In the time it takes for the Cultivation sects to finish with their lunchtime, Wen Qing makes sure that all four of her charges are fed and new robes procured for Xue Yang and A-Qing, who is 'around'. He won't wear the robes of the Wen Sect and says that A-Qing feels the same, so Wen Qing had to sneak into the servants' quarters and pick up extra sets.
Xue Yang gives them a wink and disappears when there is talk of returning to the ceremony hall; Wen Qing shrugs and goes inside with her little brother, while Wei Ying hangs back with Lan Zhan.
"What do you think, Lan Zhan? Now there are four of us. Five including A-Qing. Do we really trust You-Know-Who?"
"He's seen the list. He doesn't care about needing a reason. There seems to be some kind of misguided loyalty. I cannot just trust him, though." Lan Zhan takes his hand and they go to find the Lan Clan.
"I agree. We'll just have to watch him," Wei Ying replies under his breath as they take their seats.
Uncle Qiren and Lan Huan are already seated, and Lan Huan is excitedly telling him all about his lunchtime adventures with the Nie Sect, waving at Nie MingJue and Nie Huaisang from across the hall. The Nie Sect Leader nods their way, and Lan Qiren has to be glad that at least someone's lunch was good. He's still hungry, but his golden core can burn away the pangs of that until the evening meal is served.
Wen Ruohan arrives a few minutes later, and the hall falls silent.
Since the largest, most prominent sects have already given their gifts and been welcomed as guests of the Wen Sect, now it is the turn of the newcomers and the smaller Sects.
Wen Ruohan looks bored as each Clan comes forward with an assortment of fans, weapons ranging from charmed staffs, exquisitely crafted swords, puzzle boxes, perfumes and precious jade carved into the Wen Insignia. All the sects pledge friendship and cooperation across the Cultivation world in the coming future.
Wei Ying is falling asleep on Lan Zhan's shoulder, and Lan Zhan isn't faring any better, when tea is served once more. This time, there are tiny sweet osmanthus cakes and sugar biscuits served alongside the hot, honey-sweetened beverage to drive away any sleepiness.
It's just as well because there's a great clattering by the golden doors and then a young man wearing all black pushes a cart into the ceremony hall, not even breaking a sweat by doing it. The cart is the kind usually drawn along by two oxen, so it's no small feat.
"Lan Zhan...is that a person?" Wei Ying exclaims in shock, because he was expecting some kind of jars or trunks or boxes.
"Mn. That is a person." Lan Zhan tugs on Shufu's sleeve. "Shufu, who is that?" He asks quietly.
"I am not familiar with them, but I'm sure we will find out imminently." His Shufu also sounds bored out of his mind. "Either someone knows them, or they will introduce themselves."
"Mn."
Every single person watches the cart being pushed all the way to the front where a line of tables acts as a barrier, and prevents the cart from going any further.
"Fuqin, is this close enough? The man dressed in black robes asks the person in the cart.
"Yes, Haizi. Help me sit up," the man lying flat on the cart croaks, obviously in ill health.
But the black-robed man keeps a neutral expression on his face as he effortlessly lifts his father into a sitting position, stacking the pillows behind him to support his back. Even so, it is difficult for him to remain upright, and his face twists in pain. He still tries to bow to Wen Ruohan.
"Wen-Zhongzu, thank you for allowing us to visit with you. As you might recall, one year has passed since we last met, and as agreed, I have come to entrust my son into your care."
