untamedbox | Brothel Meme: Part 3

Brothel Meme: Part 3

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.

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"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.

"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.

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?"

"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."

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.

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.

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!"

"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."

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...."

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?"

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..."

"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.

Wuxian, of course, listens in, marginally concerned to hear that she just wants to speak to him later. He makes a mental note to try and bully his way into finding out what that's all about.

Yuan's gaze flicks up as his father's hand settles over his, something soft and pained in his expression - but grateful, too, glad of the gentle comfort.

"I'm sorry, a-die," he says quietly "I don't want to cause any trouble for anyone..."

~~~

Zizhen doesn't know whether to laugh at Jingyi's sudden overprotectiveness or be touched by it, but after a moment's indecision he settles into a soft smile and winds his arms around the other boy in turn.

"It's okay, I'm fine, I promise." He says - which is true, and not quite lying, he just isn't going to mention the slight accidental poisoning, it was months ago now and he had the antidote almost immediately.

"I didn't want to make Sizhui worry when he couldn't come to him, and he was doing okay it was just..." he shrugs awkwardly "There was an attack, he was wounded and something wasn't quite right about it, he needed the talisman to help him heal..."

He still feels a little bad, this isn't his story to tell, but he can't keep hiding it from the person he loves.

~~~

Huaisang is apparently watching the exchange from behind his fan, wide-eyed and nervous. In truth, the fan is hiding the smirk and he's trying very hard not to laugh. He absolutely does appreciate the drama, Jin Ling is correct.

He steps forward, snapping his fan closed and bowing properly, though after his more formal greeting is complete he leans forward and murmurs something just for Jin Ling's ears;

"It's about time Yao learned that loyalty is about more than just being a simpering yes man."

He laughs lightly, like he just told a little joke - which, he did, but he doesn't intend to give away the nature of said joke - and then makes a breezy comment about the wonderful decor and how much he's looking forward to the tournament.

"You've only ever brought pride," Lan Zhan assures his son. His gaze shifts to Cheng with another angry glare. How dare he make his son feel inadequate! If he wasn't the Chief Cultivator and this wasn't in front of their whole community, he would've... well.. something. Running him through with Bichen wasn't a good option, but it was tempting.

"Please don't listen to him. He's a fool," he says quietly instead.

~~~

Jingyi kisses Zizhen several times before he can stop himself. He doesn't know what happened but he has a feeling there was a chance, however small, he might've lost him. It is even more clear they almost lost Jin Ling.

"Is that stick he's holding.. is that just for appearances or is that.. um.. is it.. needed? I saw a censor by his table too. He's unwell isn't he?" He asks with a pout. His poor friend!

"We need to find time to talk with him. I need to tell him.. something." He doesn't know what. He just needs his friend to know how much they care about him. "Also we need to help gege get a chance to talk to him too. He deserves that after how hard he's worked. Will you help us?"

~~~

If he'd needed any reassurance that he'd done the right thing, it was this. The gratitude mixed with humor reflect in his eyes as he chuckles and leans back. Yes, he did the right thing making Huaisang an ally. So far it has done nothing but benefit him.

Oddly enough, even though Nie Huaisang was a man, there's something about him that feels.. motherly? Not quite as gentle as he has heard stories about his own mother but it's a very different feel than he gets from Wuxian or his jiujiu. It's.. a little like Guangyao- though he'd never say that aloud.

"We should've added comedy to our tournament's itinerary. Your wit is exceptional," he says back. "Please, enjoy your table next to the Jiang clan." He smiles with a knowing sparkle in his eye. After all the other man has done to support him, he could do this to support his uncle's relationship with the man. "Later on we should have a drink too."

It'd be good to hear of any updates or advice the man has to offer.

He can't help it. He has enough of Jiang Cheng in him to blossom under the praise of someone he respects.

As much as Yuan appreciates and adores his parents and sworn brother for always standing up for him, for always reassuring him that he hasn't done anything wrong, it's hard not to notice how often they have to get defensive around allies in order to do so. Could it really be that all those people are wrong? Is it such a good thing that his very presence causes so much conflict?

He takes a breath and tries to center himself, convince himself that his father wouldn't lie, doesn't lie, that there is no resentment brewing... he's not sure that makes it any better, but at this point there isn't anything he can do about it. If he'd never come here, never found his family, perhaps things would have been better for them - but leaving now would only break their hearts, and his.

"He just cares about..." his gaze flicks to Jin Ling where he's greeting the Nie clan, unable to say his name because he knows it'll break him. He drags his eyes away "he just cares about his family."

And Yuan isn't it. In some ways it stings, a little, but in others he completely understands - Jiang Cheng has no reason to view him as family, and every reason to want to protect Jin Ling.

~~~

"He's very much improved," Zizhen stresses "the lingering injuries... they're very minor, nothing to worry about, I promise."

He just wants to reassure his beloved, more than anything - he doesn't want to admit that he doesn't know for certain himself, since he hasn't been allowed to visit here, either. He's managed to glean some information during the planning for the tournament, and he's pretty sure that he's correct, but all his information is second hand and he doesn't know how much of it is accurate. He thinks that Ling's injuries will all go away entirely, that he'll be back to full health in time. He suspects, though, that there might be a possibility - however slight - that there is some permanent damage done.

"Of course I'll help you!" He says urgently. He's been in a position to support Jin Ling, at least briefly, the very least he can do is give Jingyi a chance to prove to Jin Ling that he's also always going to be there for him - and he is, of course, enough of a hopeless romantic that he'd move heaven and earth to get Jin Ling and Yuan a moment alone.

"Even if I have to sneak you into his rooms at night, you'll both have a chance, I swear it."

~~~

"Such flattery, Jin-zongzhu!" He says, pretending to be flustered by it, his own eyes glittering with delight. He really is getting very good at playing politics, isn't he? Better at it than his uncle, even.

"I would be delighted to join you for a drink later, I'm sure all the details of the tournament are well in hand, but it will be nice to confirm the finer points with you." He adds - just a gentle reminder to anybody who might be listening that he is getting a more honoured position for a reason, and so that nobody thinks they're talking about anything important later.

Ling really is blossoming into a powerful and confident young sect leader, and Huaisang is positively bursting with pride over it. He wonders if this is what being a parent feels like - though he would never dare to claim such influence or familiarity, of course. He rather likes it, actually, which is an instinct he never thought he'd develop.

He gives the young sect leader another encouraging smile and breezes over to the tables set out for them, gaze immediately searching for Cheng amongst the Jiang delegation.

"Once upon a time, he was wrong about your father and I as well," Lan Zhan replies, unwilling to leave this alone. His son was precious to him and it made him furious that Cheng wounded him. He would not soon be forgiven for that injustice.

He hopes whatever the Ouyang clan wants with him gives the stupid man a very big headache.

The man in question has promised Lady Ouyang they can speak later, but is stepping toward his nephew. He heard the anger in the young man's voice and he was planning on helping to intervene. As he turns away from the Ouyang table though, he feels his breath catch in his lungs and everyone else disappears. Walking away from his nephew is the beautiful man of his dreams.

Unable to stop himself, a bright smile spreads across his face and he closes the distance between them. He knows he should be less obvious and retain the dignified aloof demeanor, but it's impossible. "A-Sa- er- Nie-zongzhu," he stumbles verbally as he bows to the other man. He tries to think of what else to say, but his mind has gone blank. All he wants to do is pull the Nie clan leader in his arms and kiss him.

~~~

Jingyi beams up at Zizhen at the promise. That sounds exciting! Maybe all four of them could meet up in Jin Ling's room for a while before he steals his beau away from some alone time. It'd give Sizhui a chance to get comfortable in Jin Ling's presence before he was alone with him- assuming Jin Ling behaved himself and Sizhui seemed to be okay with it. Even with the chance to go make out with Zizhen, Jingyi isn't going to abandon his brother.

"Thank you, A-Zhen! Thank you!" He kisses him again. "I love you so much. I'm sorry for scolding you about not coming back. I know you didn't deserve that. I just missed you so much- but I know that wasn't your fault. Can I make it up to you somehow?"

Yuan smiles softly, despite his worries it's hard not to be reassured by how firm his father is in his convictions.

"Thank you, a-die." he says, letting his gaze drift to the rest of the room, catching the way Jiang Cheng's expression lights up when he sees Huaisang. It's bittersweet - the affection is clear, but it only makes his own heart hurt more. He jerks his eyes away, which is a mistake as it turns out, because once again that brings Jin Ling into his field of vision, and it's getting harder to look away.

Huaisang, meanwhile, only has eyes for the man making a fool of himself in front of him. He's glad his fan is already up, because it gives him a way to shield his own dazzling smile from the rest of the room. He's very glad they're edging towards being able to announce their relationship because frankly his beloved wolf is only getting worse at subtlety, and Huaisang finds his own resolve to keep things under wraps is waning faster by the day - by the minute, even.

"Jiang-zongzhu," he replies smoothly "I trust your journey here was uneventful?"

Small talk may be dull, but it's something that doesn't take a lot of brain power, and it might give Cheng a chance to regain control of his senses. Huaisang can't deny, however, how delightful it is to have that effect on someone.

~~~

"You make it up to me just by being here, A-Yi." Zizhen tells him firmly, getting his own extra kiss in before he continues "I love you too, and I missed you, a lot."

He wants this event to go smoothly for Jin Ling's sake - but he also wants it to go well enough that he can prove to his father that everything is fine, and he can start going places again - like visiting Cloud Recesses.

Somehow hearing his name said so formally from the lips he's so often made scream out A-Cheng snaps him out of his daze. He glances about and sees a couple of eyes on them. He straightens his shoulders and as he nods his expression and tone shift toward a more respectable neutral.

"It was. The boats on the river were especially nice this time of year. Would you care to sit while we talk?" He offers, gesturing politely to where their clan tables were so close together. They might be a little less on display there, though not by much. "I'd like to hear how your travel was."

~~~

As the major clans have all arrived, Jin Ling turns and walks further into the room. He can feel eyes on him, watching his every move. He concentrates on not leaning on his scepter or limping or letting any strain show on his face. He'd gotten much stronger since Zizhen left when he was struggling to barely walk around his courtyard at night, but he hadn't made a full recovery yet. It bothered him that there was still so far for him to go to wield his sword again properly. His ability to shoot was even worse, though again, there had been improvement.

Either way, it's a relief when he can finally head to his seat on the throne. He tells himself not to, but he can't help his gaze slipping to the side. It feels like an arrow to the heart when his eyes connect with Yuan's. His heart aches for the other boy. He yearns to hold him and find out how his life has turned out. He wishes he knew why Yuan had never written to him. His lips part as though he might say something, but he instead looks away. It takes every ounce of strength to do so, but he must. Forgive me, A-Yuan.

His focus returns to where he's walking right as he comes to the stairs leading up to his table. His movement is just a touch slower than it should be as he ascends and upon reaching the throne, he makes a quick gesture to stoke the censor fire. It won't be too long before he can push that away, but there is still enough of a chill in the air to make him sore.

He glances again in Yuan's direction, but instead he notices his dumb friends are missing. He gestures for Liling. "Go find Zizhen and Jingyi!" He hisses quietly. As she leaves, he picks up his goblet- leaning on his staff a bit more- and holds it up for his guests. In a much louder voice, he says, "Greetings guests and welcome to Lanling. Please enjoy my hospitality during your stay. It's an honor to have you all here and I wish you all well in the tournament games. In particular, I'd like to thank the Jiang clan, the Nie clan, and the Ouyang clan for their assistance in preparing for the events this week. It was a pleasure to work with you all." He bows and lifting the glass a little higher in a toast, he drinks.

"Yes, let's." Huaisang agrees pleasantly, trying not to giggle as he turns and walks with Cheng back to their tables.

If he's this bad right now, Huaisang things smugly to himself, imagine how bad he's going to be when he finds out that his rules are still being followed - even here, now, with all the clans around. It's impossible to tell beneath the heavy silk robes he wears, of course, but the thrill is exactly as wonderful as he expected it would be.

"My journey was quite uneventful," he continues their conversation as they walk, settling down in the place closest to the Jiang table once they reach their seats "the weather was thankfully quite pleasant."

He has an urge, once they're seated, to try and slip a few innuendos into their terribly dull discussion, but thankfully for Cheng's grasp on decorum, it's clear that things are about to start, and he turns his attention instead to Jin Ling, taking his just-filled cup so he can raise it in a toast, inclining his head as a thanks for the kind acknowledgement.

~~~

Now that Yuan is actually letting himself watch Jin Ling, he can see that slight stiffness in his movements - it's barely noticeable, but it's there, and it reminds him... it reminds him of how his own movements felt, while he was still recovering from the injury to his shoulder. It makes him wonder about all those little niggling hints that things were always more serious than anybody was willing to tell him.

It makes him all the more guilty that he couldn't be at Ling's side, makes him feel frustrated that he had taken so long to reach a point where he didn't feel like he'd be a weakness or a burden with his very presence.

When their eyes meet, it feels like an eternity passes in an instant. He feels an urge in his very soul to leap to his feet and run to him - but no, he can't, he has been reminded - again - that he would only cause problems for Ling if he did. The other young man looks away and Yuan's heart breaks again. He wonders how many times it can do so before it is shattered completely, because it feels as though it's done it a dozen times this morning alone.

He lifts his cup (filled with tea, not liquor, as are all the Lan clan's - except his father, of course, who has a bottle of wine to himself), joins in the toast as is proper, but he's moving almost automatically, like a puppet controlled by something else (the something else being the manners drummed into him at Cloud Recesses, and even at the Golden Hare), because the only thing in his heart and mind is the desperate, crushing longing to be in Jin Ling's arms again.

Jiang Cheng's gaze slips repeatedly to the man next to him after his nephew's welcome. He remembers the thrill of laying him down on a table like this in middle of his own hall. As drunk as he was, he remembers all the details (or most of them) of that incredible fuck. It was far and above one of his favorites, though the more romantic times certainly were wonderful in their own right.

His eyes trace Huaisang's face and wonders if he doesn't catch a hint of the perfume he gave the other man. The lotus cuff was proudly displayed on his wrist like it had since he'd received it. Perhaps while everyone else is busy with some of the festivities he could purchase something for Huaisang to wear underneath his clothes.. just for Cheng. He needs to ask once again if Huaisang is sure they can't go ahead and announce their courtship. How long must he wait before he can declare that man his?

~~~

Jingyi had intended on returning to the conversation about their courtship, but Zizhen had been too sweet to resist. Instead, he had gotten caught up in kissing him.

Liling comes across the couple and has to hide her smile behind her hand for a moment before she can interrupt them. "Lan-gongzi, Ouyang-gongzi, I'm sorry to intrude," she begins. "Your absence has been noticed and Jin-zongzhu believes it's best if you return to the banquet. Food will be served soon."

Jingyi startles when he hears her voice but continues to cling to Zizhen. He pouts when he hears they're supposed to head back. "But.. but.." He can't think of a good excuse to disobey though. He sighs and looks at his love. "It seemed like we were only gone for a minute!"

~~~

It's not easy maintaining his cool exterior while his heart is in pieces. Before long, he lowers his hand and Fairy seems to just appear out of nowhere at his side (fortunately the opposite one to the Lans). She sits quietly with him, letting his fingers stroke through her fur. Jin Ling sets his scepter against the side of his chair so he has a free hand.

As one might expect, his attention is repeatedly called for among the guests present. Some of it is kiss-ass remarks like clan leader Yao would say but some are friendly comments or questions about the tournament. All he wants though is to retreat back to his rooms and think about the boy he so reluctantly let go. Does Yuan blame him for that? Resent him even? Surely, he doesn't regret it, does he?

Zizhen pouts as well, but he makes sure Liling can tell it's just playfulness and that he isn't actually upset with her - she is, he thinks, the very best person in all of Lanling, and he suspects Jin Ling would agree with him.

"We will have more time later, my love." He promises Jingyi, giving him a soft kiss - a chaste peck on the cheek, in deference to Liling's presence. "Let's go back inside. I'm sure you're hungry, and I made sure Jin Ling had your favourite chicken wings put on the menu." He adds encouragingly, taking Jingyi's hand and lacing their fingers together before starting back towards the hall.

~~~

Huaisang is trying to behave, but every time he feels Cheng's eyes on him a thrill of delight runs through him, and on several occasions he's unable to keep from meeting that gaze. He's so very glad he talked Jin Ling into arranging this opening ceremony to be the only thing happening today - the banquet would last a while, yes, they always did, but at least they would be left with a decent part of the evening, maybe even some of the afternoon, for "settling in" - which, for him, is very much code for "letting his disciples and servants deal with his rooms while he disappears to Cheng's bed".

He makes significant use of his fan to cover his mouth so nobody can tell just from watching him how often he makes sarcastic comments about something Yao or Ouyang says, just loud enough for Cheng to hear, and maybe one or two of his disciples, but nobody else.

When Zizhen and Jingyi slip back in, shortly before the food is served, he laughs to himself behind it. Oh how he wishes he could slip away from the banquet, even just for a few minutes...

~~~

When Jingyi does return, Yuan feels overwhelmingly glad - it's easier to distract himself with his brother at his side, and he's quick to ask what happened with Zizhen, hoping that the tale will be enough to occupy him until the banquet is over. It's harder now, though, with people calling upon Jin Ling, with the way his voice carries across the room, impossible for Yuan to ignore.

"Ooh!" Jingyi responds excitedly to hearing about the food. When they enter the hall, he's looking up at the other boy with little hearts in his eyes. He is so in love with Zizhen it hurts!

Lan Zhan sees the two of them and inwardly smiles. He couldn't encourage this behavior, but he does find it sweet. He's glad Jingyi has found his fated one. He wishes Yuan would too.. only.. someone who isn't Jin Ling (not that he'd ever say that to his son- Wuxian was fair game!)

Reluctantly Jingyi lets go of Zizhen's hand when reach their table, but he smiles seeing Yuan.

"It was lovely! He knows the gardens better than I realized he did and we found this spot over by a pond.. *sigh* it was so romantic! He said he's been talking to his father about me!" He pauses, realizing then that he never got the rest of the story on their courtship. "Um.. he was going to tell me more later."

He glances up at Jin Ling and back. "Are you okay?"

~~~

Cheng finds Huaisang's commentary hilarious though his reaction to it is carefully mild. He feels a little bad for Wuxian sitting so far away. He knows his brother would love to hear these irreverent jokes. Personally, he especially delights in any that are negative toward the Ouyang clan leader.

Eventually, he leans over and says, "I don't know what it's about, but Lady Ouyang has requested I speak with her later tonight. Why can't those people leave me alone?"

Edited 2022-06-19 23:31 (UTC)

Zizhen's gaze is just as adoring, and he practically floats back to his seat once he has reluctantly parted from Jingyi. He thanks Liling for coming to get them - even though a tiny part of him wishes she hadn't, he doesn't want to give his parents any reason to be unhappy with his propose courtship, and he does want to be here for Jin Ling.

Yuan listens to Jingyi's tale with a soft smile, carefully burying his own hurt beneath pure happiness for his brother - they really are very sweet for each other, and he's glad that Zizhen's absence doesn't seem to have been caused by any regret or waning of his feelings - quite the opposite, it seems.

"That's wonderful." he says genuinely, encouragingly.

He knew the question was coming, so it's easy enough for him to nod and smile.

"I'm fine." He says calmly - it's not strictly true, but he doesn't want to ruin his brother's happiness and he doesn't want to make things harder on himself right now. He'll tell Jingyi everything later - preferably when Jiang Cheng is nowhere nearby, nor anybody else for that matter - but for now he wants to let the other boy have his moment.

~~~

Huaisang frowns thoughtfully - it's rare for there to be obvious gossip that he doesn't already know about, so the Ouyang clan must be keeping whatever this is about tightly under wraps.

"I wonder what it could be, coming from Lady Ouyang of all people..." strange enough that she was here at all, she didn't often attend this sort of thing. Perhaps this mysterious talk was why... "Would you like me to see what I can find out?"

He suspects Zizhen would have given them a warning if he already knew, but Huaisang is on good enough terms with the boy to ask - he's getting quite good at obtaining information, he's even starting building his own burgeoning little spy network, a fact that Huaisang was delighted to learn. In a few more years, when he takes over from his father, he's going to be one to watch - Ouyang's association with the Jin clan may have, like the Yao's, started to wane a little since Jin ling took power, but it seems inclined to come back even stronger than before. Between that and their connection with the Lans, he wonders if the assorted clan elders have noticed the formidable power block on the horizon.

He recognizes the answer for what it was. His brother was sweet and could be very subtle, but Jingyi has gotten quite good at reading him like he has his mentor, Lan Wangji, over the last couple months. He knows whenever Sizhui can, he defaults to whatever the politest thing to say is. It's shocking how 'Lan' his brother is, considering his background.

Jingyi throws an arm around Sizhui's shoulders and gives him a side hug. "Don't worry! Everything will work out just fine!" He leans in and whispers, "A-Zhen and I have a plan! But till then, how about this food? Doesn't it look incredible! I could sneak you a little bit of the liquor if you'd like. I'm sure A-Zhen won't mind sharing."

~~~

Jiang Cheng bows his head appreciatively at his secret soulmate. "I'd be grateful. Although we don't have much time. She and I have planned to rendezvous for tea after the opening ceremony tomorrow." His lip curls just a little. "I figured I'd have other 'duties' to attend to tonight and tomorrow morning." He also didn't mind making her wait. This was truly an imposition, after all.

"By the way, I heard Jin Ling raise his voice right as you were coming in. Is there a problem I should follow up with?"

Sometimes, privately, Yuan finds it somewhat entertaining that the manners he is taught in Cloud Recesses are often so similar to those he was taught in a brothel - though, of course, he would never dare say that out loud. Even if sometimes, just sometimes, he desperately desires to watch one of the stuffy elder Lan's faces when he tells them (usually when they decide to say something disparaging about Jingyi's supposedly un-Lan-like qualities).

He smiles fondly at Jingyi's exuberance, leaning into the embrace and nodding his agreement that the food does, indeed, look incredible. After a moment's thought, he demures the offer of liquor - he'd rather keep a clear head.

The food turns out to be as good as it looks, and the rest of the banquet passes relatively uneventfully - Zizhen's father and sect leader Yao both take the opportunity to be windbags and make everything drag on, but it's not too long before servants are arriving to show people to the rooms that have been set up for them.

~~~

"It'll be enough time for me to find something out, I'm sure." Even if it's just a hint, anything to avoid his beloved going into the meeting blind. Of course, in order to do that Jiang Cheng's going to have to let him out of his bed at least briefly, and something about that other duties comment suggested he might not. Huaisang isn't complaining, of course, he'll work with the time he has.

"Mmm, it's nothing, somebody questioning his choices is all. He put a stop to it quite firmly, as one should when questioned in public, and I'm sure he's learned enough by now to take a moment to ensure his decision is understood. He's getting good at this."

Cheng worries too much, in Huaisang's opinion. He understands it, of course he does, but he's taught Jin Ling well, he's perfectly capable. At least, he is now that he knows (Huaisang hopes) that he doesn't have to keep trying to be perfectly capable on his own. A lesson somebody else is hopefully in the process of learning as well.

For the rest of the dinner, Huaisang slips back into his running commentary, in between enjoying the delicious meal and a few cups of wine - he doesn't mind not having a clear head at all.

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