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

[122.] No negotiations. [continued]

NOTE:

The Yùlán  Estate, belonging to the Gusu Lan Clan, is fictional, and does not come from the Mo Dao Zu Shi franchise. It is used for the purposes of  plot development.

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This was a cue for the housekeeper to sit down and prepare to take notes  –  she came ready with parchment and ink, as per her Master's request. Lan Xichen went slightly pale, and his grip on Jiang Wanyin's waist tightened a little. His voice rang louder and clearer in the Hall now:

- Indeed, Brother. Master Wei, husband, me and Hanguang-Jun have decided that it is best for you to travel to the Yùlán  Estate. Today.

He felt Jiang Cheng shudder slightly. Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow, and exclaimed:

- What?!  The summer house? Isn't it too early? It is Lan Zhan's birthday next week! Aren't we supposed to entertain the guests here? Zewu-Jun? Lan Zhan?!?

He was shifting his gaze first to his husband and then to the Gusu Lan Clan Leader, but both were very silent.

- All this is true, Wei Ying.  –  Lan Wangji said, frowning.  –  But the constructions here are soon to be finished. We must therefore start renovations at  Yùlán  too. As soon as possible. Zewu-Jun needs to have his privacy  –  we cannot stay here indefinitely.

Wei Ying was gaping  –  the excuse was so transparently ridiculous that he was speechless. He stared at his brother now, curious whether he had known about all this in advance, but Jiang Cheng was staring at the floor, pale and breathless, looking immeasurably sad. His hands were covering Zewu-Jun's hand, which was resting on his belly, and he looked as if he would start crying any second now.

- I see!  –  he huffed.  –  So, I was the only one who didn't know about this plan! Obviously! Lan Zhan! Nice, so nice!

It was so rare that Wei Wuxian ever raised his voice in anger that Lan Xichen bit his lip.

- I assure you, Master Wei, only me and Wangji knew about this plan. We have just come up with it too.  –  he said weakly.  –  You must go now. Today. If we manage to prepare. Today, or tomorrow at latest.  –  his eyes darted towards the housekeeper.

- Zewu-Jun, if Master Wei and Master Jiang are to travel today... With the children, I presume...?

He nodded seriously; a sob almost escaped Jiang Cheng's throat and he choked on it.

- I am not too sure, Master. I must prepare food and clothes for the trip  –  it is at least 3 days' journey in good weather... The Masters must have servants with them, the House has been empty for 2 years now...  -  she was almost talking to herself, making plans and schemes in her head.  –  I must pack food and clothes for the children too... The carriage must be ready... Water, blankets, money for inn accommodations... Spare horses...  -   she was mumbling.

- Enough!  –  Zewu-Jun's voice thundered. Jiang Cheng shuddered again.  – Just tell me, will it be today or tomorrow!  –  he frowned, annoyed now.

- Tomorrow morning, at best, Zewu-Jun.  –  she bowed, biting her lip.  –  A second party must travel soon too, to transport provisions too. It's a lot, Zewu-Jun!!!  –  she afforded a frown.

Wei Wuxian shook his head incredulously.

- Zewu-Jun, you amaze me. What could be so important that you would make your pregnant husband travel in the coldest winter, in the deepest snow, for three days? Tell me? And what will the Clans say  –  what will they think  –  if I am not here, by my husband's side,  at his birthday? Why the hurry? You must explain it to me, because I am  not stupid!  –  he scoffed.

- Wei Ying...  -  Lan Wangji reached out and took his hand.

- It... It doesn't matter.  -  Jiang Cheng's voice broke.  –  If Zewu-Jun has decided so, it must be important. I am not questioning his decision. We will be ready to start tomorrow at dawn.  –  he blushed and dared not look up.

Hanguang-Jun looked at him with respect; the housekeeper gaped at him, mesmerized  –  how different was Sandu Shengshou with his husband, and how absolutely different with  anyone else!  

Still, Wei Ying was not too satisfied to be left without an explanation.

- Nonsense!  A-Cheng! Don't tell me you don't have questions?  –  he scoffed.  –  Zewu-Jun, what have you done to my brother?!  –  he cried.

- Wei Qianbei...  -  Lan Xichen was flushed, his husband's words melted his heart.

- Shut up, Wei Wuxian!   -  Jiang Wanyin grunted.  –  Unlike you, I am not questioning the fact that my husband has my best interest at heart.  –  he mocked, feeling the grip over his waist tighten a little more.

Both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian blushed, and no one spoke for a while. The only sound in the room was the housekeeper scribbling, making lists with tasks.

Lan Xichen cleared his voice:

- Hmmm. I trust this change will be needed only for about a month, Wei Qianbei. I do hope all of you could be back at Cloud Recesses for New Year's, so that we can celebrate together. The renovations should be completed by then.  –  he blushed a little, remembering his promise to Sandu Shengshou about their  Hánshì.   –  I need to know that  A-Cheng will be safe, and at peace, away from all the noise of another celebration... You remember, no doubt, what happened the last time a birthday was celebrated here... -  he mumbled.  –  I must know that my child is safe. I care not about the Clans. Everything will be ready upon your return. I also need trusted people to plan and work with the builders at  Yùlán.  I would send Wangji with you, certainly, if it wasn't  his  birthday.

Wei Ying was sulking; none of those arguments convinced him.

- All this sounds neat and tidy, Zewu-Jun.  –  he mumbled in reply.  –  Perhaps a little  too neat and tidy.  Such a sudden trip, in midwinter? And after my brother has just escaped death at such a close call  several time  over? You must forgive me, but I don't trust a single word you say.  –  he hissed.

- Wei Ying!!!  –  Lan Wangji turned to face him now, outraged.

- It's fine, Brother!  –  Lan Huan lifted his hand to prevent further arguments, smiling slightly.  – Perhaps you are right, Master Wei. Only time will tell.  –  he said sweetly, effortlessly stepping into the role of the Gusu Lan Clan Leader again.