Oh. Lan Xichen smiles at that, slow and pleased, looking at Wanyin as though he has just plucked a star from the sky. He likes that, likes the equality and loyalty that Wanyin speaks of, likes the idea of being a steady presence, comforting and protective. If this is the manner of sect leader that Wanyin will be, then Lan Xichen has chosen very well.

He pulls Wanyin a little closer when he relaxes, twining his tail around him a little more and settling him so he can take more of his weight and hold him up better in the water.

Ah. Wanyin doesn't have to finish for Lan Xichen to guess what kind of rumors those are.

"Even if he was, a good father should never act in such a way. What kind of man cannot see how such behavior affects his wife and his children? The fault is with him, not with you." He says it with conviction, at first, but as soon as he hears it he realizes he's just insulted Wanyin's father, which is - unspeakably impolite, and certainly inappropriate for one who is trying to court him.

"Oh. Wanyin, I apologize, I did not - " His tail thrashes a little in his agitation, before he reminds himself that he is a Lan and pulls in a breath to steady himself. "I only meant that I am sorry that you have been made to feel that way, and it is difficult for me to understand how anyone could do so."