"Lan Yuan." Lan Xichen replies, firm. He has lost so many battles recently, seen so much death and anger and despair, and he wants it over. He will defend his brother's chosen son where he cannot defend his brother. It is true, there are many orphans these days, and at this point it would not be difficult to insinuate there is an heir, of their blood, that has not been previously claimed. A moment's temptation, a difficult war... the story would come easily from the lips of others without him having to say barely a word.
"Your son, Lan Yuan." Safety lies in playing this boldly. If there is any hesitation in claiming the boy, some might wonder why. Being born a bastard is not reason enough - if he was truly shameful, the boy would never be claimed, so their story would start to fall apart. "The less details about the mother, the better - there will be five explanations and ten counterpoints within a week, and anyone concerned will be too busy focusing on that to think to protest."
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2020-11-02 08:09 pm (UTC)"Your son, Lan Yuan." Safety lies in playing this boldly. If there is any hesitation in claiming the boy, some might wonder why. Being born a bastard is not reason enough - if he was truly shameful, the boy would never be claimed, so their story would start to fall apart. "The less details about the mother, the better - there will be five explanations and ten counterpoints within a week, and anyone concerned will be too busy focusing on that to think to protest."