[ He looks into Nie Mingjue's eyes, trying to gauge the depth of his conviction. He barely knows Nie Mingjue outside of stories of a noble and indomitable war hero; stories, he was learning, that couldn't always be taken on faith. But in this, at least, the man seems as sure and steady as a mountain. A knot in Jin Ling's chest loosens. ]

In that case, he'll be your responsibility.

[ With all the formality of a decree.

Jin Ling withdraws his own hands and busies himself with refreshing their teacups. ]

Hmph. I'll be sure to pass on my congratulations to little uncle and Zewu-jun, in any case. [ Him, avoid acknowledging a 'thank you'? Never.

He twists his cup around before picking it up. ]

Zewu-jun deserves to be looked after, too. It hasn't been easy for him.