[closed mingle] This is family business

[disasterstraight]

Who: Basically the whole Untamed/MDZS cast
When: One Mid-Septeril evening
Where: The Jin/Jiang family household
What: It's Family Dinner Time (and also time to reveal the truth about what happened back on their world)
Warnings: Discussions of murder and death, infidelity, revenge, and a lot of general family drama.


There are so many Mirrorbound from their world, and almost all of them are related in some way, through blood, marriage, or sworn bonds. After discussing it with his wife, Jin Zixuan decides it's about time they all sat under one roof to share a meal. Sure, one third of their contingent is not exactly on speaking terms with another third, and the last third is caught in the middle trying to live their lives as quietly and peacefully as they can, but Jin Zixuan has frankly had enough. He's heard bits and pieces of the future that is waiting for him once he returns to their world, but he's tired of the pretty lies, half truths, and careful dancing around subjects that everyone seems to prefer when he is around. He knows there is more to the story, and he is determined to find out what it is.

The evening begins innocently enough, with Jiang Yanli preparing delicious courses of food in their well stocked kitchen, and Jin Zixuan making sure the dining room is set for the numerous guests they are inviting. There is plenty of alcohol for the adults who like to indulge-- both bottles of grape wine and jars of baiju-- as well as sparkling fruit juices for those who are underage (sorry, Jin Ling) or who would prefer not to partake. The table decoration is tasteful and elegant, a mix of the local style and whatever Jin Zixuan has been able to scramble together that is reminiscent of their own world back home.

When guests arrive, Jin Zixuan greets them at the door and shows them to their seat in the dining room, having carefully plotted out who will sit where so as to avoid any unnecessary conflict (a skill he learned at an early age from his mother). After a few short words of thanks for everyone who came, the meal begins. The food is delicious, of course. No one would expect anything less from a cook like Jiang Yanli. And the conversation is polite, sticking to current events and the trials and tribulations of witch- or monster-dom. Then, partway through the evening, when the main course has been finished but dessert has not yet been served, Jin Zixuan speaks up, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming. You have all been a great help to myself, A-Li, and A-Ling as we attempt to find our ways in this world." A good start, neutral enough and gracious to boot. "However," he continues, his face losing its polite smile and turning gravely serious, "I know that there is much that you have been keeping from us. From me, in particular. We have both been made aware of our own deaths, and the many deaths that will follow. But the exact details of how and why those deaths occurred and who is really to blame have been conspicuously left out."

He turns his gaze to each guest seated at the table, each in turn. Everyone except Jin Ling and Jiang Yanli.

"I think it's time we were forthright with each other. Don't you?"

After that, all thoughts of dessert are forgotten. The table erupts into chaos. Guests can speak freely at the table, or pull individuals aside for more private conversations. Or, if the tense atmosphere is too much for them, they can simply choose to leave. But however the truth chooses to come out, Jin Zixuan is welcoming it. And keep in mind, he will know if you are lying.

Comments

[zewu_jun]

There are many details that Jin Zixuan is owed, but after over a decade of wrongs and complicated lives, it is difficult to approach them. Lan Xichen agrees that these things shouldn't be dismissed entirely--they should be shared--but coming out with everything like this, over a meal, with so many people and their different perspectives and feelings, all of it feels overwhelming. He doesn't want to relive the chaos of the temple again, with so many angry secrets coming out all at once in a wave of emotion and bloodshed.

Thankfully, it seems the questioning will at least be kept within reason. He still feels uncomfortable, but if they can just talk without falling back on violence, then that is all Lan Xichen could wish for.

"Jin Zixuan is very patient. Forgive us for causing you so much concern for so long. I did not realize that these questions had not yet been addressed. Be assured that if you have need, I will do my best to support you until you are satisfied with the answers."

It really is what he wants, after all. The truth to be delivered fairly and everyone to find peace. Even the one that made enemies of them all.

[disasterstraight]

Jin Zixuan is beginning to think he's been the exact opposite of patient, forcing everything out in the open this way, but... It really was an inelegant way to go about it. If he had taken perhaps even one lesson from his half brother's book, he could have avoided this entire mess, and still uncovered the truth he sought.

His mouth tightens into a hard line-- not quite a frown, but definitely nowhere close to a smile, either. He isn't so sure he can be satisfied, even after he has all the answers. But Zewu-jun is generous to offer his support, as usual.

"I may..." He clears his throat, lets go of Yanli's hand under the table in favor of smoothing out the front of his robes, falling back on the familiar gestures of propriety and keeping up appearances to cover for his tumultuous inner anxieties. "...consult Zewu-jun on these matters, at a later time. In a more private manner."

[zewu_jun]

It would be difficult for any of them to learn late like that, and Lan Xichen can't claim he would have been any gentler. In the temple, he had made all sorts of demands from Jin Guangyao, ignoring everyone else as they told him not to hear anymore. But the truth has to be heard. Otherwise, it's only the biases written by one's own heart. Even the seed of righteousness can become corrupt when buried in one's silent feelings and left without any other perspective or voice. Jin Zixuan does deserve the truth.

But maybe not in a setting like this, where emotions run high and people can be swayed to distort things either in defense or through passion. Good intentions are only intentions. Actions are much harder.

Lan Xichen pushes back from the table and stands, bowing deeply to Jin Zixuan.

"If you have anything to ask, I will offer what I know to the best of my ability. You have my word. My only fear is that it has caught us by surprise, and to engage too much in questioning now may be... less informative and more an expression of feeling. It would not serve your needs in the end."

It might feel better to vent, but he's very tired of violence. Jin Guangyao or anyone else, he's seen too many people end up caught between the wrath of powers or the target of wild strikes in the heat of the moment. He's speaking to one even now, and Lan Xichen is committed not to condone it again.

"I apologize for making you feel this way. No matter how long it takes, when the time is right, ask, and I will answer until you are fully satisfied."

[disasterstraight]

When Zewu-jun stands, so too does Jin Zixuan, not wanting to force the other man to look down at him. He understands the sentiment behind his words completely. Tonight has gotten out of hand. Best to leave things as they are and come back to the matter at another time, with cooler heads and fewer wild emotions.

He steps back, drawing his hands in front of him to return the formal bow. "Zewu-jun is right, again. I will seek you out again, once we can put the missteps of tonight behind us." He has definitely learned his lesson here. He is not well suited to ambush tactics. His spine is strong, but not strong enough to withstand his own mistakes.

He nods, plastering a polite smile on his face as he falls back into the lukewarm role of gracious host.

"Thank you for visiting our home. Please know that you are welcome here at any time."

[zewu_jun]

Despite what Jin Zixuan may think of himself, he has his father's steady control and ability to smoothly redirect matters, the way the former sect leader had effortlessly done so to target what he wanted in the past. Unlike Guangshan, however, the younger Jin is more honest and has considerably more presence to him, in Lan Xichen's opinion. Jin Guangshan in his prime was intimidating through power and cunning, but the man at the head of the table now carries real nobility. He's... a bit rough around the edges, yes. A little entitled, like his son turned out to be, and maybe a bit brash like Nie Mingjue, acting on impulse and emotion. But noble still. Jin Guangshan would have never admitted to one mistake in his life.

Lan Xichen's smile is genuine and soft, appreciating this shift between those generations. He can observe it now that he has had a chance to step back and reflect, which is one thing to say for his seclusion. He's started to become aware of the roles they all played.

"Xichen appreciates your generosity and your wisdom. I promise it shall be repaid."

He returns to his place as a quiet guest, allowing most of everything else to go over him without any disturbance until the possible threat of more messy conflict comes.