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

[60.] Family war. [continued]

Wei Wuxian gnashed his teeth; he knew his brother was with child. He looked at him now and saw that he looked as pale as a ghost. Jiang Cheng just glared at his parents with resentment. 

He snapped:

- What do you care, Mother?  I am not your burden any more. You shouldn't care!

He tried to stand up, leaning against his husband for support, but visibly staggered; Lan Xichen immediately took his waist, half hugging him.

- You were not a burden.  –  she mumbled.  –  You are a shame! Always rebellious... always disobeying! What kind of cultivator are you even?!? Stupid, ignorant, impulsive!!!  –  she snapped, spitting the words out with contempt.

- Mistress!  –  Lan Xichen frowned and interrupted her. –  We have been patient enough, I believe, but I do not appreciate such words towards my husband.   –   he said sternly.

She laughed, standing up too to face him now.

- Why, Master Lan, you speak as if you are in love with... with this... -  she pointed rudely towards her son.

Jin Zixuan suddenly stood up and bowed to the people in the hall, saying:

- I apologize, but me and my wife are not obliged to tolerate such... extravagant behavior. She needs her rest. We take our leave now. Good night.

He bowed a little and took Jiang Yanli's hand, and took her out of there without waiting for any sort of response. After all, his wife was still breastfeeding, and he wanted only the best for her and his son. Staying here was definitely not the best tonight.

Jiang Cheng was blushing and staring at the ground. He didn't expect Lan Huan to comment on this last sentence. He just wished he was far away from there. But then he heard his angry voice  –   and it was so rare to hear Zewu-Jun be angry that everybody fell silent and listened. The deep, strict voice shook his whole being and he shuddered.

- Mistress, it saddens me to see that your children are more loved, respected and cherished by their spouses than by their parents.  –   his voice thundered in the hall.  –  I am indeed in love with your son. He is my husband and I have sworn to respect and protect him for the rest of my life. – he said gently, now taking Jiang Wanyin in his embrace, ignoring the couple of astonished gasps coming from the Hall.  –  And I assure you, Madam Yu, I hold you in highest esteem, as the wife of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan Leader, and the mother of my husband, but this will be the last time you speak of him in such humiliating manner.  He is the future Leader of your Clan, and also the future of this alliance that both you and my Uncle so much strived for. – he tilted his head and smiled again.  –   Is it understood, Yu Ziyuan, Jiang Fengmian?

Jiang Fengmian smiled back faintly and stood up, taking his wife's hand in his. She was fuming, but keeping quiet now   –   mostly for political reasons.

- Master Lan, I am glad my son has found happiness in Gusu. You are too right, of course. I apologize on behalf of my wife, she means well, I assure you. We have missed you, A-Cheng.  –   he said diplomatically, turning towards his son.

Jiang Cheng said nothing, but hid his face in his husband's robe and murmured:

- Let's get out of here, Huan. Please. I don't want to be here any more.

- Of course, darling.  –   Lan Xichen embraced his shoulders and said:

- Good night to all. We will be turning in too. Let my housekeeper know if you need anything or if your rooms are not up to your expectations.

They both bowed lightly, and left the room, but before exiting, Lan Qiren hissed to Lan Huan:

- Nephew, we must talk.

- Tomorrow.  –  Zewu-Jun glared at him, but nodded - he was not at all surprised.

Wei Wuxian was grinning – he was starting to like Lan Xichen more and more. He tugged at Hanguang-Jun's sleeve, whispering in his ear far too loudly:

- Lan Zhan, let's go too! Eeeehhh, the fun is over. And there is a new bed in our room! You promised me something yesterday, husband!

Lan Wangji blushed deeply, but took his hand, and after bowing to the rest  –   dragged his giggling husband a little too hurriedly out of the Hall.