he smiles warmly at Zizhen. "Zizhen-xiong, don't be so humble. The work was certainly mutual. It's good to see you again, my friend." He doesn't say that he's referring to more than just the work on the tournament as he suspects Zizhen was too.

There are a few disapproving glances from the Jin elders and curious bystanders watching as Jin Ling so publicly declares his friendship. Luckily, he doesn't do it in a way that can be seen as disrespectful to either clan so they can't really protest it.

He looks to his steward. "Seat the Ouyang clan next to the Lan clan's tables." His gaze drifts past Jin Guangli and catches another quick glimpse of the beautiful boy next to Jingyi. As his old friend is still looking at them, he finally does nod his head toward the Lan's head disciple.

Jingyi's face lights up and he elbows Sizhui. "Look! Jin L-" And Jin Ling turns back to his guests. Drat. Jingyi looks down at Sizhui with a frown, unsure if he caught the look and wonders why he didn't get a nod too.

[notaturnip]

Sizhui ducks his head at Jingyi's antics, hiding his soft smile - as much as he knows he should be disapproving, he can't help but be glad for his brother's ability to show his affection so openly, even if he shouldn't. It's bittersweet, when he can't show his own, but he's happy for the other boy all the same.

He reaches out a gentle, reassuring hand to rest on his arm for a moment when Hanguang Jun's wordless rebuke has Jingyi sinking back down, murmuring a quiet reminder that he'll be able to talk to Zizhen soon enough - once everybody has arrived, they'll get a chance to mingle after all.

His attention is still on Jingyi when he's suddenly being nudged and his head whips round towards Jin Ling - but the clan leader is already looking away and he feels his heart sink a little. Was Jin Ling avoiding him deliberately? Was it just bad luck? Did Jin Ling think Yuan was avoiding him? He reaches up a hand to press gently against his chest, feeling the ring beneath his robes. He wants to believe that vow of love, but everything is just so complicated now - it was supposed to be simpler, supposed to be easy. He's a sect heir, the son of the chief cultivator, an appropriate match! And yet... the life that he had built has never felt so precarious and he doesn't know why.

When Jingyi looks at him, he just forces a smile and shrugs slightly. He isn't sure what to say, but before he gets a chance to Zizhen is practically pushing past the steward to get to them. He drops into a place at the table closest and grins over at them.

"Jingyi! Yu- sorry, Sizhui! It's so good to see you!"

[young_mistress]

It hurts. He wishes he had the freedom to be as warm and comfortable with Yuan as he was with Zizhen and even Jingyi. However, it's so hard. He doesn't know why Yuan never wrote to him and he doesn't know where he stands with him now. It was just.. a little easier dealing with his other guests and doing his best to ignore his presence. If only..

Jingyi knows he should be more attentive to Sizhui's situation and that almost-glance couldn't have been easy, but he is almost bouncing in his kneeling position as Zizhen comes over.

"Wh- but- you're getting to sit next to us?!" Jingyi nearly squeals with excitement. He really wants to jump into the other boy's arms, but he manages to have some restraint.. barely. "This is wonderful! I can't believe- oh! Hello Ouyang-zongzhu! Lady Ouyang!" He remembers to bow when the sect leader joins them with his wife.

As they sit, Lan Xichen bows to the other clan leader and strikes up a friendly conversation with him. He worries, however, if the Ouyang clan (and soon to be Yao clan) aren't a little too close to Wei Wuxian. If he can keep the attention on him though, perhaps he can spare his brother-in-law. It's not the most comfortable thing as the other sect leader almost immediately starts talking about the time he was secluded. Sigh.

[notaturnip]

Zizhen's father nods a greeting to Jingyi, but he's clearly a little taken aback by the enthusiasm - when Zizhen told them he'd fallen for a Lan, this isn't exactly what he expected. Still, he can see why his son is so taken with the boy.

Before he gets a chance to say anything disapproving, his attention is drawn by Xichen, who's saving both Jingyi and Wei Wuxian with his sacrifice.

(Wuxian winces when he hears what Ouyang is saying, but he's grateful to Xichen for keeping the old man's attention)

Zizhen's mother, on the other hand, has an indulgent smile on her face and seems to actually approve of the joy that Jingyi shows her son, she greets him pleasantly before pointedly turning her attention to Xichen also, making sure to keep her husband occupied in the conversation, and giving the boys some small measure of privacy.

Zizhen is grinning fit to burst, and he leans over a little so he doesn't have to talk too loudly.

"After dinner, we should go for a walk." he suggests eagerly, desperate to get some alone time with Jingyi after being away from him for so long.

[young_mistress]

"Yeah! That would be wonderful! Oh! And later.. or sometime.. we should hang out with Sizhui too! I'm sure he'd like to see Lanling and um.. everything," Jingyi reasons, wondering just how he could combine his desires of being alone with Zizhen and his desire to be with Sizhui and Zizhen. It is not a scenario he can just have it both ways!

His gaze shift briefly to their host and back to Zizhen. He lowers his voice a little- though Sizhui can still clearly hear him. "Is he okay? Why does he have that rod with him?" The much more important question was how do they get Sizhui and Jin Ling a moment alone, but he knows he shouldn't say that here.

The Jiang clan is next to arrive. Stealing even more of Jin Ling's attention.

[notaturnip]

"Absolutely!" Zizhen agrees easily - he completely understands Jingyi's indecision, he also would like to spend time with both of them, since he'd like to know more about how Sizhui is settling in and adjusting to the Lan lifestyle, but he desperately wants to spend time with just Jingyi as well.

"You two take your time this evening, we'll have a chance to spend time together while we're here," Yuan tells them both with a soft, encouraging smile. He's more than happy for them to go and reunite properly, he'd like to take the time to clear his head anyway - and if he gets lonely he can always go and be with his parents.

Zizhen looks torn at the question, gaze flicking over to their friend and back - he doesn't want to say too much out loud, not when anybody might hear, and he also doesn't want Sizhui to worry.

"He's fine, he's recovered really well, considering," Zizhen says, careful to keep his voice low just in case "the rod... well, you know, it's very Jin, isn't it?"

Which isn't really an answer, but it's all he wants to say without checking with Jin Ling first.

Yuan frowns slightly, recognising the evasion for what it is, and he looks over to the Jin leader again, watching him interact with his uncle. There's tension in his shoulders as he looks over the two - he hasn't exactly had a chance to meet Jiang Cheng since the wedding-that-wasn't, and he honestly doesn't know how the man feels about him. He's Sizhui's uncle too, but he has no idea if he'll ever see him as anything other than the whore Jin Ling brought to his wedding.

[young_mistress]

"Can we go take a short walk now? It'll still be a bit before all the clans arrive, won't it?" Jingyi asks. He wonders if there's even the slightest chance they'd remember to return before the banquet begins. Their clans would probably look down on that! Was it worth the risk to get a couple of Zizhen's kisses? Absolutely!

He considers the scepter or whatever it is Jin Ling was carrying and eventually nodded. He'd say more about how over-the-top even for a 'Jin' that seemed, except for the reminder about his recovery. He glances up at the dais the throne is sitting on with the censor. Was that because he is still unwell too?

He slips his hand over Sizhui's and gives it an encouraging squeeze. Everything will work out just fine!.. he hopes.

The steward leads Jiang clan to the tables directly across from them. Cheng doesn't sit down before stepping across the hall to greet his brother and brother-in-law. He's less thrilled this means he's greeting the Ouyang clan while he's at it, but that's politics.

"Are you planning on being a good sport this time?" He says as a greeting to Wuxian with a smirk.

[notaturnip]

Zizhen considers this for a moment, glancing around the room and trying to estimate how many more clans were still to arrive and how long they had until the banquet was due to start, and then deciding he doesn't care. He nods quickly.

"We can do that, absolutely." If anything went wrong he could always just claim he needed to go... check on something, for the tournament, and Jingyi was just helping him. That was totally believable, right?

Sizhui squeezes Jingyi's hand back and gives him a gentle nudge - everything would be fine, so he should go take his walk with Zizhen. Nothing bad would happen while he was here with the rest of the Lans.

He hopes.

Zizhen grins over at him and jumps to his feet, motioning for Jingyi to follow him as he slips out towards the back of the room, hoping nobody's really paying attention to them.

Wuxian grins easily up at his brother.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he says innocently "is it being a bad sport to just be better than everyone else?"

[young_mistress]

"I promise, I'll be back before long! You're the best, you know that? The very best!" Jingyi almost hugs Sizhui before refraining himself. He then is off following Zizhen like he was made of moonbeams and candy. He doesn't think about where they're going as long as he's with his bae.

Lan Wangji glances up as his head disciple leaves to go make a fool of himself and he breathes a soft sigh and shakes his head. Still, there's the tiniest shadow of a smile on his lips before he can school it away. The young man was hopelessly in love. He was really going to miss Jingyi when he marries and goes to Baling. He knows Sizhui will miss him as well. Their clans aren't so far away though.

In front of him, who he's been mildly ignoring, is his brother-in-law.

"Perhaps it's time to reveal in the abilities of those you are training instead of yourself?" He suggests, nodding to the Lan disciples. Though his eyebrow rises as he sees one of those disciples scampering off and he breathes a laugh. "Well.. assuming they can pay attention that long when the Ouyang heir is around."

[notaturnip]

Yuan just laughs softly and shoos him away - he feels a little guilty when he realises his father has noticed, but he catches the hint of a smile and relaxes again, knowing that the older man doesn't truly disapprove.

With Jingyi gone, he needs something else to distract him from just staring longingly at Jin Ling, so he tunes in to the conversation happening close by - it's not so much that he wishes to eavesdrop as he just needs something else to focus on.

Wuxian glances over his shoulder and chuckles, his gaze meeting Sizhui's before he turns back and giving his son a questioning look. Yuan gives him a soft smile and a nod and he turns the rest of the way to grin at his brother.

"Why not both? All my little bunnies here can show off their own abilities and I can show off mine." He's mostly just teasing, because despite his words he's actually decided not to enter the majority of the events, and in fact is going to let the disciples he's helped train be the ones to display their skills.

[young_mistress]

Jiang Cheng inwardly sighs as his conversation with his brother now seems to be including the boy who caused so much turmoil for him. He'd known the chances were miniscule but he'd hoped the boy wouldn't have a thick enough face to show up here. If the former harlot tries anything to undermine all of Jin Ling's progress, he will regret it- no matter who his fathers are.

"You're a pain in the ass," he informs his brother matter-of-factly. His gaze shifts, sort of reluctantly, to the junior. "Lan-gongzi, are you settling in well?"

~~~

A few confusing turns and hurrying along corridors eventually lead Jingyi and Zizhen to a private area of the garden. As they slip behind the shelter of a wall with climbing rose bushes, Jingyi can't wait a second longer. He wraps his arms around Zizhen and kisses him with all the longing he's had bottled up since the boy left him in Gusu.

[notaturnip]

Wuxian just grins at him, but something in it freezes slightly when his brother turns his attention to Yuan, a tension creeping in as he waits to see how the conversation turns out.

There's a moment where Yuan looks ever so slightly like a rabbit ready to bolt, but he covers it quickly and inclines his head.

"Yes, Jiang-zongzhu, thank you for asking." He replies politely, unsure whether to add something about their last meeting or not.

~~~

He only beats Zizhen to action by a split second, but it's a loss he's willing to take. He surrenders gladly to the kiss, his own arms winding tightly around his beloved and pulling him closer.

It's a little while before he can bring himself to break away enough to speak.

"I've missed you!"

[young_mistress]

"Good," Cheng remarks rather simply. He glances toward his brother, noticing the tension and barely suppresses the need to roll his eyes. "It's important for 'little bunnies' to do well in the tournament and bring honor to their clan rather than interfering with the hard fought progress of another. As you can imagine, it hasn't been such an easy summer for everyone."

Lan Wangji's eyes narrow at the Jiang sect leader, issuing a silent warning of his own.

~~~

Jingyi gasps for breath as he's forced to pull back. His cheeks are flushed a rosy hue and he runs his tongue along his lips. Abruptly, he shoves Zizhen.

"Why didn't you come back to Gusu like you promised me?! How could you do that?! I wanted you to come back so we could.. so I.. I wanted to see you."

[notaturnip]

Yuan could mention that he'd been injured himself, that there's nothing easy about leaving behind the person you love, or adjusting to an entirely new life, or working to catch up with cultivators who have been training since childhood, or dealing with rumour and suspicion and having to win over an entire clan while fearing any moment somebody could find out one single fact that could ruin everything.

He could, but he wouldn't, because that's not who he is. Instead he lowers his gaze, accepting the warning - stay away from Jin Ling, he doesn't need you around.

Perhaps he should never have come.

"I certainly hope I can do my clan proud." He says, as calmly as he can manage.

"You always do us proud, little radish," Wuxian says immediately, levelling a glare at his brother- he doesn't want to start an argument, not when there's a risk of somebody saying something incriminating, but it's clearly taking effort to stop himself.

~~~

"I wanted to!" Zizhen protests, eyes wide as he stumbles back from the shove "Die went all paranoid about assassination attempts and barely let me out of his sight! I wasn't allowed to go anywhere."

Cautiously, he steps closer again.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to come back more than anything, but I couldn't disobey my father about that... not when... not when I need him to agree to a proper courtship...."

[young_mistress]

The reaction from Yuan brings a trace of guilt with it. He isn't completely callous. He knows the boy's path couldn't have been smooth sailing into the prudish and strict clan of the Gusu Lans. However, he was a pseudo-father and afraid what might happen if the boy tries to distract Jin Ling. There were so many eyes on the young sect leader, particularly after all the rumors revolving around the assassination attempts and his injuries. No, as much as he could have some sympathy- in theory- for this young man, his own nephew took precedent.

"I look forward to seeing you win on behalf of the Gusu Lan clan," Jiang Cheng says in a mildly warmer tone. He could at least encourage the boy to do well in the games. His gaze shifts back to his brother. "Perhaps later on we can enjoy a drink together," he offers Wuxian, stepping back to return to his own table.

~~~

Jingyi is already reaching for Zizhen when he steps closer. He isn't really mad, he was just disappointed and being too emotional about it. He wraps his arms around the pretty boy's shoulders, ready to hug him when he hears the reason for why he couldn't disobey.

"Courtship! You asked him about courtship?" He asks, bouncing on his heels. "Zizhen really? Is he going to? Is he- wait, what assassination attempts? Like the one at Lotus Pier or have there been others?"

[notaturnip]

Wuxian's glare softens slightly, but as much as he knows his brother can be grumpy and defensive and he's understanding of that, this is still his son. He accepts the attempt to soften his words, but he's still watching Cheng closely - Yuan is far too sweet to have earned such suspicion.

"Thank you, Jiang-zongzhu." Yuan says politely, more willing to accept the olive branch than his father, however much he still feels the sting of the previous implication.

"We should." Wuxian at least agrees to the drink, he does want to check in with his brother and see how he's doing - and how Jin Ling is actually doing.

~~~

Zizhen grins, nodding eagerly, he's about to explain what his parents actually said about the courtship when Jingyi mentions the attempts and he can't stop the guilty expression that flashes across his face.

He hesitates, and then looks around and leans in slightly - even though they're totally alone. He can't bring himself to lie to Jingyi.

"I didn't want to put too much in my letters, because... well, we didn't want Yuan to worry..." he admits "but there were... more. It's fine, now, and he's recovering great and everything but... it was kind of bad for a little while..."

[young_mistress]

"Jiang-zongzhu, I need a word with you," Lady Ouyang calls from her seat nearby once there is a lull in the conversation.

Cheng's expression immediately turns more guarded as he looks from his brother over to the clan he offended supposedly. Lan Xichen by now has moved a bit further away with the Ouyang sect leader to greet the Yao clan. He glances back at Cheng and Wuxian with a slight concerned frown. Cheng sighs and gives Wei Wuxian a brief bow before approaching her. If they happen to listen, she requests a private audience with him later on where they can discuss a 'delicate but important matter'.

Once he's gone, Lan Zhan turns in his seat to look at his son- he doesn't care what Cheng is doing now. He reaches out and sets his hand over Sizhui's on the table.

~~~

Jingyi goes very still as Zizhen's expression changes. He feels a sense of dread settle in his stomach. What's happened? Had his love been hurt? Had Ling?

He gasps and a hand goes to his mouth as he listens. "Kind of bad? Recovering.. that means.." He glances in the vague direction of the party before looking back at Zizhen. He quickly throws his arms around Zizhen, holding him tight.

"Were you hurt? Are you okay? A-zhen! I would've wanted to know! Sizhui deserves to know too. He thinks about Ling all the time and misses him. How could this be kept from him? Does his fathers kn- the talisman!" He abruptly recalls, jerking back. "It was for infection, right? Please tell me!" He begs.

~~~

Jin Guangli comes back to Jin Ling after he'd guided clan leader Yao to the table he'd been assigned by their host. Jin Ling frowns as he sees him hurrying back and glances toward the door where the Nie clan was approaching.

"My apologies for interrupting sire, but Yao-zongzhu is expressing displeasure with the seat you've given him. As you know, he's used to being at one of the head tables." The one you've given to the Lans and Jiangs, but the steward wisely doesn't mention that.

"So?" Jin Ling asks tersely.

"The Yao clan has been loyal to the Jin clan for years. We don't want to offend him," one of the Jin elders surrounding him warns.

Ling scowls at them and looks at Nie Huaisang who is getting closer to him. "And dealing with him would now offend the Nie clan. You don't expect me to make my new ally to wait on a proper introduction just for him do you? The Yao clan consists of like five people and is nothing of interest to the Jin clan."

"But Jin-zongzhu, it's valuable to have someone as loyal and supportive as he has been." Another elder explains.

"Enough!" He snaps, voice carrying throughout the hall. "I've chosen his place based on his value to me. If he has further issue, he's welcome to sit on the stairs outside. Now stop embarrassing me in front of the Nie clan or prepare to retire to the countryside!"

He turns then to focus on his new ally's introduction, obviously expecting his orders to be carried out.

At least he knows that even if this interaction was a little rude to the Nie clan, his uncle-in-law-to-be would appreciate the drama at least.