Chapter 6

Jiang Cheng, "ZewuJun, would you mind if I keep you company?"

Xichen turned to him and exhaled calmly. He smiled and nodded, "Yes..."

The two strolled toward the pavilion in the middle of the compound, walking side by side. What was he going to say now that he got what he asked for. Comforting ZewuJun? What was he thinking.

He stopped. Lan Xichen also halted and looked at him and was about to speak when Jiang Cheng said, "How are you feeling?"

Xichen answered with a simple "I'm fine Sect Leader Jiang".

Jiang Cheng sighed. Earlier on, he realized Xichen was painfully putting up with the other Sect leaders while they kept talking about JinGuanYao. Seeing him just nod, smile, and go with what the others did, he had a feeling of Deja-vu. Of course Lan Xichen is not as insecure as he was back then but it still disturbed Jiang Cheng. So he trailed after Xichen when he silently left the banquet hall.

'Why was I expecting him to tell me the truth.', A'Cheng thought to himself.

Jiang Cheng, "ZewuJun, I know we are not acquaintances and only speak out of courtesy."

A'Cheng turned his gaze to Xichen and continued, "But I believe I can firmly say I understand what you're going through. Maybe more than anyone else in that hall."

Lan Xichen closed his eyes for a while, his heart beating a little faster. After a while of feeling lost, he regained his composure. The smile came back up.

Lan Xichen, "Sect leader Jiang..."

Jiang Cheng, "You don't need to confide in me. Take it from a man who harboured hatred for his brother for 13 years. Forgive him... and forgive yourself so you can move on."

He bowed and was walking away when Xichen spoke.

Xichen, "Have you forgiven JinGuanYao?"

Jiang Cheng, "No, he was not my sworn brother, ZewuJun. Maybe someday I will but not now when I'm still torn from the only brother I have."

Xichen walked to him, "Is it okay if I keep Sect Leader Jiang company?"

Jiang Cheng only nodded and smirked. It had been a while since someone asked to spend time with him. His elder brother used to annoy him with his presence but now he had to get used to being alone.

Wei Ying woke up at 10 in the morning and went looking for Lan Zhan when he came across the juniors. Jingyi was the first to call for him and he willingly went to them. But when Sizhui told him Lan Wangji was meeting some maidens for a very suspicious meeting Wei Ying got startled. To make things worse, these maidens were staying for some kind of selection. In the cloud recesses, the women were kept at a different end, away from the men. "Its weird how Old Lan QiRen asked Hanguanjun to meet those women, especially since Hanguanjun is already married to Senior Wei." One of the juniors remarked and got hit by Jingyi. "Shut your mouth!"

Wei Ying, "What is going on? Why is it wrong for Hanguanjun to meet them?"

The boys panicked for a while before one gave a reply away from Jingyi's hands, "Well, usually when a young master or head of the clan wants to get married, he is told to entertain some possible maidens and then decide with the help of the elders."

With that answer alone, Wei Ying's mouth dropped. He huffed and puffed out of anger and then stormed off. Sizhui tried to stop him but Jingyi pulled him back and shook his head. A worried Sizhui listened and prayed in his heart his mother does not get hurt.

Jingyi, "Did you have to mention that to him? Be prepared to be skinned alive by Hanguanjun!... Senior Wei is definitely going to give him a beating."

"What are you saying... Senior Wei is not a match for our Hanguanjun!"

Jingyi, "Don't forget Master Wei is the Yiling Patriarch. Moreover, if Senior Wei wanted to beat Hanguanjun up for cheating, Hanguanjun would definitely let him!"

"Whaaaat!!!"

Jingyi, "You ask Sizhui, you're dead meat now. Breaking rules and talking behind your teacher's back!"

Wei Ying stopped when he found the classroom Wangji was. 'So this is how you want me to find about your betrayal? Fine! I'll show you how its done.' Wei Ying smiled as he thought of what he wanted to do. He opened the gate and entered. The young women turned to look at the person who had stepped in. They were properly seated as guests would in a banquet hall. Far up ahead was Lan Zhan. He was surprised to see Wei Ying there but that did not show on his face. Wei Ying smirked at him mischievously and then bowed and offered greetings.

Wei Ying, "Wow, I've never seen so many beautiful flowers all in one room."

Lan Zhan put his tea down and looked up at him. Wei Ying continued.

Wei Ying, " It is only fair that fate brought me here since I'm looking for a partner. But I thought no one would accept me because I'm not as handsome as Hanguanjun."

Lan Wangji's eyes widened slightly but the shock made him speechless as the maidens giggled and blushed in their seats.

"Young Master, You are also very handsome, what woman here would not deem you a worthy husband.", one of the ladies said with a bright smile and the rest nodded in agreement.

Wei Ying, "you see, I loved someone once. But that person betrayed me by finding another partner behind my back. ". He shot a look at Wangji and saw the other was trying hard not to look at him.

Another maiden said, "Young Master, surely that maiden made a mistake. You seem to be very lively and such a husband would make life interesting.". Again the others nodded and some even giggled.

Wei Ying got bolder and walked to one of them, he gave a smile that made those closer gash with admiration.

"Such a beautiful young man." They whispered to another silently. Wei Ying's senses were sharp and he heard it. He knew Lan Zhan would here it as well.

Wei Ying, "Fair maiden, can I hold your hand? Surely it would be an honour to show you to my family. I bet my ex would be shamed by your beauty and grace." He smiled and extended his hand.

The young maiden blushed and was about to give him her hand when someone gripped Wei Ying by the wrist. Clearly everyone had forgotten about the man seated at the end of the room. "Shameless!", Lan Zhan said out loud with anger.

Wei Ying smirked, thinking to himself, 'How's that for a show dear husband? Does it hurt to see me steal one of your new partners?'

Wei Ying, "What's shameless about a man confessing to a woman? Are you not here to do same yourself?"

Lan Zhan, "Wei Ying!"

Wei Ying, "Lan Zhan! Let go of my hand."

The ladies were confused. Two men were obviously fighting over them and some blushed in their seats

Lan Zhan, "You dare do this in front of me! Now you're going to get punished." He dragged Wei Ying by the wrist.

Wei Ying, "Oh really! You think I'll let that happen, I'm getting married to one of these beautiful maidens whether you like it or not!"

Lan Zhan, "Shut up..."

Wei Ying, "Lan Wangji!...What are you doing, I said let go!!"

The ladies chuckled and giggled silently as they saw Wei Ying trying hard to get out of Lan Zhan's grip.

"These two masters fight like a couple. Its cute.", One person whispered as Wei Ying was successfully dragged into the inner study meant for the teachers....

Sorry for keeping you waiting, I was a little busy. Might be for a while but I'll do my best to post as often as possible. Forgive me for any grammatical errors. See you soon in the next chapter :)