Everything is falling apart around him. Jin Ling feels like he's just been tossed in the center of the room without robes on. He can feel the judgment and worse, the pity as Wei Wuxian and his stupid husband further expose what he's been dealing with. Why can't everyone just leave him alone? He had this under control! He just.. he needed different tea.

He tries to think of anything he can do to discourage this and hide his shame, but there's nothing he can do. The bruising grip on his arm leaves and he stands there trembling, almost lightheaded as his uncle takes the teapot and hands it over to Wangji. He takes the smallest step back, only to realize for the first time Yuan is and has been at his back this whole time. He brings a hand back as subtly as he can (which isn't much given everyone is staring at him and he's in the center of the room) to take Yuan's hand.

Lan Zhan nods when he sniffs it. "Hemlock."

"Ling?" Wanyin asks, turning around. "Has this happened before? How did you know what that smelled like?"

Jin Ling's cheeks color and he glances resentfully at Wei Wuxian but.. "I didn't the first time. It made me sick but I found an antidote among Jin Guangyao's medicine. I.. it's happened a couple times since. B- but I can handle it. It's my problem." With as much dignity as he can muster, he takes back his hand and uses it to bow to his family. "I'm sorry for the insult and scene. I-"

"Stop that!" Wanyin shouts, catching Jin Ling's arm again and giving him a shake. He really wants to shake his stupid nephew. He looks around at everyone else in the room. "Leave us. This is a family matter that needs to take precedence over this meal. Go on!"

"Yuan. Stay." Wangji adds- also not moving to leave.

Fuck my life! Ling thinks.