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

[160.] The Yumeng Jiang Clan.

Jiang Cheng's voice could be heard even outside the hall; he was now standing tall, facing the officials. His face was calm, and he felt Zewu-Jun's warmth so very close to him at all times.

- The Yumeng Jiang Clan Elders will be responsible for conveying my message of all surviving members of the Clan. Today I am going to travel back to Gusu. Everyone who is loyal to me and to my Clan is welcome to join me, everyone will be welcome in my house. As all of you well know, the Gusu Lan Clan offers the best training in the country, and this, together with perfecting the Clan's level of cultivation, will be my top priority in the future.

Most of the people nodded in approval, but some were only gaping, amazed. Was he merging the two Clans? It was highly unusual.

- I plan to return and rebuild. But it won't be now. It won't be this year either, most probably. This year, we focus on our son.  –  he placed both his hands on his belly, smiling as he heard Lan Xichen gasp faintly behind his back.

- The Gods saw it fit to allow Lotus Pier be burnt to ashes. Perhaps there is wisdom in that, although my heart is weeping to see such beauty destroyed. I can only promise you one thing: I plan to make it better. I plan to make it even more beautiful for our heir.

- So, Clan Leader Jiang...  -  one of the officials stood up hurriedly.  –  Forgive me, Sandu Shengshou, but I am a little confused. This child... Your heir... Is he going to be the Future Clan Leader for the Gusu Lan Clan, or the Yumeng Jiang Clan? Or... for both? Are you merging the Clans?

All eyes were on Jiang Cheng now. He was silent for a while, he had expected this, of course; but... there was no correct answer to it. 

Finally, he announced:

- Our children are heirs to both Clans, by blood and birthright. The future of the Gusu Lan Clan is in the hands of Clan Leader Lan. I am responsible for the future of the Yumeng Jiang Clan, and I will do my best for my Clan to prosper. I deem what I have decided for now to be in the Clan's best interest. I do not know the things that are to pass in the future. This is why your council will always be welcome, Masters.

Now he put all efforts to bow down as low as he could go, but had to rise up again too quickly, panting  –  his belly was pressing on almost all his organs.

Many people nodded and murmured, approving of this decision, while he turned to Lin Shou-Yi, saying calmly:

- Master Lin, can I count on your hard work once again, and ask you to be in charge of the logistics? I will be expecting the soldiers and disciples at the Cloud Recesses as soon as possible.

- Of course, Sandu Shengshou. It's an honor, Master.  –  the young man bowed low, blushing with pleasure because of the responsible task.

- But, Clan Leader Jiang, ...  -  one of the Elders exclaimed.  –  ....wouldn't it be more prudent to place such an important task in the hands of someone... more experienced?

- Age and experience are important, undoubtedly, Master.  -  Jiang Cheng bowed his head a little. –  But I value loyalty and efficiency above all. And I can see only one person who has proven those two to me at this moment. Or am I wrong?

He could not see it, but Zewu-Jun was smiling, nodding his head too, approving of this decision. His husband really surprised him today.

- I bid you goodbye, Masters. You will all be notified when our son's Naming Day will be. I kindly invite all of you to join us in the celebration of our happiness.

He bowed again, and they left them wondering, whispering and gossiping behind their backs.

Lin Shou-Yi hesitated a little, and quickly ran after Lan Xichen and Jiang Wanyin, catching up with them easily.

- Forgive me, Sandu Shengshou. Forgive me, Master. Master Lan.  –  he gasped, bowing again respectfully.

Jiang Cheng turned around, pale and leaning against his husband's shoulder; he was exhausted, the day had been exhausting from the very start.

- Yes? What is it? Speak.  –  he grumbled.

- Master, you must know that I am no nobleman...  -  he murmured, lowering his eyes.  –  The decision to put me in charge will most probably... lead to some complications..

- Are you capable of doing what I asked of you?  –  he asked sternly.

- Yes, of course, Clan Leader Jiang.  -  Lin Shou-Yi bowed respectfully again.

- Then what the Hell do I care who your parents were?!  My parents were noblemen who made a bloody mess and now I have to deal with it! What good is that?  –  he huffed.

- Master...

- Bring my Clan to Gusu, where I can keep them safe, and well trained, properly disciplined. I will deal with the Elders, don't worry. We will talk about it when you join me home.

- Home, Master?  -  Lin Shou-Yi raised his eyes, surprised.

- The Cloud Recesses. It's my husband's home, and it is my home too. You will be joining me? Or you prefer to stay here, in the ruins?  –  he mocked.

- I... I am a soldier. I belong with my Master.  –  he murmured, flushed and bowing low again.

- This is good to hear, indeed.  -  Jiang Cheng smirked.  –  Can we go now? I am so hungry, Zewu-Jun...  -  he wailed unhappily.

- Yes, my love. Lunch should be ready, waiting for us at the inn. Come along.  –  Lan Xichen hugged his shoulders and led him away.

Lin Shou-Yi stared after them, gaping. He had never imagined his new Master to be like this.