Chapter Text
Jin Ling woke up with a splitting headache. He slowly blinked his blurry eyes, trying to clear his vision. He tried to shift a bit, test his mobility. The last thing he remembered was being on the night hunt with the others in the forests outside Lotus Pier
Jin Ling had been visiting his Jiujiu for a week when he heard about Jingyi and SiZhu being in the forest borders, on a night hunt. So if course Jin Ling had joined them. He hadn't seen his friends in months, being the sect leader was too harrowing for him to even visit Jiujiu let alone Cloud Recesses.
Long story short, the monster he was fighting had managed injure him. Jin Ling remembered fainting like a damsel in distress right into the arms of his two friends. Jin Ling rubbed his face with a groan, knowing Jingyi would never let him live this down. The boy already called him Young Mistress, though he had done Jin Ling the courtesy of restricted the use of that horrendous nickname to when they were amongst friends and family.
The door banger open, making Jim Ling jump in surprise.
"Jin Ling??"
It was his Jiujiu.
"Jiujiu?"
"Yes it's me you brat," Jiang Cheng snapped at him. Jin Ling winced at the volume of his uncle's voice and closed his eyes.
Shit, he has a headache.
"Yes I know," Jin Ling grumbled.
"Know what? How dare you sneak out for a night hunt without telling me you little fool? Without telling anyone in Lotus Pier??"
Stupid kid, scared me to death with his ridiculous stunts. Wei Wuxian's impulsiveness better not be rubbing off on him.
"What? So what, will you ask me to stop seeing Daiju?" Jin Ling asked irritated, opening his eyes again.
His Jiujiu blinked in surprise, "why would I do that?"
"You just said it Jiujiu! You said Daiju's impulsiveness is rubbing off on me!" Jin Ling said.
"I didn't say that Jin Ling, I ....." Jiang Cheng trailed off, observing his nephew closely.
Can you hear me?
Jin Ling's eyes widened. Because he felt those words in his head. And his Jiujiu did not even open his mouth.
"What the fuck," Jin Ling said faintly.
Jiang Cheng sighed.
Now I will get a headache. This will take days to fix.
"Days?!" Jin Ling screeched, very unlike and unbecoming of a Sect Leader that he was supposed to be.
"Hey, get out of my head!" His Jiujiu snapped at me.
Fucking hell, I can't even think around this brat anymore....
"I don't know how!" Jin Ling yelled.
His Jiujiu looked like he wanted to argue back but held himself from speaking.
I need to get help from the Lan clan, it's good that they're all already here....
"Who else is here?" Jin Ling asked.
His Jiujiu glared at him.
"I can't help it," Jin Ling reminded him.
"Wei Wuxian, Lan Wanji and Zewu-jun hurried here when you were brought in injured," Jiang Cheng said. Jin Ling noticed how tired he looked.
Where the fuck are they all now....
As if summoned by his Jiujiu's thoughts, the door burst open again. And this time in rushed Wei Wuxian, looking happy yet worried.
He's awake. Thank God he's awake. Wait, he looks weirded out for some reason. Did Jiang Cheng already start scolding him?
"Yes he did," Jin Ling tells his Daiju.
"Who did what?" Wei Wuxian asked, confused.
"Jiujiu started yelling from the moment he stepped in," Jin Ling clarified.
"I haven't raised my voice after realising you had a headache," Jiang Cheng said, rolling his eyes. Jin Ling grinned.
"Wait," Wei Wuxian said, turning to his brother, "can our dear nephew suddenly read minds?"
"It looks like it," Jiang Cheng said wearily, "don't just fucking stand there get your husband and brother in law to come take a look, and bring the healer as well!'
"Yeah yeah," Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes as he left.
Why is he so goddamn annoying?! I can't believe I survived my childhood with him.
"Was he worse? When you all were children?" Jin Ling asked curiously.
"He's always been a pain," his Jiujiu muttered, not bothering to scold him for reading his mind.
Maybe Lan Xichen can take a look and think of how to fix this as quickly as possible. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wanji would probably traumatize him with their filthy thoughts if they don't.
Jin Ling paled.
His Jiujiu was watching him with a knowing look in his eyes, "this curse might look quite appealing A' Ling, but it's more headache than it's worth."
"I'll just stay away from Daiju and Hanguang-jun then," Jin Ling said resolutely.
"They're not the only people indulging in filthy thoughts" Jiang Cheng told him.
"Who else does?!" Jin Ling asked, alarmed.
His Jiujiu gave him an incredulous look. The answer was obvious. Literally everyone.
Jin Ling slammed his head back down on the pillow.
Poor kid
Jin Ling could feel sympathy oozing out of his Jiujiu's thoughts.
Jin Ling's curse of mind reading was expected to disappear in 72 hours. Other than that, he was completely fine physically so he was allowed to leave the bed with out any complaints.
He had dinner with everyone the first day, reasoning that general conversation would distract him from the words popping up in his head.
He could see everyone was wary around him. And Jin Ling didn't like it. But he understood, no one wanted their private thoughts shared.
His Jiujiu had himself made Lotus pork rib soup for him and by extension, everyone. Jin Ling knew it was the soup his mother used to make for her little brothers when she was still alive. Jin Ling found it really touching, that his uncle tried to recreate the soup for his sake. He had been trying for years though and never really seemed to be satisfied with his efforts. Jin Ling didn't really mind. The soup always tasted good to him.
He could hear his Jiujiu's thoughts from across the table.
I can't believe I just made this for everyone. So much for trying to cheer the brat up.
He had his trademark scowl on his face and Jin Ling hid his smile as he took a sip from his spoon.
Sect Leader Jiang is such a good cook!
Jin Ling discreetly glanced at Jingyi.
Why is Wei Wuxian so bad at it then? Didn't they grow up together like brothers?
Jin Ling, once again, barely controlled his smile.
This is not as spicy as I was expecting. I must thank Jiang Wanyin for considering our spice levels.
It was Zewu-jun.
It would have been entertaining to see Wangji trying to eat spicy food again. His reaction never disappoints....
Jin Ling was working extremely hard to maintain a straight face because he would have never expected Zewu-jun to have a mischievous streak. But apparently he did?
WHAT THE ABSOLUTE FUCK!!!!
Jin Ling was so startled that he forgot to keep his face neutral.
Wei Wuxian had just taken a sip from his spoon and was now staring at his soup in shock and alarm, and also like it was something reverent.
How the fuck did Jiang Cheng do this? This is exactly like Srijei's .......
Wait, Jiujiu got the soup right all along
I miss Srijei....
Why is Jiang Cheng so good at cooking?! Even I can't eat my own cooking!
I wish I could cook for Lan Zhan. But I'll probably make him sick if I try....
And finally, Jin Ling focused on his Jiujiu.
Will I ever get the soup right? A-jie must be so disappointed in me....
Does Jiujiu really not realise he had already gotten it right?
Jin Ling found himself awake rather early the next day and decided to start the day by practicing the Jiang forms of fighting. He was on his way to his favourite practice spot when he suddenly stopped.
It is good that Jin Ling is doing better already. I must not be disappointed.
Jin Ling edged closer to windows of the sitting room nearest to him and peaked inside. It was Zewu-jun, sitting cross legged by a table and sipping tea. He looked just as calm and peaceful as ever.
Wait, what did Zewu-jun mean by not being disappointed??
The boy is stronger than he seems. It only proves one must not be quick to judge.
Jin Ling frowned. Did Zewu-jun think him weak until now? Why was he thinking all this now.
I had hoped to stay longer but if Jin Ling recovers so soon I will not have a reason to stay any longer.
Huh? So Zewu-jun wanted to stay longer he was disappointed that Jin Ling was already better because if he had not been it would be a reason to stay longer but now that Jin Ling was better Zewu-jun didn't have any excuse for wanting to prolong his stay?
"Zewu-jun?"
Jin Ling winced when he heard his Jiujiu. Shit, he should keep moving. Zewu-jun might not catch him eavesdropping but there is a high chance that Jiujiu will. And he was a Sect Leader himself now. He couldn't go around snooping like this, like a misbehaving child! He wasn't a child anymore!
Why must he always smile so beautifully?
Jin Ling froze. These thoughts had come from his Jiujiu. What the fuck?
Jin Ling turned to see that Zewu-jun indeed was smiling, like he always did. The same open genuine smile thad he always had.
"Would you perhaps join me for tea Sect Leader Jiang?" Zewu-jun said, smiling still.
Jin Ling watched his uncle settled down opposite Zewu-jun, not exactly smiling himself but he was not frowning either.
Why must he always look so gorgeously striking?
Jin Ling almost gasped at Zewu-jun's thoughts.
What the hell was going on here?!
The two adults soon entered into a conversation about their sects. But their thoughts did not seem to match their words.
There was moment when Jin Ling saw his Jiujiu take a sip of tea, his gaze lowered to his cup. And Zewu-jun was simply staring at his Jiujiu.
I wish I could run my fingers through his hair. I wish I could brush those lips with mine.
Jin Ling sputtered upon thin air at the indecent thoughts.
Jiang Cheng looked up, and upon catching Zewu-jun staring at him immediately averted his eyes to his tea again, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks.
How the fuck does he always make me feel so shy? I'm Sandu Shengshau for heaven's sake, I shouldn't feel shy!
His Jiujiu thought.
Jin Ling backed away from the window as softly as he could. And when he was at an appropriate distance, he ran.
Jin Ling did not stop until he had reached his favourite clearing for practice. Luckily, he was the only one there. Jin Ling sat down on the grass by the lake, inhaled the fresh morning filled with the scent of lotuses, and then exhaled.
His Jiujiu had crush.
On Zewu-jun. The Sect Leader of Gusu Lan.
And those feelings seemed to be mutual?
His Jiujiu?! How? Why?! And why Zewu-jun?!
It's just that.... Jin Ling had never seen his Jiujiu show any sort of romantic interest in anyone! And somehow, he had not even considered that was a possibility.
There have been various offers of marriage made to Sect Leader Jiang over the years. But his Jiujiu always rejected everyone of them. So much so that his Jiujiu had been blacklisted by all the matchmakers. Jin Ling knew Jiujiu found that part amusing, he had been there with his uncle when they had heard this piece of information for the first time. His Jiujiu had smiled and shook his head.
Jin Ling was almost sure what he had just witnessed was not real. Because apparently, everytime Zewu-jun and his Jiujiu sat together for business of any sort. In their thoughts they were secretly appreciating each other's beauty, like almost indecently appreciating each other's looks?
How long has this been going on?!
And most importantly, how long has his Jiujiu harboured secret feelings for Zewu-jun?
Jin Ling still couldn't believe he had seen his Jiujiu blush.
How often has he seen the man go red with rage and either verbally, or sometimes physically destroy the object of his rage. Jin Ling had just never thought that his Jiujiu was even capable of flushing red from shyness??
It just....it felt so weird!!! Like he would be happy for his Jiujiu but.... Weird!
Jin Ling stood up and picked up his sword. Unsheathing it, he took position, and then allowed his body to flow through the movements of Jiang fighting style. He would think about all this later, when his head was a bit clearer.
Jin Ling joined everyone for lunch. It was supposed to be as uneventful as last night but it seemed that luck wasn't on their favour.
Jin Ling arrived early. It was only his Jiujiu in the room at that time.
"Feeling better today, brat?" His Jiujiu asked.
He doesn't seem to have any impression of physical injuries...
"I'm fine Jiujiu," Jin Ling flopped down on the seat beside his uncle, "you were right, being able to hear thoughts is more taxing than I anticipated."
Wonder how much dirt he has managed to gather without even trying.
"A lot," Jin Ling said automatically, including you , but he obviously did not say that out loud, "I really did not need to know all the hidden spots that people use for....with their significant other..."
No, Jin Ling was not finishing that statement in front of the man who raised him.
Jiujiu looked surprised and amused at the same time, "I did not know anything about this."
"Daiju certainly knows too much about this," Jin Ling found himself mumbling.
"Of course they do," his Jiujiu sighed.
At least he hasn't seen them fucking yet.
Jin Ling groaned, "and that is exactly why I can't wait for this curse to get over!"
His Jiujiu gave one of his rare laughs, and Jin Ling felt at ease. He always felt better with his uncle around, even when they were arguing.
"Why does it sound like you have already had the misfortune of walking in on them?" Jin Ling asked warily.
"I haven't walked in on them but I have had the misfortune of interrupting them," his Jiujiu clarified.
If the state of their clothes and hair was to go by. And the forehead ribbon bring ridiculously crooked....
Jin Ling grimaced.
And then, the object of their conversation stumbled into the room.
Jin Ling watched his Daiju with a bemused look. Who would have thought the Yilling Patriarch, the most feared man to exist was clumsy and ran screaming at the sight of dogs. He would have never believed it until he'd met the man.
Why do I keep tripping everywhere! Lan Zhan always gets worried when I get random bruises. But he likes the bruises I get from him holding me down while he—
"Why don't you sit down!" Jin Ling said with forced cheer.
"Keep your mind out of the gutter Wei Wuxian," Jiang Cheng snapped, making his brother pout like a baby.
Jin Ling wondered how a man like this had ended up with a man like Hanguang-jun. They were literally polar opposites!
I can't even think about my husband anymore.... But how could I not think about Laz Zhan when he's sweet and nice.....
"Please stop!" Jin Ling said with a pained look.
"I just thought he was sweet and nice!" Wei Wuxian defended.
So is Zewu-jun.....
Okay now there was two of them!!!! But his uncle immediately stopped his train of thoughts. For which Jin Ling was so fucking glad.
Zewu-jun and Hanguang-jun decided to grace then with their presence at that moment.
I wish he would let me call him Wanyin. I wonder if he would ever smile at me. But even that scowl is adorable....
Oh God.
Is Wei Ying wearing my inner robes?
Jin Ling mentally screeched.
Can Lan Zhan tell I wore his inner robes? Would he punish me for it later on....
No, no no NO! Why was this happening to him?!
I wish Zewu-jun would smile at only me, his eyes look so soft....
"I think I'll eat with SiZhui and Jingyi," Jin Ling got up hurriedly. Because no, he did not sign up for this.
And he was not going to sit here and listen to his Jiujiu and Zewu-jun pine over each other and Daiju and Hanguang-jun thirsting over each other. He did not sign up for this!
Atleast his Jiujiu tried to keep his thoughts to the minimum. Wei Wuxian didn't seem inclined upon extending that courtesy to him.
The last thing he heard before leaving was -
Did Jin Ling hear me think about Lan Zhan 's robes?
And a panicked - wait, did he hear what I thought about Zewu-jun??
His uncles were so shameless!
Jin Ling heard his friends thoughts before hearing their voices.
I love SiZhui but I don't think I can stand hearing him pine anymore..... No, you're a good friend Jingyi.... Be supportive....
Wait. Did Jingyi think what he just heard??
Who was SiZhui pining over???
How many people in his life we're pining over other people??
This was simply ridiculous!!
"Do you think he even notices me?" SiZhui asked sadly.
"He's our friend SiZhui, of course he notices you," Jingyi said.
But I don't think he likes me... I want him to like me...
"For who to like you?" Jin Ling asked.
"Jin Ling?!" Jingyi almost screeched in surprise, while SiZhui became visibly pale.
"How long have you been here?" SiZhui asked with a nervous smile.
"I just got here," Jin Ling sat down down with his friends, before turning towards SiZhui, "your fathers have filthy minds I hope you know that."
"I did not need to know that, but unfortunately I already did know that," SiZhui said with a shrug.
Jingyi snorted, "I think everyone knows that at this point."
"Well, everyone does not have the misfortune of having their thoughts in my head," Jin Ling complained, "it's like everyone I know is either in love or is pining over someone or is fantasizing stuff. I grew up in this place, and only now I find out about all the hidden spots were the people go to have sex or make out!"
"How did you learn all this?" Jingyi asked.
"The people here have loud brains, and I have a mind reading curse!" Jin Ling exclaimed.
"What...what do you mean everyone you know is..." SiZhui asked. He looked worried for some reason.
Oh no, did he hear me think?? No, stop thinking! He can definitely hear you think now if he didn't before!
Jin Ling frowned, "what's wrong with you? Are you sick?" Wow, was SiZhui really this nervous about Jin Ling knowing about his little crush. Perhaps it's best he pretends he didn't hear it.
"No, no, not sick," SiZhui said, "tell me what you meant?"
"It's just...." Jin Ling sighed, thinking about the interaction between his Jiujiu and Zewu-jun from the morning, "I shouldn't say it. It's private."
"Who is it about?" Jingyi asked curiously.
"No, not saying, I don't want to get into trouble," Jin Ling said.
"So it's Sect Leader Jiang," Jingyi said immediately.
"No no it's not Jiujiu!"
"Sect Leader Jiang is the only one you wouldn't want to get into trouble with," SiZhui said.
"Am I too obvious or are you two too smart?" Jin Ling demanded. Seriously, the first time in his life he has friends and they can already read him like a book. And isn't he supposed to be the one with the mind reading curse?!
"Both!" SiZhui said, smiling.
Jin Ling is cute when he gets angry. Like a huffed up puppy.
Jin Ling groaned. He was not cute!
"What did your Jiujiu think about that bothered you so much?" SiZhui asked.
"Is he planning to really break someone's legs?" Jingyi asked excitedly, then paused, "wait! Not my legs right?"
Sect Leader Jiang is really cool and handsome but he can be so scary...
The fuck?!
"No, he's wasn't thinking about breaking legs Jingyi," Jin Ling said impatiently, before frowning, "did you just call my Jiujiu handsome??"
Jingyi blushed lightly, "well, yes I did! Have you looked at him? He's very attractive!"
As if anyone with eyes could deny that...
"Please don't say that to me ever again!" Jin Ling grumbled. If he thought about it, he supposed his Jiujiu was rather attractive but he really doesn't want to hear other people thinking that.
"Is he mad at Wei Wuxian then?" Jingyi asked, changing the direction of the conversation.
"He's always mad at Wei Wuxian, you don't need mind reading to know that," Jin Ling said, giving his friend a half hearted glare.
"Xien-ge doesn't make it easy either," SiZhui admitted.
But it's funny to watch him play pranks all the time. He makes Hanguang-jun smile....
"Then what else could it be?" Jingyi almost whined.
"Tell me something about Zewu-jun," Jin Ling said, ignoring his friend.
"Don't change the subject," Jingyi said.
"I heard him think something okay," Jin Ling snapped impatiently.
"What is it Jin Ling?" SiZhui asked seriously.
Was Zewu-jun upset about something? Is there something wrong that he might not be telling us...
"No, nothing is wrong. Just. Do you think Zewu-jun might be interested in courting someone?" Jin Ling asked cautiously.
SiZhui looked slightly uncomfortable at that.
Zewu-jun? I never thought of it honestly. But no I must not gossip...
"I know you're not supposed to indulge in gossip according to the Gusu Lan rules but we're not in Cloud Recesses right now," Jin Ling said pleadingly, "please SiZhui."
After a few seconds of conflicted silence, SiZhui sighed, "I wouldn't know Jin Ling."
"Me neither honestly," Jingyi added.
"But isn't Zewu-jun more open, like can you observe it in his behaviour?" Jin Ling asked. If Zewu-jun did intend to court his Jiujiu he wanted to know if the man was indeed serious.
Jingyi scoffed, "that, my Young Mistress, is a myth. Zewu-jun and Hanguang-jun are the same in this aspect. They're both unreadable. Just that Zewu-jun has a smile on his face while being unreadable and Hanguang-jun is basically expressionless."
Well, Jin Ling already had guessed that.
"Wait, what did you hear Jin Ling?" Jingyi suddenly asked, before his eyes widened, "is Zewu-Jun in love with someone?!"
Oh my God! Is Zewu-jun going to become disgustingly in love with someone like his younger brother??
"I don't know," Jin Ling lies, but one look from his friends told him they weren't buying it.
"Let's leave it here my friends," SiZhui said somberly, "the matters of our Sect Leader 's heart are none of our concern. We must not interfere."
Jin Ling sighed in relief, because as much as he didn't want to reveal what he had truly heard, he would have definately done it if SiZhui had asked him one more time. He found it difficult to deny the older Lan anything, mostly because he didn't like how sad SiZhui got. And then he'd try to hide it because he wouldn't want the other to feel bad.
Very different from both Jin Ling and Jingyi. They would both throw tantrums. But Jingyi did have the Gusu clan rules to keep him in check. Jin Ling on the other hand, only had his Jiujiu to keep him in check.
"Shall we go eat something then? I ran away from lunch because your fathers were being mentally filthy," he said the last part to SiZhui.
"As long as you don't torture me with details, sure," SiZhui said, smiling.
Jin King smiled back as he got up. SiZhui had a pretty sweet smile, he thought.
He heard Jingyi's thoughts from behind him.
I'm soon going to be a third wheel.
Jin Ling gave his friend a confused look but didn't ask for more.