[159.] Clan conference.

                                    

                                          


Sandu Shengshou was sitting majestically at the head of the hall. He was wearing loose white Gusu robes, and his hair was let down, except for a small bun, pinned up high with an ornate hair decoration. His face was pale and stern, and he felt cold, too cold. Jiang Cheng wondered whether this coldness wasn't coming from his heart, rather than the spacious stone chamber.
He never knew he was shivering slightly, but Lan Xichen felt it, and worried. He was standing tall behind his chair, his left hand on his shoulder, and his face was frowning. Both of them knew that those were going to be heavy talks.
The Elders of the Yumeng Jiang Clan arrived first, taking the seats closest to the front, frowning at the lack of the Yumeng Jiang Clan purple colors. The Clan allies arrived right after them, whispering among themselves and shaking their heads in disbelief, skeptical. All eyes were on Jiang Cheng's body, and he was doing his very best not to blush and be embarrassed by it; he hated being the center of attention.
- Good day to all. Let us begin.
The voice rang loud and clear, and there was a slow silence settling in; Jiang Cheng waited for it patiently.
- Today we are gathered here to discuss and set guidelines for the future of the Yumeng Jiang Clan. May the Gods grant us wisdom and guide us in our decisions.
He bowed his head lightly to the small crowd, and many returned the greeting; still, some didn't. The frown on Lan Xichen's face deepened.
One of the Clan Leaders stood up and spoke:
- Clan Leader Jiang, are you certain you are in a position to make such... decisions? We are hearing that your... priorities have been... different lately.  –  he mocked, his eyes staring at Jiang Wanyin's belly.
He knew too well that the pauses in his speech were made quite on purpose. He knew that he was supposed to get angry.  They wanted to see his mother in him.  Jiang Cheng clenched his teeth and smiled.
- It is too kind of you to point this out, Esteemed Master. Indeed, at this point in my life I am putting my family as my number one priority.
He bowed his head politely, placing his hand on top of his belly quite demonstratively. The rustling whispers in the hall got a little louder, and more excited.
- However, ...  -  his voice thundered.  –   ...I have not forgotten my people, and I am here to take responsibility. I will never ignore my duties.
The man sat back down, but the smirk on his lips was not gone. Everyone listened intently. 
- Masters.  -  Jiang Cheng went on.  –  I believe that everything in this world happens as a consequence of our choices and decisions. What happened to my Clan is a tragedy, but it is the obvious consequence of the actions of my parents. And I am dead-set to not repeat their mistakes ever again.
He let the murmurs die out, feeling the grip of Zewu-Jun's hand on his shoulder tighten a little. Many of the Yumeng Jiang Clan Elders were frowning, or downright angry; all of them had had different arrangements with  –  mostly   –  Madam Yu, and now those arrangements were going to go to Hell. 
He continued:

 - I am going to be brief. There is not much to be said.  I want to rebuild Lotus Pier. I want to restore my Clan to its former strength and influence. But it won't be now. Right now, me and my husband are expecting the Future Clan Leader to join us very soon; only after that can I afford to plan for reconstructions and restoration.
He smiled gently, ignoring the few exclamations  "Outrageous!!!"  and  "Shame!!!"  that came from several places in the hall.
- Can the Elders' Leader perhaps give me a number of survivors?  –  he said sternly.
A tall young man stood up after no one spoke, bowing respectfully, and after casting a devastating look at the older men, noisily chattering around him, he said loudly:
- Master, my name is Lin Shou-Yi. I am not the Elders' Leader.... But I was your Father's right hand in the last war. I was by his side the whole time. And I intend to be by yours as well. As my loyalty to my Clan commands me.
His words rang in the room, making some of the people there blush a little and fall silent, finally.
- I am glad to hear this, Master Lin. Do go on.  -  Jiang Cheng squinted his eyes, wondering if this was a trap. Another one.
- The troops have been badly depleted, Master. I believe only about ten dozen soldiers remain, but bear in mind that people are defecting daily. We have no headquarters to be accountable to, and things are getting out of control. I am... doing my best to keep the order, but... Forgive me, Master. I have let you down.
His voice got sadder, and he bowed low. Sandu Shengshou did his best to get up from the chair with dignity; he wasn't too sure it was a successful attempt. Lan Huan's hand now slid down and rested on his waist.
- Please, approach, Master Lin.  –  he said seriously.
The young man was surprised, but did as asked. They stood, facing each other, and Lin Shou-Yi blushed deeply  –  from so close up, Sandu Shengshou smelled like sweet buns, and looked pretty, like a young girl. He looked big, but maybe it was the robes, because his face and hands were really delicate. 
He bowed again, confused, but soon felt Jiang Cheng's warm hand on his shoulder.
- Young Master Lin, there is nothing to forgive if you were just one man, trying to take care of a small army. Didn't the other Elders assist you?
- Master...  -  he murmured, but did not comment, hiding his red face in another bow.
- I see.  -  Jiang Cheng's voice finally betrayed a note of anger.  –  I see how it is. 
- I am going to say this only once,  and then I am going to leave. I care very little if you like it or not.  This is my decision.  –  he growled.  –  Whoever wants to stay with me will be my ally, and my friend, and my family, and will abide by my word. Whoever leaves  –  please know that I never forget, and I never forgive. 
- Wanyin...  -  Lan Xichen murmured behind him, worried.
Jiang Cheng turned a little, smiling and caressing his husband's arm a little, saying sweetly:
- I am fine. We are fine.
Lin Shou-Yi, still standing close by his Master's side was now hugely surprised by this new tone of voice and the gentle look. 
He had heard the rumors about his Master's son, but he had dismissed most of them as ridiculous. Now he wasn't so sure any more.