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Chapter 26: The Meeting Hall

Wen Qing had found her ability to remain calm and in control truly tested over the last two days. The news that both Sect Leader Jiang and his wife would be arriving soon had filled her with more anxiety than she expected it to, and she wasn't the only one. Wei Wuxian had had an increasingly difficult time sleeping the last two days. Even if he fell asleep on time, he was still woken by nightmares. He often didn't sleep for more than a few hours at a time. Wen Qing was certain it was not the move from the infirmary that had caused this change. There were times during the day when he seemed much more relaxed than he had in the entire previous week. He was not constantly on the lookout for who might be outside, or who was coming through the door. He had also seemed happier. It was not the bright smiles and easy joy of the him before the war, but it was certainly better than when he first returned. It just seemed anytime he wasn't distracted he would begin to sink into the abyss of his thoughts.

Jiang Yanli seemed more anxious as well. She had been apprehensive since Wei Wuxian's attempt, but had managed to be mostly calm and somewhat encouraging around Wei Wuxian. Over the last two days she had become much quieter, which was saying something since she was rather quiet to begin with. Wen Qing assumed Jiang Yanli was worried about the visit from her parents, but it also could have been related to Jiang Wanyin. He had been on a short fuse all week. Several times Wen Qing had caught a glimpse of him walking towards the Jingshi, only for him to storm away from it instead. He never even got as far as the courtyard. Wen Qing couldn't tell from his expression what his intentions were. Ironically she had somehow arrived at the conclusion that he was harder to read than Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji's emotions were often expressed subtly, though certainly less so when Wei Wuxian was involved. Wen Qing supposed she probably should credit that more with why she was adapting so well to reading him. Since everything they discussed was always about Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji's emotions were always a bit more expressive than she recalled them being in the past. The only thing that had really taken any getting used to was how he and Wei Wuxian would seem to suddenly forget there was anyone around them. She didn't really mind it. She had long been used to ignoring it when Wei Wuxian did strange things when they lived in Burial Mounds. It was just the addition of the intimacy that she needed to adjust to, and she certainly felt like she had adapted to it better than most. Of course such behaviour was often connected to Lan Wangji supporting Wei Wuxian when he was struggling. She could hardly be upset or offended over Wei Wuxian getting the support he needed. Especially when it was what she wanted most for him.

Jiang Wanyin on the other hand just seemed to become angry no matter what else he was feeling. Mixed with the anger could be fear, guilt, sadness, pain, hurt, jealousy. However those secondary emotions never told her how he was going to behave. He could have any of them and still behave with anger or aggression. She did not want to see that sort of behaviour directed towards Wei Wuxian again. So every time she saw him come towards the Jingshi, then storm back away, her anxiety crept higher.

She had her own anxieties to deal with, without that additional stressor. She was worried about Wei Wuxian being sent back to Lotus Pier early. She was worried about someone insisting on discussing the resentful energy that they had all seemed to quietly decide to ignore for the moment. She didn't want to discuss it with Lan Xichen until after they told him about the future. They had agreed to wait until after this impending visit before having that discussion. Doing it beforehand would add an uncomfortable element. Wen Qing was concerned the talk of a war would put all the other topics to the back burner.

Suddenly there would be one more person with an opinion about who to tell. It was one thing when the other parties were far away, but if Lan Xichen knew when Sect Leader Jiang arrived it might feel more pressing to discuss it. Wen Qing did not think informing anyone and everyone was the right approach. The more people who knew the more people who could disclose that information. If too many people know suddenly things will change so much that their foreknowledge becomes useless. It would even be possible for it to get back to Wen Rouhan, and then they'd really have a situation on their hands. So no, she wanted people to continue to worry about everything else and wait to discuss the resentful energy and the war for later.

Wen Qing took a slow breath as she made her way to the meeting with Lan Wangji. Lan Xichen had specifically requested she attend, which was good because she had planned to anyway. He wanted her to be available to explain Wei Wuxian's condition, and she had pushed to be given the sole responsibility of explaining the relevant information regarding it. She planned to use this authority to withhold the information about resentful energy. She didn't mention that to Lan Xichen. Now the time of said meeting was finally here and Wen Qing desperately wanted to get it over with.

Lan Wangji led the way inside. Wen Qing could see Jiang Yanli beside her father. She was quiet and slightly withdrawn. Her fingers fidgeted nervously, betraying her anxiety. Her downcast eyes were filled with worry. Wen Qing was a bit surprised that she didn't see Madam Yu or Jiang Wanyin. She briefly entertained the hope that Madam Yu had at the last minute decided not to come. Wen Qing did not think anything that woman did would help the situation, so she was perfectly happy to have her nowhere around.

"Sect Leader Jiang. I'm glad you were able to make the trip, though I wish it were under better circumstances." Lan Xichen began. Jiang Fengmian was visibly worried, but still managed a small calm smile.

"Zewu-Jun, I'm hoping you could provide me with a more detailed explanation than was in the letter." Jiang Fengmian said respectfully. Wen Qing assumed Jiang Yanli must have given him some updates already, otherwise he did not look anxious enough for the situation. Lan Xichen nodded his head.

"Wen-guniang has been overseeing Wei-gongzi's care since the incident. She is a very capable doctor and will be able to answer your questions better than I can myself." Lan Xichen said respectfully. Jiang Fengmian turned to look at her. Wen Qing wasted no time.

"Sect Leader Jiang." She greeted him politely. "My name is Wen Qing. I was here studying at Cloud Recesses with my didi. I offered my services when I learned of the incident"

"Wen-guniang. A-Li told me you've been working very hard in overseeing A-Xian's care. You also have a rather impressive reputation. I'm grateful you were here to offer your assistance." Jiang Fengmian's tone was very polite. His voice was clear and soft, though there was a tint of worry under it. It was a bit similar to the way Jiang Yanli spoke. Wen Qing bowed her head in acknowledgement before she began.

"A little over a week ago Wei Wuxian attempted to kill himself by slitting his own throat. Lan Wangji saved his life by stopping him. He was also instrumental in talking Wei Wuxian down." Wen Qing also planned to make it very clear how much credit Lan Wangji was owed. She hoped it would help in convincing the sect leader that Wei Wuxian would be better off remaining in the Cloud Recesses for the time being.

"Wei Wuxian's symptoms present as a response to trauma of some nature. Since I began overseeing his care I have observed terrible nightmares that significantly impair his ability to rest. He often struggles with falling asleep due to how fearful he is of these nightmares. I have witnessed flashbacks a few times. During these flashbacks and during his nightmares he often becomes fearful of touch. He is easily startled by loud noises. He struggles with discussing the nature of his trauma. He often will not disclose details of his nightmares or flashbacks. I have had some success in getting him to open up. He has also become very close with Lan Wangji and has been willing to open up to him more. He has also been willing to disclose the nature of some of his negative thoughts when he begins to spiral." Wen Qing watched Jiang Fengmian's reaction closely. The Sect Leader seemed deeply concerned, which she supposed was as good a sign as any. He turned to Lan Wangji.

"Thank you Lan-er-gongzi. For saving A-Xian's life, and continuing to go out of your way to assist him. I am very grateful." Jiang Fengmian bowed his head slightly to Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji's eyes briefly flashed with displeasure. Wen Qing suspected it was either the bow or the thank you that had bothered him. He probably found them to be unnecessary given the seriousness of his feelings for Wei Wuxian. "What would you recommend we do for A-Xian?" Jiang Fengmian asked.

"Whatever brought him to the point of attempting suicide has been building up over a long time. He is going to need time to heal. Firstly his safety needs to be ensured, which is why we have not been leaving him alone. There is always at least one person nearby that he trusts. Usually Lan Wangji or I are present as he has had an easier time willingly relying on us. He has not opened up to discuss details with Jiang Yanli, but he has been willing to go to her for support in other ways. He also seems to be comfortable around my didi." Wen Qing found that she felt much calmer now that the meeting was started. Her voice was filled with calm authority. A tone she had long since adopted to combat her opinions being dismissed without consideration.

Jiang Fengmian appeared deep in thought. His brows furrowed slightly as he contemplated Wen Qing's words. Wen Qing braced herself internally. This meeting needed to end with Wei Wuxian staying in Cloud Recesses. If he went back to Lotus Pier now Wen Qing would not be able to follow him. He would be separated from her and from Lan Wangji. This was unacceptable in Wen Qing's mind. There was also the small matter of the impending war that they had not really properly discussed how to deal with.

"GusuLan sect has truly inconvenienced themselves for A-Xian's sake." Jiang Fengmian said in gratitude. Lan Xichen smiled kindly.

"Nonsense. This is certainly the least we could do for Wei-gongzi given the circumstances." Lan Xichen stated. His voice was the calm and polite voice he usually spoke with. In the last week Wen Qing had noticed he seemed more strained, but it seemed he was back to his usual self now.

"Lan-er-gongzi personally attending to A-Xian is most certainly beyond the least you could do." Jiang Fengmian said, shaking his head lightly. Lan Xichen smiled.

"That is related to a second matter I wished to discuss with you." Lan Xichen said, still smiling warmly. Wen Qing internally sighed in relief.

'Finally he is going to bring up their relationship. I certainly thought I laid plenty of groundwork for him.' Wen Qing almost felt annoyed that he had not brought it up sooner, but she was satisfied that he was at least bringing it up. She couldn't very well propose the engagement in his place.

"Wangji and Wei-gongzi have become very close and expressed to me the desire to court each other." Lan Xichen said calmly as he handed over a document that Wen Qing assumed was the detailed formalities.

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