[曦澄 | XiCheng]: The Fear Of Falling In Love [~PART 1~]

[59.] Family war. [TW]

When they joined their extended family in the Hall at dinner, they sat close to each other, but without touching; both understood that decorum should be kept and did not comment on it. 

Jiang Cheng felt sick to his stomach, but it wasn't anything physical this time  –  he was simply too upset. He was sure his eyes still looked puffy, but he did not care. The only one who seemed to notice was Wei Wuxian, who was frowning, worried; if Jiang Yanli had noticed anything  –  she didn't comment.

It was rather late, so he couldn't see his nephew  -  Jin Ling was probably sleeping already. His Shìjiè  was smiling at him, but dared not speak. Lan Wangji was frowning awfully, ignoring his husband's tries to cheer him up, so now Wei Wuxian was sulking and poking at his food fiercely. Jiang Fengmian and Madam Yu were sitting close to Lan Qiren and were discussing something quietly. Generally, the atmosphere was far from festive.

- Darling, please eat.  –  Lan Xichen was leaning close to him, whispering in his ear discreetly.

He just shook his head. He was doing his best to swallow his tears. The month of his heat was passing, he could feel it, but today's emotions had nothing to do with hormones. He was just sad.

- Wanyin, are you unwell? Should we leave?  –  Lan Huan asked again, worried now.  –  Just say so. I don't care about anything else.  –  he murmured.

He never managed to answer that, as Lan Qiren asked loudly:

- Is something the matter, Clan Leader Lan?

- All is fine, Uncle, thank you for your concern.  –  Lan Xichen smiled politely and bowed his head.

- Huh. My son does not look so happy, Master Lan.  –  Madam Yu huffed, raising an eyebrow.  –  Are you taking good care of him?  –  she mocked.

Lan Wangji's eyes were burning; Wei Wuxian bit his lip and went pale - a scandal was coming for sure. Jiang Yanli was watching her brothers closely, worried; she knew that something was wrong, something serious.

- Sandu Shengshou has been a little under the weather lately, Mistress.  –  Lan Xichen answered, his smile plastered on his face, unchanging.  –  He was injured in a hunt not two months ago, but we thank the Gods   –  he is a lot better now.

- And why don't we know anything about it?  –  she hissed. –  Is my own son forbidden from writing home to his mother? – she squinted her eyes.

- Forgive me, Mistress, it was perhaps my ---

- No.  -  Jiang Cheng stopped him, taking his hand. –  No, don't take the blame for me. –  he muttered.

Both Wei Ying and Jiang Yanli knew what was about to follow, they knew their brother too well. Lan Xichen turned to look at his husband, rather upset and worried for him. 

Jiang Wanyin hissed:

- No, I am not forbidden from anything, Mother.  I never wanted   to write home to you. There is a difference. –  he hissed, frowning.

- Well, well. Tell us then how you are, A-Cheng? We have had no news from you since.... well, the day of your wedding! –  she mocked.

- Dear, please. Let him be if he is unwell.  -  Jiang Fengmian murmured, trying to prevent a fight.

- It's fine, Father.  -  Jiang Cheng scoffed. –  The truth is that I am happy. It is also true that none of you four ever wrote to me either! –  he cried, leaning forward and squinting his eyes.

- Wanyin...  -  Lan Xichen murmured, squeezing his hand a little. He was scared that all those stressful emotions that day couldn't have been good for their baby. Right now, Jiang Wanyin needed rest, and peace and quiet. 

He bit his lip.

Lan Qiren raised his eyebrow  –  it was not like his nephew to be so informal and emotional, especially with someone he was not close to. He now observed him carefully.

- Don't you dare speak in such a tone to your father, you brat! He has been to war, unlike you!  –  Madam Yu was fuming, pointing an accusing finger at him.

- Ah, but Madam Yu, A-Cheng was a little sick... back in midsummer.  –  Wei Wuxian tried to calm things down.  –  You know that he gets weak sometimes.

Jiang Yanli was gasping, watching her brother's face blush now  –  she knew too well. 

Her husband leaned in and whispered in her ear:

- Darling, this is getting worse. Your family is so... explosive.  I think we should leave soon...

She nodded distractedly, but was watching carefully, unable to understand what the problem was.

- Shut up, Wei Wuxian!  -  Yu Ziyuan snapped. –  No one  is asking your opinions!

- You will speak to my husband with respect, Mistress.  –  Lan Wangji's voice was ice, and was heard loud and clear in the big hall.

- Brother... Please...  -  Lan Xichen stood up to his feet, smiling softly.  –  I think we all should calm down. There is no need for such... extreme emotions. Madam Yu...  -  he bowed to her respectfully.  –  ...me and my husband will be glad to answer all your questions now.

- I am not sure why you defend him so much, Master Lan.  –  she scoffed. –  He is indeed... so weak.  –  she spat out.

- Mother!  –  Jiang Yanli exclaimed. –  Please, don't be so harsh on A-Cheng!

- We are well and happy, Mistress Yu.  –  Lan Xichen raised his voice, still standing up. He cast a quick look at his husband  -  Jiang Cheng was pale and very close to passing out.

- Happy? He makes you happy?  –  she laughed out loud.  –  I highly doubt it!