Chapter Text
Jin Ling layed awake in bed for quite a while after that. His mind was still fixated on the conversation he'd had with his uncle. There was just so much about his uncle that he didn't know. He had never known anything about his grandparents on his mother's side, had never known about his uncle's childhood except for the stories of his mother. He never realised how much his uncle was secretly suffering.
Jin Ling remembered running into his Jiujiu 's room almost every other night as a child. It had taken him a long time to get used to sleeping alone. In the darkness, everything had seemed weirdly shaped and scary then. So he'd go to his Jiujiu and crawl into bed with the older man.
His Jiujiu never said anything. He'd startle awake everytime Jin Ling would start pulling at the bedsheets in an attempt to hoist himself up on the bed. He'd then look over Jin Ling properly, making sure he was unhurt and then he'd pick him up and place him on the bed beside him. That had been when Jin Ling was very little, around five or six years.
There were times when Jin Ling would stumble in very unceremoniously in the middle of the night, crying noisily because of childish nightmares. His Jiujiu would get all concerned and would hold him, and he'd let him cry himself to sleep. His Jiujiu never said anything, just soft hushing noises.
Jin Ling didn't like thinking about these memories. They made him feel embarrassed because what 10 year old still needed to hide in his uncle's bed to escape imaginary monsters in the dark? He hadn't realised that it was unusual until he'd started splitting his time between Lotus Pier and Lanling.
The children there loved to bully him. In Lotus Pier and Yunmeng, no one dared to be mean to him because everyone feared Sandu Shengshau too much to risk his wrath. But the Jin clan was the most powerful clan. And Sandu Shengshau could not be expected to fly to Lanling every time his nephew got picked on.
So Jin Ling didn't tell his Jiujiu about it until his Shushu found out. His Shushu, however, tackled the situation by berating the bullies and that was it. Jin Ling snorted, had his Jiujiu been there at that time, those kids wouldn't have even looked at Jin Ling's direction ever again.
His experience with both his uncles was nothing less than polar opposite. While Sect Leader Jin was all smiles and polite words, Sect Leader Jiang was scowls and unpredictable temper. Jin Ling always liked his Jiujiu better. It just felt more comfortable with He would look forward to the days when he'd come back to Lotus Pier once he started alternating.
That hadn't changed even now. Jin Lang had become the youngest Sect Leader ever at 15, beating his Jiujiu's record of becoming Sect Leader at 16. Atleast his succession wasn't in the middle of a war. And he wasn't alone. He had adults whom he could rely upon for advice and guidance.
Now that Jin Ling thought about it, he realised he had an insane number of uncles. For some reason, the thought made him chuckle even though it wasn't exactly funny? He had so many uncles because his grandfather, the previous Sect Leader of Jin clan had been unable to keep it in his pants.
Jin Ling thought about Wei Wuxian. The Yiling Patriarch, the most feared man ever. If the stories that Jin Ling heard in his childhood were to be believed, Wei Wuxian was a monster who delved so much into the dark arts that his body got twisted beyond recognition.
That, Jin Ling knew, was not true. Because he'd asked his Daiju about it. Wei Wuxian had laughed until he had to lean heavily on Jin Ling's shoulder to keep himself upright.
"No, A'Ling, I may have lost it in the end but I can assure you I did not look like a monster. My real self was quite handsome actually. Won't you agree Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian had them turned to look at his husband with a flirtatious smile.
"Hmm," was all he got from Hanguang-jun but that had been enough to make the great Yiling Patriarch blush and lean his head against Hanguang-jun's shoulder. Apparently, Hanguang-jun's different expressionless expressions had different meanings, and so did his different mmhs.
Jin Ling had excused himself then, disgusted at their shameless behaviour but also secretly amused.
Will his Jiujiu and Zewu-jun start acting like that? He hoped not.
But as disgusting as that would be, Jin Ling realised wouldn't mind it to much. If he could get used his Daiju and Hanguang-jun then he could probably learn to tolerate his Jiujiu and Zewu-jun acting stupidly in love and smiling.
Infact, if Zewu-jun ever managed to make his Jiujiu smile like Wei Wuxian's love sick smile, all open and carefree and relaxed and simply enamored, he would worship the man no questions asked.
Jin Ling did not remember seeing his Jiujiu smile more than a handful of times throughout his entire life. And Jin Ling felt extremely special to know that he had been the recipient of those smiles almost every time.
He guessed he wouldn't mind sharing his Jiujiu with Zewu-jun. His Jiujiu had been alone for so long. He couldn't think of anyone more deserving of a happy marriage and a companion. It definitely still weirded him out to think of his Jiujiu in a relationship but well. He supposed everyone had to come to terms with that eventually while growing up.
But for any of that to happen, Zewu-jun needed to ask his Jiujiu's permission to court him.
Jin Ling could not see his Jiujiu making the first move. Infact, he was sure his Jiujiu would take his feelings with him to his grave if Zewu-jun did not confess first.
Jin Ling wondered if he should talk to Zewu-jun? Just to let the man know that he had heard his thoughts about his uncle. Besides, Jin Ling would be surprised if Zewu-jun didn't already know because the First Jade had not been subtle with his thoughts even when he knew Jin Ling was present.
Jin Ling only had one more day with his curse. Honestly, he was a little miffed about losing it despite the fact that it gave him a headache. He would have never had that conversation with his Jiujiu if he hadn't had this curse. So he wanted to make the most of it.
It also made him wonder about SiZhui. His friend has a secret crush on someone, about whom only Jingyi knew. Maybe he could talk to SiZhui about that? He didn't want his friend to be so nervous around him. Perhaps he should wait until the curse is over?
Also, he really hoped he wouldn't get terrorized by his Daiju and his husband's constant..... Mind fucking? Was that even a thing?
"If it wasn't it certainly should be," Jin Ling muttered to himself before falling asleep.
"Hey"
Jin Ling grunted when he felt someone poke his cheek.
"Oi? Young Mistress?"
Jin Ling frowned.
What does ShiZui see in him anyway??
A hand shoved hard at his shoulder. Jin Ling startled awake and nearly punched the person leaning over him.
"Jingyi!!" He shouted, hating how high pitched his voice got.
"Sect Leader Jiang sent me to wake you up," his so called friend informed him with a grin.
Jin Ling groaned, flopping face first down into his pillow, "but Jiujiu promised to let me sleep!" He complained.
So dramatic... it's highly entertaining for sure.... And he does look like a whinning puppy.... SiZhui would have enjoyed witnessing this....
"Stop thinking!" Jin Ling snapped. He didn't want it to start already. He wanted to sleep. "And don't call me puppy!"
"I'm not the one who called you puppy," Jingyi grinned again.
"I just heard your thoughts!"
"Yeah, but my nickname for you is Young Mistress," Jingyi said.
Jin Ling opened one eye to glare at his friend.
How the fuck did Sect Leader Jiang allow Jin Ling to sleep for so long? It's noon....
"It's noon??" Jin Ling exclaimed, hurrying to sit up.
Fuck, he needed to talk to Zewu-jun while he still had the curse!
Jin Ling rushed out of bed and quickly stripped off his sleeping robes to pull on fresh inner clothes. He bathed last night so he supposed he could postpone that until evening.
I wonder if he's going to trip over his own robes in his rush.
"Get the fuck out!" Jin Ling snapped at his friend, who was laughing.
But as if he was jinxed by Jingyi's thoughts, Jin Ling actually managed to step over his sleepwear in a rush, and then his hand got stuck in his sleep just as he was about yank it off, causing his body to go disastrously out of balance. He landed flat on his ass with a grunt.
Jingyi burst out into full blown laughter.
Oh my god it actually happened!!!
Jin Ling yanked his hand out of his tangled sleeve, took his robe off completely and flung it at his friend, who yelped as it struck him square in the face.
The door slid open then.
"Jingyi, is Jin Ling up? They sent me to hurry you...."
SiZhui 's eyes fell on Jin Ling who was still in the floor.
Uhh... DON'T THINK!!!
"What?" Jin Ling said, confused. But SiZhui had already left, literally ran away.
Jingyi looked confused for a second too. Then his eyes fell on Jin Ling as well.
Oh, right. He is only wearing trousers....
"What? You Lans strip to enter the cool springs if I remember correctly?" Jin Ling said, still confused, not understanding what SiZhui found so offensive.
"Just come to lunch before your uncle breaks my legs," Jingyi said with a sigh.
How can someone be so oblivious??
"Oblivious about what?" Jin Ling yelled, Jingyi had already left.
Jin Ling found everyone to be waiting for him when he joined them for lunch.
"Ah, good! You're finally up!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, "can we eat now?"
And they call me impatient....
His Jiujiu thought with a eye roll.
Jin Ling snorted at that before sitting down beside Jingyi, opposite to Zewu Jun.
Did you sleep?
Jin Ling glanced towards his Jiujiu and nodded. He wondered if his Jiujiu had slept at all but he didn't want to say anything in front of everyone. He did have dark circles under his eyes but that was his Jiujiu looked 5 out of the 7 days in a week.
God, why is the food at Cloud Recesses so boring.... This is so nice...
Jin Ling glanced at Jingyi. He'd never tasted the food at Could Recesses himself but he had heard his Daiju complain about it a lot. A lot.
When the Lans were present, meal times tended to be quite. Do not talk while eating was one of their 3000 rules, Jin Ling knew that. If only for him it was that quiet.....
I'm bored.... Maybe Lan Zhan and I could fly on Bichen today...... I'll ask him after lunch..... He always lets me cling to him tightly when we fly .....and I can feel his body pressed against mine......
Jin Ling quickly tried to focus on any other thoughts.
Wei Ying seems restless. I must tire him out more thoroughly tonight or he might not sleep..... Maybe I could place his legs over my shoulders.....
NO! Not focusing on Hanguang-jun! Absolutely not! Oh my god what did Jin Ling do to deserve this????
Killing livestock on the the grounds of Cloud Recesses is prohibited...... Alcohol is prohibited........Running is prohibited......
Uh....What the hell?
Jin Ling stopped eating and turned to look at SiZhui. Why on earth was he reciting the 3000 Gusu Lan rules during lunch?!
We must not talk behind people's back.... Must not associate with evil.....
Wow. Hie does he even remember it all?
Why are you staring at SiZhui??
It was Jingyi.
Jin Ling leaned slightly to his side and lifted his spoon to cover his mouth, "he's reciting the 3000 rules in his head? Is he well?" He whispered as softly as he could. He did not want to get caught breaking one of those Lan rules in the presence of both Hanguang-jun and Zewu-jun.
Of course he is....
Jin Ling could feel the exasperation oozing out of Jingyi.
Let him be. He's fine.
Jin Ling nodded discreetly. Stop talking to Jingyi you brat! You want Hanguang-jun to put you under a silencing spell again??
Jin Ling straightened with a slight blush, glancing very quickly at his Jiujiu who looked completely focused on his food. He remembered the first time Hanguang-jun had sealed his speech. That had not been pleasent. But he kinda had been a brat so it wasn't completely unfounded?
Wanyin looks tired. Did he not sleep last night....
It was Zewu-jun.
Jin Ling had noticed how the First Jade referred to his Jiujiu as Wanyin in his thoughts, not Jiang Wanyin or Sandu Shengshau. Is that how he would address his Jiujiu when they started their courtship?
Jin Ling wasn't very used to the more intimate modes of addressing others. His Jiujiu was the only one who ever called him A'Ling and that was only from time to time. His Daiju had simply taken the liberty of doing the same and Jin Ling had decided it wasn't worth the struggle of telling him otherwise. If that man decided something, there was nothing anyone could do to convince him otherwise. Outside family, SiZhui sometimes referred to him as A'Ling but that was all.
I wish I could help him sleep better.... Perhaps I could offer to play for him.... I wish Wanyin would not be so tense......
He blushes so pretty..... Like a flower...
Jin Ling snapped up at the sudden shift of thoughts from concern to indecent. He looked at his Jiujiu, and was surprised to find the man blushing.
Why must Zewu-jun always stare at me so intensely..... I hope I am not doing anything wrong.....he didn't smile when I caught his eye.... Is he upset with me?..... But he always smiles at me....
Jin Ling focused on his food, not liking the uncertainty in his Jiujiu's thoughts. There was a small frown on the man's face now. While Zewu-jun kept stealing occasional glances at his Jiujiu.
I must not be so indiscreet.... Wanyin does not look pleased to be under my attention.... I didn't mean to make him uncomfortable....
The regret in those thoughts was palpable. Zewu-jun looked more demure and Jin Ling sighed. If that is how these two behaved it might take them years to get together. And that was way too much time for his Jiujiu to cement his belief of how unlovable he was.
I can not stay here for more than two or three days now..... I hope Wanyin would be open to establishing regular conversation through letters..... Perhaps I could start our correspondence with Sect business first....
That would be a nice way to get his Jiujiu's attention, Jin Ling thought. Besides, Zewu-jun was a Sect Leader himself. Jin Ling didn't think his Jiujiu would avoid the letters of another Sect Leader unless there was something truly offensive in said letters. Even then his Jiujiu didn't really handle the situation by ignoring. And whenever that happened, Jin Ling would usually be torn between being horrified and impressed.
Perhaps I could visit Wanyin more often..... But I would have no reason to do so.... Jin Ling's sudden injury had been a nice opportunity...... But I hated seeing Wanyin so worried when the boy had still been unconscious....
At that time, as if sensing Jin Ling's eyes on him, Zewu-jun looked up and their eyes met and they held eye contact for about 3 seconds. Neither of them gave any expression and simply turned back to their food.
But Jin Ling knew he had made Zewu-jun aware of the fact that Jin Ling had been listening in to his thoughts. The older man didn't seem surprised. Or offended. Honestly, he didn't seem anything? Jin Ling wondered if this is what Jingyi had meant when he had said both Zewu-jun and Hanguang-jun were unreadable in their own ways.
Lunch did not last for long after that. His Jiujiu kept thinking about Sect business, while occassionally drifting towards Zewu-jun. Zewu-jun seemed to be the same. His Daiju and Hanguang-jun mostly thought of each other, gentle thoughts occassionally mixing with utter shamelessness.
Jingyi seemed happy to observe how soggy the vegetables in his soup looked. While SiZhui was still reciting the 3000 Lan rules. Jin Ling decided to talk to his friend about that later. First, he wanted to talk to Zewu-Jun.
Jin Ling didn't particularly want to do that. It was embarassing to talk about this. And he shouldn't be the one involving himself in this but if not him then Daiju and his Jiujiu would kill him if that happened. Things had just started improving between them and Jin Ling was not going to be the one to message it up.
Jin Ling thought of the time when his Jiujiu had his brother and sister by his side, all those years back. He wondered how his mother and Wei Wuxian would have reacted to this back then, if their youngest brother were to recieve a courtship proposal.
Jin Ling had heard that older siblings were often more protective of the younger siblings. He had been raised as a single child himself so he wouldn't know. He imagined his Daiju teasing Jiujiu about having a crush. He wasn't sure how his mother would have reacted though. Would she have teased his Jiujiu? Or perhaps she would have asked Wei Wuxian to not have fun at his Jiujiu's expense.
As soon as Jin Ling's food was over, his Daiju jumped him and grabbed his arm.
"I have a gift for you A'Ling!"
I actually don't but I want to talk to you without getting murdered by your dear Jiujiu.
Jin Ling rolled his eyes. Talking to Zewu-jun would have to wait he supposed.
Jin Ling let himself be dragged out by the arm.
Don't get into any trouble!
"I'll try," Jin Ling said to his Jiujiu who looked wary but sighed tiredly.
"Are you not going to go flying with Hanguang-jun?" Jin Ling asked.
Oh, right...
"I'll go after this," his Daiju said.
"It's weird to see you without Hanguang-jun," Jin Ling commented.
Yeah, I miss him already.....
Jin Ling looked disgusted for a moment before sighing in resignation. Just one more day.
"Hey! We were apart for so many years okay. We're allowed to be clingy and affectionate," Wei Wuxian said with a pout.
"And downright indecent?" Jin Ling asked, exasperated.
Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes, "just wait until you fall in love. But then again, remembering your father...."
"What about him?" Jin Ling raised his eyebrows.
He was so embarrassed about confessing to Srijie so he ran away.... In front of everyone....
Wei Wuxian thought gleefully.
"Really?" Jin Ling asked in surprise. That was..... embarassing...
"The peacock never knew how to express his emotions. Accidentally made my Srijie cry more often than not," Wei Wuxian said, before grinning, "I actually gave him a split lip for it once."
"Oh," Jin Ling said, "and Jiujiu didn't do anything when these things happened." Knowing his Jiujiu's temper he found that hard to believe.
"Jiang Cheng would get stuck between comforting Srijie and holding me back from beating the shit out of your father," Wei Wuxian shrugged, then looked thoughtful, "you know I did cause a lot of trouble even before I started demonic cultivation."
Yeah I bet. Jin Ling thought warily.
Jiang Cheng had to clean up a lot of my mess. Especially the ones concerning the peacock....
"Why do you call my father peacock?" Jin Ling asked suddenly. He had been noticing that firna while now. Even Jiujiu mentioned peacock once.
Wei Wuxian laughed, "because he behaved like one. Strutting about all egoistic and proud. Never understood what Srijie saw in him."
"I feel like I should be offended right now," Jin Ling mused. He would have been usually but right now he was surprisingly not. He himself had not been anything but a brat until the recent few years.
"Well, you have every right to," Wei Wuxian said solemnly, "your father was a decent person. But he was an idiot when we were teenagers, however, he loved your mother."
"You just said he made her cry?" Jin Ling said, not really liking the thought of that.
"Not purposefully, I think," Wei Wuxian said, looking thoughtful, "besides, Srijie really liked him. I guess that was why Jiang Cheng never tried to beat the shit out of that peacock himself."
"You make my father sound like an immature brat," Jin Ling said pointedly. Was he though?
"Yeah, you were a lot like him when I met you the first time, just that you also seemed to have Jiang Cheng's infamous temper," Wei Wuxian said, sounding rather fond.
"Well, Jiujiu did raise me so I guess his temper rubbed off on me," Jin Ling shrugged.
If he was being completely honest, his Jiujiu's temper was more useful than a liability. Jin Ling had never seen his Jiujiu make terrible or rash decisions based on his temper which meant he did know to control it. Also, the unpredictable temper made his Jiujiu a rather scary person to cross. No one would ever dare to underestimate Sandu Shengshau, especially not when Zidian started cackling on his finger.
"Why did you drag me out here?" Jin Ling asked, suddenly remembering.
"Just to apologise," Wei Wuxian said rather sheepishly, "didn't mean to traumatize you so much kid."
"Did my Jiujiu put you to this?" Jin Ling narrowed his eyes.
"No, Lan Zhan did," Wei Wuxian said.
"Why?" Jin Ling asked surprised.
"He was embarrassed," Wei Wuxian shrugged, "I mean, I am too but we weren't doing it on purpose."
"I can't imagine the stone-faced Hanguang-jun to be anything but..... stone-faced?" Jin Ling said, confused, "does he ever smile?"
"Of course he does!" Wei Wuxian said immediately, a love sick look overtaking his face.
And he looks so incredibly beautiful when he smiles. So so beautiful....
"It's disgusting how in love you are," Jin Ling said, but he couldn't help chuckling.
"It's not disgusting," Wei Wuxian sniffed, "it's cute."
"Sure," Jin Ling said wryly.
"You're like a mini Jiang Cheng at times," Wei Wuxian snorted.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Jin Ling said smoothly, feeling internally pleased at the comparison.
Now now don't get too happy about that.....
"Let's hope you don't take after your Jiujiu in terms of romantic interests," Wei Wuxian chuckled.
"What do you mean?" Jin Ling stared at his Daiju in confusion firna second before his brain rebooted. He asked again trying not to sound panicked. Did Wei Wuxian know about Jiujiu and Zewu-jun pining over each other?
"When we were teenagers, your Jiujiu made a secret list of qualities that the woman he would marry should have," Wei Wuxian seemed to barely hold back his laughter.
"No," Jin Ling said, shocked. This was.... Embarrassing? Funny? Jin Ling had to know this!
"I found it in his notebook and he chased me around all afternoon," Wei Wuxian grinned.
We didn't stop until Madam Yu started screaming at us...
"What did the list say?" Jin Ling asked eagerly.
"Let me remember," Wei Wuxian looked thoughtful.
Gentle, beautiful, from a good clan, strong cultivator.....what else was there?
Jin Ling stared at his Daiju in surprise. That sounded....very similar to Zewu-jun? The fuck? But his Jiujiu said he used to be infatuated with the Ghost General 's sister during his teenage years. What was her temperament like? From the way Jiujiu had spoken about her she didn't really sound gentle.
"I'm going to ask Jiujiu about this later on," Jin Ling said.
"NO! No don't do that, Jiang Cheng will whip me with Zidian if he heard that I told you about this," Wei Wuxian said suddenly.
"Fair," Jin Ling said, nodding, then, "wait, what do you mean by me not taking after Jiujiu in romantic interests?"
"Well, don't get yourself blacklisted by all the matchmakers and maidens, I heard my dear little brother went on three dates in his lifetime and managed to reduce the poor woman to tears every single time," Wei Wuxian said.
"Only one time," Jin Ling corrected.
"Really?" Wei Wuxian asked.
"She was being condescending about Lotus Pier," Jin Ling shrugged.
"How do you know that?" Wei Wuxian asked, surprised.
"Jiujiu said," Jin Ling answered simply.
"And you believe him?" Wei Wuxian asked.
"Why would he lie about this?" Jin Ling asked.
"So that he wouldn't have to marry her?" Wei Wuxian said.
"He shouldn't have to marry just for the sake of his Sect," Jin Ling said pointedly.
"He shouldn't," Wei Wuxian conceded, "but Jiang Cheng 's constant scowls and his temper doesn't scream eligible bachelor."
"Wasn't he always like this? He shouldn't have to change himself to be liked by a stranger," Jin Ling said stubbornly.
It's sweet how defensive he is of his uncle....
"I guess my dear didi is doomed to be alone then," Wei Wuxian sighed.
"No he's not!" Jin Ling said, a bit harshly.
There was silence following that.
Do you know something?
Shit. Jin Ling did not mean to give that away. Fuck his Jiujiu will break his legs for real this time.
"Is Jiang Cheng in love with someone??"
Jin Ling did not like the excitement in Wei Wuxian's voice.
"How would I know?" Jin Ling retorted.
Hello?? Mind reader??
Yup, stupid thing to retort with.
"Is he?" Wei Wuxian pressed on.
"No," Jin Ling lied. He knew he wasn't a terribly bad liar like the Lans so he hoped he could still keep his legs intact.
"Really? What does Jiang Cheng think about all day?" Wei Wuxian asked.
"Sect business, and how annoying you are, and if I need any help," Jin Ling said. This much was true honestly.
For a split second he wondered how Wei Wuxian would react if he knew. What would Jin Ling even say?
The mind reading curse made me realise that your little brother is in love with your husband's older brother who seems to feel the same way?
Honestly, how would Hanguang-jun react? Knowing that his older brother was in love with the fearsome Sandu Shengshau of all people. Everyone knew that Hanguang-jun and Sect Leader Jiang held a mutual dislike for one another. Their relationship was somewhat civil only recently, mostly because of Wei Wuxian. But didn't the hatred also start because of Wei Wuxian?
It was very confusing at times.
"Fine if you say so," Wei Wuxian sighed.
It would be nice if he found someone though. But where would be find a woman willing to put up with his temper....
"Did Jiujiu never have any crushes when he was young?" Jin Ling asked, "why do you make it sound like it's impossible for him to find someone."
"Hey, I never thought that!" Wei Wuxian said impatiently, "all I'm saying is that your Jiujiu has a terrible first impression. You can't deny that."
Well..... Scowling, straightforward, not hesitating from threatening with extreme bodily harm, with Zidian cackling on his finger. Okay Jin Ling would admit that his Jiujiu made a terrifying first impression.
But Zewu-jun seemed to have absolutely no qualms about his Jiujiu's temperament. So that shouldn't be a problem.
What Jin Ling was currently wondering was if Wei Wuxian knew about Jiujiu's crush on Wen Qing. He had afterall sheltered her along with the other Wen survivors in the Burial Mounts.
"Did Jiujiu never like anyone as a teenager?" Jin Ling asked again.
"No, not really," Wei Wuxian said.
He was too busy worrying about keeping good appearance trying to keep Madam Yu happy......
So he didn't know.
"What was Jiujiu like? As a child?" Jin Ling asked slowly.
This was one question he had always wanted to know the answer to. There has never been anyone he could ask, not until his Jiujiu's dead adopted brother rose from the dead in the body of one of his other uncles from the Jin side.
"He always worked really hard," Wei Wuxian looked find, "way too uptight, always tried to be perfect because he would one day become the Sect Leader."
We used to get into so much trouble.
"What kind of trouble?" Jin Ling asked curiously.
Wei Wuxian laughed, "it was mainly me who got into trouble or started the trouble. Jiang Cheng would get roped in because he would try to stop me."
And then he would share the blame with me.
"Really?" Jin Ling could picture his Jiujiu and Daiju as young boys, getting scolded by some faceless adults. It was a funny yet sad image in his opinion.
"Was he always this short tempered?" Jin Ling asked.
"He did always have a temper but not like his temper now," Wei Wuxian said, "back then it was more of eye rolls and non threatening insults."
"And now it's purple lightening," Jin Ling said, "and he usually carries out his insults to people who really piss him off."
"He rains Zidian on them," Wei Wuxian guessed.
That had not been pleasent.....
"Wait, Jiujiu whipped you with Zidian?! When?!" Jin Ling asked in surprise. When the hell had that happened?
"No no it wasn't Jiang Cheng," Wei Wuxian rushed to clarify, "it was Madam Yu, your maternal grandmother."
"Oh..."
Jiujiu did mention it last night. He did ask Jin Ling if he had ever felt actually threatened by his Jiujiu.
"Did she hit Jiujiu and my mother as well?" Jin Ling asked hesitantly.
Wei Wuxian's eyes widened, "wait no! That wasn't regular! She was actually trying to save our sect. Madam Yu usually punished me in other ways, like kneeling or extra practice or chores..."
One time she made me practice until I fainted. Uncle Jiang had been furious.....
"And no, I don't think she ever even considered hurting your mother. Srijie was too perfect to render such punishment anyway. And no, I don't think she hit your Jiujiu either. She was a harsh mother but she loved your mother and Jiang Cheng."
His Jiujiu had said the same thing last night.
"That's good to know..." Jin Ling said a bit awkwardly.
"Well, now you tell me now what my brother is like?" Wei Wuxian suddenly demanded.
"What do you mean?" Jin Ling frowned.
"I want to know what was like as an uncle when you were younger," Wei Wuxian clarified. There was sadness in his eyes, Jin sling noted.
I wonder how he even managed to take care of a baby.... He never had any experience with kids....
"He taught me everything himself," Jin Ling said, trying to remember as far back as he could.
"I remember he taught me how to put braids in my hair, and he taught me to swim. And read. He started teaching me all the Jiang forms when I turned 5.... I've been told he carried me around all day when I was a baby and apparently even attended conferences with me..."
Wei Wuxian looked amazed.
I wish I could have been here to see all that....
"He let me climb into his bed at night whenever I got scared..." Jin Ling said hesitantly. It still embarrassed him to reveal that to anyone.
"That's surprising," Wei Wuxian said, "he always hated sharing his space. Barely tolerated me coming to his room when we were teenagers."
Really? Jin Ling never knew that.
But then again he was always nice to Srijie, and too scared of Madam Yu.....
"But he never said anything to me," Jin Ling said softly, "not even when I was 10 and obviously too old to climb into his bed at night."
That's rather remarkable..... Jiang Cheng must have loved this kid so greatly..... I would have never expected him to be capable of such gentleness.,..
Jin Ling turned away, blushing lightly.
"Aww, don't be embarrassed A'Ling," Wei Wuxian tried to pinch his cheeks. Jin Ling promptly slapped the hand away, making the older man giggle.
"You know Jiang Cheng used to laugh and smile so much more back then," Wei Wuxian said suddenly.
"Wait, really?!" Jin Ling looked shocked.
So he doesn't smoke anymore at all now. Not just because I'm around......
"He doesn't hate you anymore, I'm not sure if he ever really hated you. But he's not angry at you," Jin Ling found himself saying.
Wei Wuxian looked at him with a soft smile.
He resembles the peacock so much it's easy to forget he's Srijei's son as well.... He sounded exactly like her.....
Jin Ling looked away, blushing. He had been compared to his father a lot, even more so when he started dressing in the gold robes of the Jin clan. No one has ever really compared him to his mother. He never realised how pleased that would make him feel.
"You know I used to run around a lot, I remember making Jiujiu chase me all over Lotus Pier," Jin Ling found himself saying, and thought back to his childhood.
"Oh same!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed happily.
"I loved pissing Jiang Cheng off," the older man giggled, "it was always so easy to get under his skin."
Jin Ling was about to respond when heard a few stray thoughts.
Wei Ying promised to come to me 10 minutes ago.... But he should be safe.... It's Lotus Pier and Sect Leader Jiang does not hate him any longer.....
"Your husband is looking for you," Jin Ling informed his Daiju, who immediately lit up at the mention of his name.
Lan Zhan came to find me! Where is he....
"Round the corner...there...." Jin Ling pointed out.
"Once again, sorry for traumatizing you, and it was nice to talk to you! You have any more questions about your grumpy Jiujiu, come to me!"
And with that, Jin Ling watched as his Daiju skipped away towards the direction he had pointed out.
Sometimes, Jin Ling wondered how Wei Wuxian must have been at the very height of his power when he had lost it because of dark magic. People said it was the most terrifying thing ever.
And this was him now, happily jumping into his husband's arms, who looked just as expressionless as ever.
Hanguang-jun stared at him over his husband's shoulder for a few seconds as Wei Wuxian immediately started chattering about something.
Apologies for any of our indecent thoughts that Sect Leader Jin had to suffer through....
Jin Ling raised his eyebrows in surprise, but the Second Jade had already turned away, his over energetic husband hanging on his arm.
That was unexpected. Jin Ling turned away from their retreating backs. He had to talk to Zewu-jun now. That had been the original plan. But talking to Wei Wuxian had been nice as well. He'd think of that conversation later.
He had to talk to Zewu-jun now. But where the hell was he supposed to find the man?