[He doesn't know every detail but he knows enough to understand why this young man would feel this way. Act this way. Mingjue understands better than others probably think he does.
It's why his answer is this:]
I truly believe that if he wants to be redeemed then he can be. And that if he cannot then I will handle the matter as his sworn brother.
[And then likely have to end himself and Xichen as well. There's no way they can go on now beyond being a trio. But that? That he doesn't say. This is a private resolve which he plans to keep to himself as he hopes he'll never have to go to such an extreme.
And no. It doesn't matter to him that one cannot stay dead here. He'll find a way if it means finding peace for the three of them and everyone else. That is what is right.
Finally, he lowers his hands. Tempting though it is to comment on the eye rolling he knows who this young man's uncle is.]
Thank you. I am speaking for them in this but we appreciate your support.
[ 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.
[Mingjue nods then. They've settled into their agreement now and that is good enough for him. Taking his tea, he has a sip before looking to the young man again.]
Your attitude is so much like Jiang Cheng.
[Comment made, he has another sip of tea.]
Xichen will be within my care too. And I will ensure I have his brother's blessing for that.
[ Jin Ling lowers the cup without drinking from it. ]
What about it? Jiujiu is an accomplished Sect Leader and a powerful Cultivator.
[ He gives Nie Mingjue an assessing glance, checking for any scorn or judgment. Jin Ling would openly criticize Jiang Cheng right to his face - as long as he had a quick escape route - but he wasn't going to give anyone else the space to do it. ]
Hanguang-jun is strict.
[ He seems about to elaborate on that, only to drink his tea instead. ]
I did not mention if that was a negative aspect. I have told him in the past I enjoy that side of him. You should not be so quick to assume the worst.
[Mingjue lifts a brow at him to let Jin Ling know that he maybe needs to chill a bit. But also that he's approving of him rushing to defend his uncle so readily. That's a good trait. He should keep that.]
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no subject
It's why his answer is this:]
I truly believe that if he wants to be redeemed then he can be. And that if he cannot then I will handle the matter as his sworn brother.
[And then likely have to end himself and Xichen as well. There's no way they can go on now beyond being a trio. But that? That he doesn't say. This is a private resolve which he plans to keep to himself as he hopes he'll never have to go to such an extreme.
And no. It doesn't matter to him that one cannot stay dead here. He'll find a way if it means finding peace for the three of them and everyone else. That is what is right.
Finally, he lowers his hands. Tempting though it is to comment on the eye rolling he knows who this young man's uncle is.]
Thank you. I am speaking for them in this but we appreciate your support.
no subject
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.
no subject
Your attitude is so much like Jiang Cheng.
[Comment made, he has another sip of tea.]
Xichen will be within my care too. And I will ensure I have his brother's blessing for that.
no subject
What about it? Jiujiu is an accomplished Sect Leader and a powerful Cultivator.
[ He gives Nie Mingjue an assessing glance, checking for any scorn or judgment. Jin Ling would openly criticize Jiang Cheng right to his face - as long as he had a quick escape route - but he wasn't going to give anyone else the space to do it. ]
Hanguang-jun is strict.
[ He seems about to elaborate on that, only to drink his tea instead. ]
no subject
[Mingjue lifts a brow at him to let Jin Ling know that he maybe needs to chill a bit. But also that he's approving of him rushing to defend his uncle so readily. That's a good trait. He should keep that.]
Wangji is a Lan. Though why do you say so?
[Enlighten him.]