Pitched Normal

34

XiChen could realize when people were unnerved. it was a...may he say it...power of his. Something that he had cultivated out of necessity. After all, he had become the Pseudo leader of the Lan Sect rather young, considering his father had proven inadequate. Though his Uncle reigned regent for a majority of that time, he had managed to gain the title the moment that he had come of age. This had happened only within the last two years, but XiChen had proven himself quite prepared and capable for the job. Upon reflection, there were certain things that was necessary of a Sect Leader, all of which XiChen had in spades. The first being his ability to observe things...quite well, as it would put it. That was a necessary trait in most Sect Leaders, considering the healthy weight of politics that they dealt with on a regular basis. XiChen would like to think that he understood the heavy amount that politics had influenced his abilities. He could tell...

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan were hiding something from him. Now, of course, XiChen was not one to pry, at least not most of the time, but he also felt as though it was a tad bit unfair to him, considering that he had gone through quite the spectical getting Wei WuXian's betrothal agreed to by the Elders. It was a good thing he was as good at reading people as he was at talking others into agreeing with him. It was a trait that so far...only XiChen had amongst the Sect Leaders, though he did feel that perhaps Huaisang would be a good fit for that as well, but either way, XiChen had gotten the approval, not that it would have changed much even if the Elders did try and sidelong him, he would just figure something out either way. The effort that he had gone through, though, it would seem was not being adequately appreciated. The two were hiding something...and XiChen very much disliked not knowing what it was. 

The night prior, Wangji had asked for him to talk to Wei Ying about what was going to happen, and though XiChen could note that his young brother seemed a bit nervous, he had not really been able to pinpoint the precise reason for it. Though, it had become quite obvious to him the next morning. It would seem as though the young Jiang Heir had not taken quite a liking to Wei Ying's information. This did surprise him in many ways. From what he could tell, the Jiangs definitely could use tighter ties to the other Sects. It was the entire reason that they were marrying Jiang Yanli off to Jin ZiXuan, despite the fact that the Jin Heir was pitiful at the best of time, and downright cold at the worst. Not that XiChen cared much, but given the nature of Wei WuXian, and the nature of his brother, this would definitely be a bonus for the Jiang Sect. Definitely not something that they should snub. 

As much as XiChen hated to admit, Wei WuXian was incredibly powerful, and he definitely had his own immense legacies behind him. Being the son of one of the few cultivators taught by Sanren herself, an Immortal, that did make Wei WuXian a highly desired asset. Considering his own mental abilities, it merely heightened this factor. Yet, the Jiang Sect had long since mistreated him. That was as much as he was able to gather, considering the very first night that he had met the boy he was scrambling trying to find the rest of his company, who had long since left, and had not even bothered asking Wangji to send a message to the young Disciple. 

XiChen would not doubt that Wangji was the first person who had shown Wei Ying some sort of level ground, despite his status, and would not budge against the rules for anyone, despite who they were or their reputation. The first time, dare he say it, that Wei Ying was treated with excruciating fairness, despite the fact that he had bemoaned the fact for a bit afterwards. 

"What is wrong?" XiChen questioned, deciding to at least question the boy about it. He would not push, at least not too far, but he was curious as to what it was that was happening. First, Wangji asking him to speak with the other had caught his attention. Wangji was not one to often ask for favours, despite XiChen willing to provide them to him should he merely ask. Second, he was quite curious what it was that had the other so nervous. "You seem quite...anxious," 

"I just...I am worried that they may make a scene." Wei Ying admitted, after noting Lan Wangji's slight nod. "Madam Yu will likely be highly upset." 

"That has nothing to do with you, that is on her. We are not going to drop this courting simply because you have some rather...complex adoptive parents, WuXian," XiChen stated clearly. "If that had been the case, the Lan Sect would not be nearly as righteous as we claim, do you not think." 

"I...Suppose." Wei Ying admitted slowly, unsure if he should continue, though since XiChen had been the one to state it, surely that meant it was alright to agree with them, right? "I just...Jiang Cheng did not really have a good reaction last night." 

"Ah, I see," XiChen stated softly, having now understood the crux of the issue. It was exactly what he had suspected when Wangji had questioned if he would be willing to reassure Wei Ying. 

"I mean, I just...I apologize, I suppose, in advance, in case they decide to come to make a scene. You said that you should be expecting a response in a few days? Please just...don't get too angry if they decide to make some racket." XiChen gave Wei Ying a soft smile. 

"It is alright," He stated clearly. "If they do decide to make a scene, Uncle and I shall handle it, there is not much to worry about regarding that." XiChen folded his hands and placed his head atop them, staring at the two before him. "I am slightly concerned as to what it was that Childe Jiang did to cause a response such as this." XiChen admitted softly. "Are you sure that you are going to remain safe should you stay rooming with him?" Wei Ying inhaled sharply, but did not respond to the question, instead turning his head into Lan Zhan, not bothering with the stares that their table was getting. It was certainly enough for XiChen who merely nodded gravely. 

"XiongZhang," Wangji whispered softly, his eyes imploring his brother. 

"Do not worry, Wangji, I shall take care of it, alright?" XiChen said with a smile, his eyes sincere. He was definitely going to...handle it...as it were.