Chapter Text
Everyone knew of the famed Venerated Triad.
Jin Guangyao who, to great personal risk, had infiltrated the Qishan Wen during the Sunshot Campaign and had worked tirelessly to destroy it from within, dealing the killing blow to Wen Ruohan. He was the epitome of beauty and conscientiousness. He was known as Lianfang-zun.
Lan Xichen who was as beautiful as if carved from jade and as kind as if a deity had left the heavens and taken residence in his heart. His various skills and strict adherence to morals and conduct were an example for every soul aiming for greatness. He was known as Zewu-jun.
Nie Mingjue who, despite losing his father during one of the great battles of the Sunshot Campaign, had lead the armies against Qishan Wen to victory. He was unflinchingly fair and upheld justice to the highest standards, his imposing figure striking fear into the very heart of evil-doers. He was known as Chifeng-zun.
Everyone knew of the famed Venerated Triad, the sworn brothers uniting three of the Great Sects. Their reputations were excellent, as warriors, as leaders, as cultivators.
They were also known for the Great Love they had for the Infant Young Master, Nie Huaisang, born shortly after the Sunshot Campaign. His mother had tragically died during child birth, leaving the boy an orphan. His older brother, Nie Mingjue, took over his care, and his loyal sworn brothers aid him in raising the child.
All know of the Venerated Triad and the Great Love they had for the Infant Young Master.
*~*
The Sect Leaders sat at their tables, waiting for the discussion to start. The Lan and Nie Sect Leaders were still absent, even though they had already arrived. A servant had been dispatched to find them, as well as Jin Guangyao, who was also absent from the Jin Sect tables.
It still took a bit of time before the Venerated Triad arrived. They entered the room together, with the Infant Young Master Nie sleeping, as always, in his brother’s arms.
“Thank you for your patience.” Lan Xichen said, and all three gave polite bows. “We were sadly occupied and could not be here on time.” That said, they went to their respective tables, taking their seats.
Jin Guangshan glanced at his bastard son, then spoke, loudly enough for all to hear. “What was it that required the attention of the entire Venerated Triad?”
“Oh, A-Sang is colicky, so A-Yao and I played Cleansing for him to ease his pain.” Lan Xichen stated, his tone matter-of-fact as if it was a normal thing to do.
All the sect leaders stared at him, bewildered.
Sect Leader Yao was the first to break the short silence. “You… played the strongest Lan healing song... to a colicky infant?”
“Are you saying we should have left him to suffer?” Nie Mingjue demanded in a low tone, a fierce scowl on his face.
Sect Leader Yao paled. “O- of course not!” he was quick to assure them. He still remembered the rather over-the-top reaction when the Nie Heir had cried during a discussion, and he’d demanded the child be quieted down. He did not need that amount of stress ever again. “Any in your position would do the same?” He cleared his throat with an awkward laugh, then grabbed his cup, staring into it intently.
He felt infinitely grateful when Sect Leader Ouyang spoke up, taking the attention off him. “My wife soothes our little one by putting him belly down across her lap and patting his back.”
Jin Guangyao gave a dimpled smile. “Thank you for your advice, Sect Leader Ouyang. We might try that next time.”
Jin Guangshan cleared his throat pointedly. “Seeing as we are all here now, let us begin.”
“You’re quite right, Sect Leader Jin. Let’s.”