Pitched Normal

36

Wei Ying had been right to be worried. XiChen thought with a heavyset sigh. He wanted to roll his eyes at the fuss that the Jiang Clan was making at the gates. Of course they were not allowed in without invitation. It was nothing new, and had been a rule put into place since long before XiChen took on the role of Sect Leader. The rule was in place for moments exactly like this. When people came cropping up entirely unnannounced with no care whatsoever with what they were interrupting. It was also why the front entrance was so far from the main pavilions and the sleeping quarters. Just in case their happened to be loud or rowdy guests that disliked the rules, they would not disturb anyone else. Well, except perhaps those in seclusion, but XiChen could care less if they frustrated his father.

They had demanded to be let through the moment they touched down and XiChen had found great pleasure in the fact that they had been denied. Really, all it took was a notice that they would be stopping by and then they would have been allowed through the gates. Without such things, they were not, at least, not until XiChen felt the desire to do so. He had shared this information with Wangji when he asked why it was that XiChen was not dealing with them promptly. It had been quite an easy answer, and that was because he did not have any excess time to deal with their complaints. He would see to them when he was finished with his daily duties, and only then. The answer had brought mirth to his brother's eyes, and shy smile to Wei WuXian's.

The Jiang Heir predicatibly got upset over the fact that his parents were not being allowed in immediately.

"Why won't you let them in? They are a Sect Leader and Lady!" His Uncle had merely turned his gaze towards the young Jiang Heir.

"Be that as it may, they do not have an invitation, nor did they explain that they were going to be entering the Cloud Recesses. They did not notify either myself, or Sect Leader Lan. As I am sure that you are more than well aware, Young Master Jiang, those without an invitation are not allowed within the Cloud Recesses." The Jiang Heir seemed to get more and more angry as his Uncle continued to speak, and XiChen found himself glad that Wei WuXian was sitting with Wangji and himself.

"It is very clear why it is that they are here, what is the hold up."

"Young Master Jiang." XiChen stated calmly, standing and drawing his attention from both his Uncle, and the hot tempered Sect Heir. "If you do not mind, this is a breakfast hall. Such outbursts are not prohibited, and I am sure that you are aware of this. There is no speaking during mealtime. You will be writing the Rules of Conduct 50 times as a punishment for disturbing not only the hall, but my Uncle as well."

"But it is not..."

"Young Master Jiang." XiChen stated clearly, his tone warning against continuing whatever argument it was that he was going to attempt. "I think you will find that my Uncle was more than correct in his statements. None are allowed past the wards without invitation, and as it so happens not only were the Jiang family not given invitation but they neglected to inform any that they were coming to the Cloud Recesses. As such, I will deal with them when I am prepared to do so, not a moment less. Similar to how Wangji and I handled your entrance, or did you forget?" The Jiang Heir was flushed with humiliation at being talked down to in such a manner, and rebuked so harshly. He sat back at the table he was at with frustration, but XiChen did not see any issue as he himself continued to sit and eat, letting the dull sounds of spoons against bowls once more invade the atmosphere.

It was well into the day before XiChen finally went down to see to the small gathering, walking elegantly down the stairwell, and tilting his head as he assessed the family who were standing before him. It was just Jiang Feingmen and his wife, along with two trailing servants, or so XiChen would presume them to be. He gave the group a small smile as he stopped just on the other side of the wards.

"Sect Leader Jiang, Madam Yu, to what, exactly do I owe your visit?" XiChen questioned, leading to the woman to start fuming. He did not acknowledge her agitation and her anger, as he already knew exactly why they were here. He just wanted to see just how far he could get before they began to realize their wrongdoing. Though he doubted that the Lady would recognize what she was doing wrong.

"We wished to speak with you regarding this...this outrageous..."

"My Lady, perhaps you should calm..."

"Shut up!" Madam Yu's eyes bulged before turning back towards XiChen. "This outrageous thought that Wei WuXian be betrothed to your brother."

"Outrageous?" XiChen questioned, his voice light. "I am afraid I do not understand your claims of this betrothal being outrageous. It was Wangji himself who came to me asking for agreement. I asked Young Master Wei what he felt about the notion, procured his agreement, not to mention I spoke to the Elders as well, and they agreed to the union. Uncle sees no problem with it, and I myself have allowed it. I am afraid I am not seeing which of us is outrageous." XiChen kept his polite smile on his face as his words hit Jiang Feingmen far sooner than Madam Yu. 

"Well the whole idea is simply ridiculous. That son of a servant is nothing in regards to your younger brother, you can't possibly think that such a union is fitting..." Madam Yu began, leaving XiChen to raise a hand, pausing her speech.

"As far as I am aware, Wei WuXian is the son of Wei Changze who, during his time with the Jiang Sect, was not only your husband's sworn brother, but also the Head Disciple when he was himself a young disciple. Furthermore, a well known teacher in the things regarding the Jiang Sect. As for Changse Saren. She was a disciple of the Immortal on the Mountain, it would seem such things were forgotten," XiChen amended his smile still firmly in place. "However, in her time among the Gusu guest disciples, she was one of the most bright students in her age. Furthermore, Wei WuXian himself has proven to be quite a formidable force, and equal to Wangji in most everything they area taught. Naturally, I am confused as to why it is that someone would think Wei WuXian would be unequal to my brother, or why this union would not benefit my brother. Simply them being capable of fighting and sparring each other alone would drastically increase my brother's cultivation, particularly considering most others are too nervous to fight him." He tilted his head to stare that the Madam. "Furthermore, I would think that my acceptance of this union was obvious, considering I am the one who agreed to it."