disasterstraight: (sometimes useless without mianmian)
creamfaced business boy ([personal profile] disasterstraight) wrote in [community profile] middaeg2020-09-19 04:38 pm

[closed mingle] This is family business

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.
lotus_of_rage: (cql leaning)

[personal profile] lotus_of_rage 2020-10-01 12:51 am (UTC)(link)
He certainly knew the feeling of sitting into a situation and not liking it, but he would mention it right now.

But at least they seemed to be on the same page.

"That is curious though that he seems to remember things differently. I wonder if others also remember something oddly."

Yes, now is not the best time.
weiward: (pic#14175359)

[personal profile] weiward 2020-10-03 01:05 am (UTC)(link)
"I'll let you know what I find out."

Which Jiang Cheng is welcome to do the same. He does live with a couple of the people who Wei Wuxian wanted to ask. His brother may find an opportunity before he does. Until then...

"So I'm thinking about adding a little horseradish to tomorrow's buns. What do you think?"
lotus_of_rage: (cql and you're going to do what?)

[personal profile] lotus_of_rage 2020-10-03 03:03 am (UTC)(link)
"I'd be interested in hearing the answer. I can ask Jin Zixuan and Jie when the time is better if you don't find one beforehand."

Since he had an easier time to know when Zixuan would be in a better mood again.

"Same buns as these except with horseradish instead of pepper?"