The Tainted Jade of Gusu

Chapter 13 : Like Father, Like Son

"Xichen," Lan Qiren's voice was distraught, "how do you plan on hiding the child once it's born?"

"Who said anything about hiding?" Xichen appeared calm and composed, like he had an ineffable plan to take care of the situation.

Lan Qiren's eyes widened so much, they started resembling jujubes.

"What do you mean not hiding?" his voice sounded like a whimper, "Are you just going to go around declaring Wangji gave birth to a child?"

Here, Lan Xichen lost his composure. He choked on the tea he was sipping.

Lan Qiren wordlessly offered Xichen a handkerchief to wipe his face.

It took a few minutes before Lan Xichen managed to catch his breath.

"Shufu," Lan Xichen's voice sounded a little strained, "when did I tell you about declaring the entire truth?"

"Then?" Lan Qiren slightly tilted his head.

"I would rather come clean about the entire truth," Lan Xichen sighed, "but, at this point, it is not only about Wangji anymore. The moment everyone learns the child is Wei Gongzi's, the universally despised Yiling Laozu's, they will not only stop at attacking the child. Wangji will end up being their target."

"So, what is the plan you have, to feed two birds with one ear of corn?" Lan Qiren stroked his beard.

"I'm planning to shoulder the responsibility." Lan Xichen said with firm resolve.

Lan Qiren was a little confused at this point. His quizzical look resembled that of a particularly senile white cat, who had stopped understanding how the world worked anymore.

Lan Xichen explained how there were already rumours about him having an affair with a woman, and how he could possibly use the rumors to an advantage.

"This cannot possibly be a plan devised by a Lan man." Lan Qiren nodded his head seriously.

"Shufu is wise," Lan Xichen poured himself another cup of jasmine tea  and took a sip, "this plan was not devised by a Lan, and certainly not by a man."

"The plan sounds decent," Lan Qiren placed his palms on his knees, "however, you will have to find a maiden willing to marry you. And with this, you shall have to sacrifice your chance at happiness and love for life. Are you sure you want to do this, Xichen?"

"About the maiden," Lan Xichen put down the porcelain teacup and took a deep breath, "I'm planning to ask Lady Wen. I hope she will be willing to help me.

As for the rest, maybe Shufu is true. And yes, I am aware this is an incredibly difficult choice. But I'm willing to have people call me amorous than have them point fingers at Wangji, and call him a freak and a traitor. "

"I see," Lan Qiren sighed, "have you discussed this with Lady Wen yet?"

"Not yet. But I plan to. As soon as possible."

"It's only natural, Wangji," Wen Qing was trying to comfort Wangji.

"What natural?" Lan Wangji's voice sounded more angry than upset, "I'm not going to fit into my clothes!? And you said with the proper plan it could be hidden!"

"Wangji, listen to me," Wen Qing was trying to calm his temper, "you have to calm down. Or you might hurt yourself, or your child."

This seemed to work.

Lan Wangji tossed the girdle on the ground and plopped down on the bed with his outermost layer of the robe unfastened.

"Wangji?"