#nieyao He hadn't meant to let it get this far - or maybe some part of him had - had never wanted them to end up like this.
He remembers the first time he had heard of Meng Yao - the boy who had climbed koi tower in hopes of finding a family only to be kicked down the stairs.
He remembers the first time he had heard of Meng Yao - the boy who had climbed koi tower in hopes of finding a family only to be kicked down the stairs.
He remembers meeting this brilliant young man and thinking Jin Guangshan had made the worst mistake of his life letting Meng Yao slip through his fingers - he'd promised himself he'd never do the same.
He'd heard the rumours that circled Meng Yao, the whispers about his mother.
He'd heard the rumours that circled Meng Yao, the whispers about his mother.
He found he didn't care.
Meng Yao was Meng Yao and Meng Yao was brilliant.
He'd promoted him again and again and before long he'd entrusted him with Huaisang.
He'd helped him raise Huaisang, had been the soft touch that Mingjue found he struggled with.
Meng Yao was Meng Yao and Meng Yao was brilliant.
He'd promoted him again and again and before long he'd entrusted him with Huaisang.
He'd helped him raise Huaisang, had been the soft touch that Mingjue found he struggled with.
He was the gentleness where Mingjue scolded and raged.
He doesnt remember falling in love with Meng Yao only that one day hed woken up and realised he could never want anyone else.
He remembers the nerves he was unused to as he approached Meng Yao for the first time to kiss him
He doesnt remember falling in love with Meng Yao only that one day hed woken up and realised he could never want anyone else.
He remembers the nerves he was unused to as he approached Meng Yao for the first time to kiss him
He remembers his Didi's reassurances that of course Yao-ge felt the same!
He remembers the soft blush that had coloured Meng Yao's cheeks as he had invited him into his bed for the first time.
And then the war started to brew and everything had started to fall apart.
He remembers the soft blush that had coloured Meng Yao's cheeks as he had invited him into his bed for the first time.
And then the war started to brew and everything had started to fall apart.
At first it was rumours, but rumours his A-Yao had verified.
He'd promoted him to his vice general.
He thought him to braid his hair.
Now, the braids are a part of their family tradition, different styles for different status.
He'd promoted him to his vice general.
He thought him to braid his hair.
Now, the braids are a part of their family tradition, different styles for different status.
He'd made sure not to tell Meng Yao but the braids he'd thought him had been the ones for the partner of the sect leader.
It had been his silent promise - once the war was over Meng Yao would never want for anything and no one would dare whisper about his mother.
It had been his silent promise - once the war was over Meng Yao would never want for anything and no one would dare whisper about his mother.
But war comes and with it comes pain.
Meng Yao still wants recognition from his father and so with a heavy heart he writes him a letter of recommendation.
They lie together for what he gets may be the last time and tells him off the letter.
Meng Yao still wants recognition from his father and so with a heavy heart he writes him a letter of recommendation.
They lie together for what he gets may be the last time and tells him off the letter.
It breaks his heart how those eyes light up.
And so Meng Yao plans to leave and he braids in Meng Yao's hair himself.
Time passes and he doesn't hear from him. He grows worried and makes his way to Koi Tower under the guise of official business.
Meng Yao is not there.
And so Meng Yao plans to leave and he braids in Meng Yao's hair himself.
Time passes and he doesn't hear from him. He grows worried and makes his way to Koi Tower under the guise of official business.
Meng Yao is not there.
Jin Guangshan doesn't know where he is - claims he never recurved such a letter.
(By the way one courtiers snicker and the lazy relaxed posture he knows he's being lied to)
And the next time he sees him Meng Yao he is pulling a sword from the chest of his commanding officer.
(By the way one courtiers snicker and the lazy relaxed posture he knows he's being lied to)
And the next time he sees him Meng Yao he is pulling a sword from the chest of his commanding officer.
"Meng Yao"
He remembers the look in his loves eyes. A look he hadn't been familiar with. Cold. Calculating.
And it all fell away when he realised Mingjue had seen.
"Da-ge-!"
He hadn't wanted to listen. Hadn't wanted to hear.
He remembers the look in his loves eyes. A look he hadn't been familiar with. Cold. Calculating.
And it all fell away when he realised Mingjue had seen.
"Da-ge-!"
He hadn't wanted to listen. Hadn't wanted to hear.
He had tried to convince Meng Yao to admit to his crime, face judgement-
A wall had shuttered down and he thinks that had been the start of it.
The moment he had started to loose Meng Yao.
A week later he hears rumours of Meng Yao's death.
A wall had shuttered down and he thinks that had been the start of it.
The moment he had started to loose Meng Yao.
A week later he hears rumours of Meng Yao's death.
He mourns.
He cries.
He becomes reckless.
He slaughters his way across killing fields - any of these Wen dogs could have been the one to kill his A-Yao- before decapitating Wen Xu.
The war continues.
He cries.
He becomes reckless.
He slaughters his way across killing fields - any of these Wen dogs could have been the one to kill his A-Yao- before decapitating Wen Xu.
The war continues.
Xichen has a spy but refuses to name them, begging Mingjue to trust him - but the last person Mingjue had trusted was Meng Yao and Meng Yao was now dead, his body buried somewhere in a mass grave - if he was buried at all - when he should be in Mingjue's family's tomb.
He should have never written the letter.
He should have kept Meng Yao by his side.
Should have married him before the war came down on them.
And then they're ambushed.
He ignores Xichen and leads a charge.
Then he wakes he's in the fire palace.
He should have kept Meng Yao by his side.
Should have married him before the war came down on them.
And then they're ambushed.
He ignores Xichen and leads a charge.
Then he wakes he's in the fire palace.
He is going to die - of this he is certain. Wen Ruohan murdered his father and now he's kill him too.
(He wishes A-Yao was alive, Huaisang would need someone once he had died, he didn't want to leave his Didi alone-)
And as if his thoughts summon him suddenly Meng Yao is there.
(He wishes A-Yao was alive, Huaisang would need someone once he had died, he didn't want to leave his Didi alone-)
And as if his thoughts summon him suddenly Meng Yao is there.
He wears the red and white of the Wen sect, his hair usually braided now in a low ponytail.
Anger
Betrayal
Confusion
Relief
Betrayal.
And then Meng Yao starts to kill his men.
Men Meng Yao knew.
(Men who had whispered and gossiped about Meng Yao when he'd been with him)
Anger
Betrayal
Confusion
Relief
Betrayal.
And then Meng Yao starts to kill his men.
Men Meng Yao knew.
(Men who had whispered and gossiped about Meng Yao when he'd been with him)
He rages.
He screams.
He curses them both with tears in his eyes as his comrades blood stains his robes.
He searches desperately for any hint of regret in Meng Yao's eyes.
(He doesn't find any)
(All he finds is the cold calculating looks he last saw the day in the forest)
He screams.
He curses them both with tears in his eyes as his comrades blood stains his robes.
He searches desperately for any hint of regret in Meng Yao's eyes.
(He doesn't find any)
(All he finds is the cold calculating looks he last saw the day in the forest)
And he kills them with Baxia.
That's the betrayal that hurts almost as equel.
Meng Yao was the only other person he had let touch Baxia apart from Huaisang. And now he was using her to kill his sect members.
By the time Meng Yao steps back he can feel a qi divation approach
That's the betrayal that hurts almost as equel.
Meng Yao was the only other person he had let touch Baxia apart from Huaisang. And now he was using her to kill his sect members.
By the time Meng Yao steps back he can feel a qi divation approach
Wen Ruohan starts gloating.
Meng Yao hovers behind him like a spider.
And then-
Then a familiar sword plunges through Wen Ruohan's chest and in Mingjue's shock he snaps out of the qi divination.
Meng Yao hovers behind him like a spider.
And then-
Then a familiar sword plunges through Wen Ruohan's chest and in Mingjue's shock he snaps out of the qi divination.
Meng Yao's hands caress his face and on the verge of passing out finds he can't bring himself to pull away.
He drifts into slumber only to be awoken by Meng Yao struggling to carry him.
"Da-ge please... You can sleep once we are out-"
He drifts into slumber only to be awoken by Meng Yao struggling to carry him.
"Da-ge please... You can sleep once we are out-"
He thinks he hears whispered promises and pleas for forgiveness but when he collapses outside all he sees is Xichen running towards them.
Xichen who wraps Meng Yao in his arms - he didn't know they were that close-!
Jealousy.
Xichen who wraps Meng Yao in his arms - he didn't know they were that close-!
Jealousy.
He grabs Baxia and leaning against a tree levels it at Meng Yao.
"Traitor" he growls.
And Xichen pushed Meng Yao behind him and his jealously flares brighter.
"No, mingjue-xiong-"
"Traitor!"
He's unsure which one he thinks betrayed him most
"Traitor" he growls.
And Xichen pushed Meng Yao behind him and his jealously flares brighter.
"No, mingjue-xiong-"
"Traitor!"
He's unsure which one he thinks betrayed him most
Xichen explains, keeping himself between them
Meng Yao can't meet his eyes as Xichen explains that Meng Yao had been his spy
They hadn't trusted him enough to tell him
They had both let him think Meng Yao dead
He drops Baxia and turns to makes his way back to his camp
Alone.
Meng Yao can't meet his eyes as Xichen explains that Meng Yao had been his spy
They hadn't trusted him enough to tell him
They had both let him think Meng Yao dead
He drops Baxia and turns to makes his way back to his camp
Alone.
He doesn't get a chance to see Meng Yao again.
The next morning the camp is full of gossip.
/Sect leader Jin has taken in his bastard! Meng Yao - now it's Jin Guangyao!/
/Not Jin Ziyao?/
Laughter echoes.
The next morning the camp is full of gossip.
/Sect leader Jin has taken in his bastard! Meng Yao - now it's Jin Guangyao!/
/Not Jin Ziyao?/
Laughter echoes.
/Do you think he cares that much? He only wants to acknowledge him as he killed Sect leader Wen/
Fury fills Nie Mingjue.
How dare Jin Guangshan? He had thrown Meng Yao away but now that it was convenient would take him in? And not even with his proper curtosy name?
Fury fills Nie Mingjue.
How dare Jin Guangshan? He had thrown Meng Yao away but now that it was convenient would take him in? And not even with his proper curtosy name?
There is a letter in his tent waiting for him, inviting him to the celebration.
He attends.
Of course he does.
Meng Yao looks happy.
He only wanted him to be happy.
He watches Xichen beam and wrap his arms around Meng Yao.
He attends.
Of course he does.
Meng Yao looks happy.
He only wanted him to be happy.
He watches Xichen beam and wrap his arms around Meng Yao.
He lets Huaisang stay to enjoy the celebration.
He leaves.
The war is still ongoing after all.
And he doesn't want to stay and watch Meng Yao be happy with scraps when he deserves so much more.
He leaves.
The war is still ongoing after all.
And he doesn't want to stay and watch Meng Yao be happy with scraps when he deserves so much more.
Meng Yao starts wearing a hat the same time the vermilion dot appears on his forehead - in the same place Mingjue had placed many kisses.
He's so /Jin/ now.
There's walls there that hadn't been before and he has to look hard to see the man he had loved below it all.
He's so /Jin/ now.
There's walls there that hadn't been before and he has to look hard to see the man he had loved below it all.
They don't talk.
Not outside of nessesity.
Then Lan Xichen suggests brotherhood.
He agrees because he knows its the only way he can keep an eye on Meng Yao.
To stop the bitterness he has caught sight of. To try remind him that he's still by his side.
But it doesn't help.
Not outside of nessesity.
Then Lan Xichen suggests brotherhood.
He agrees because he knows its the only way he can keep an eye on Meng Yao.
To stop the bitterness he has caught sight of. To try remind him that he's still by his side.
But it doesn't help.
The music helps.
Nie Mingjue opens his eyes as Xichen steps into his rooms.
"Da-ge.... I was wondering... If I thought the song of clarity to A-Yao would you let him help? I know you both don't get on as well as you used to but he's worried about you as well-"
He agrees.
Nie Mingjue opens his eyes as Xichen steps into his rooms.
"Da-ge.... I was wondering... If I thought the song of clarity to A-Yao would you let him help? I know you both don't get on as well as you used to but he's worried about you as well-"
He agrees.
Xichen has his own sect to run and Nie Mingjue is selfish.
He wants Meng Yao back in the unclean realm for as long as he can.
It doesn't work as well.
For when A-Yao plays Mingjue can't concentrate on the music. He forgets to meditate. His eyes open and he watches Meng Yao.
He wants Meng Yao back in the unclean realm for as long as he can.
It doesn't work as well.
For when A-Yao plays Mingjue can't concentrate on the music. He forgets to meditate. His eyes open and he watches Meng Yao.
But Meng Yao's presence helps in its own way. It always has.
He relaxes and watches as a small smile - a true smile - flits across Meng Yao's face as he plays.
But then Meng Yao's eyes open and the walls fall back into place and nothing changes.
He relaxes and watches as a small smile - a true smile - flits across Meng Yao's face as he plays.
But then Meng Yao's eyes open and the walls fall back into place and nothing changes.
Time passes and the space between them grows. Then comes Xue Yang
The two daozhang bring the boy who had been a Jin sect guest cultivator before the discussion conference and Nie Mingjue votes for his execution
He has murdered countless people
He practices demonic cultivation
The two daozhang bring the boy who had been a Jin sect guest cultivator before the discussion conference and Nie Mingjue votes for his execution
He has murdered countless people
He practices demonic cultivation
(They don't need another Wei Wuxian)
But Jin Guangyao stands with his father when Jin Guangshan puts forward imprisonment instead.
Mingjue tries to catch him afterwards - to ask him /why/, but Jin Guangyao avoids him. Dismisses him.
His frustration grows.
But Jin Guangyao stands with his father when Jin Guangshan puts forward imprisonment instead.
Mingjue tries to catch him afterwards - to ask him /why/, but Jin Guangyao avoids him. Dismisses him.
His frustration grows.
It all comes to a head a few months later, at Xiao Ling's 5th birthday celebration.
He had spotted Xue Yang sculking around even after Jin Guangyao had told him he was still in prison.
He has lied.
Meng Yao had never lied to him before.
He had spotted Xue Yang sculking around even after Jin Guangyao had told him he was still in prison.
He has lied.
Meng Yao had never lied to him before.
They argue.
It's worse then any argument they've had in the past years since Meng Yao had left him for less than he deserved.
Words rise to his lips but he bites them back knowing there's no going back if they fall.
Instead he turns away.
It's worse then any argument they've had in the past years since Meng Yao had left him for less than he deserved.
Words rise to his lips but he bites them back knowing there's no going back if they fall.
Instead he turns away.
Jin Guangyao grabs his arm.
He pushes him away.
He doesn't realise how close they are until the grip loosens and a gasp slips from a pair of lips.
He turns back in time to see the pain flash in those brilliant intelligent eyes as Meng Yao falls.
And falls.
And falls.
He pushes him away.
He doesn't realise how close they are until the grip loosens and a gasp slips from a pair of lips.
He turns back in time to see the pain flash in those brilliant intelligent eyes as Meng Yao falls.
And falls.
And falls.
He had said words he'd regret but this... He'd never wanted this.
He knew how much it had pained Meng Yao the first time. How Meng Yao had confided in him that people had laughed and no one had helped...
And now... Chuckles erupt around them and Mingjue is too far away.
He knew how much it had pained Meng Yao the first time. How Meng Yao had confided in him that people had laughed and no one had helped...
And now... Chuckles erupt around them and Mingjue is too far away.
He is on the top of Koi tower looking down as Jin Guangyao hits the bottom step and his hat falls off.
He doesn't notice until Huaisang appears at his arm and tries to drag him away. But Mingjue looks back.
The braids.
He still wore the braids under the hat.
He doesn't notice until Huaisang appears at his arm and tries to drag him away. But Mingjue looks back.
The braids.
He still wore the braids under the hat.
Most don't know the meaning of the braids but he spots Zonghui appear at Huaisang's other side and glance between Mingjue and Meng Yao.
But before he can even think of moving Jin Guangyao has gotten back to his feet and meets his eyes.
But before he can even think of moving Jin Guangyao has gotten back to his feet and meets his eyes.
Then he reaches up and unties the braids, letting them fall loose before turning away and leaving.
Nie Mingjue pulls his arm away from Huaisang and makes his way back inside.
He follows the corridors and takes the steps inside down.
He has to talk to Meng Yao.
Has to let him know he hadn't meant to push him down the stairs. Had just needed a minute to keep his temper cool
He follows the corridors and takes the steps inside down.
He has to talk to Meng Yao.
Has to let him know he hadn't meant to push him down the stairs. Had just needed a minute to keep his temper cool
He knows Meng Yao. Knows he likes silence when things get too much. Likes time to himself.
He passes Jiang Wanyin and Jin Rulan and makes his way towards the back entrance into the gardens.
He finds him sitting on a bench, head bowed, fingers playing with the tight curls.
He passes Jiang Wanyin and Jin Rulan and makes his way towards the back entrance into the gardens.
He finds him sitting on a bench, head bowed, fingers playing with the tight curls.
He hadn't meant to let it get this far.
Let it get to the point where they were basically strangers to one another.
Where they had lost the trust and friendship and love-
They are both at fault.
Neither wholly innocent.
"Meng Yao" he greets softly.
Let it get to the point where they were basically strangers to one another.
Where they had lost the trust and friendship and love-
They are both at fault.
Neither wholly innocent.
"Meng Yao" he greets softly.
The smaller mans shoulders hunch momentarily and he doesn't turn around. "Chìfēng-zūn" he greets coldly. "What is your business in the private gardens of Koi Tower?"
He takes another step forward without replying. And another
His heart breaks at how much tenser Meng Yao becomes
He takes another step forward without replying. And another
His heart breaks at how much tenser Meng Yao becomes
Finally he sinks onto the bench next to him, their backs to eachother.
"The braids... You kept them in?"
"A mistake on my part, no need to worry I won't make that mistake again."
"Do you know the meaning of them?"
"The braids... You kept them in?"
"A mistake on my part, no need to worry I won't make that mistake again."
"Do you know the meaning of them?"
There's no reply for a few seconds. "I was under the impression it was just a Nie sect tradition" he finally replies.
"Not Nie sect... Nie family." He doesn't turn to look at Meng Yao, his fingers tracing over patterns on Baxia.
"Not Nie sect... Nie family." He doesn't turn to look at Meng Yao, his fingers tracing over patterns on Baxia.
"There are a few different designs. Different meanings" he continues. "I never told you the meaning behind yours... Maybe if I had it would have saved us a lot of grief"
"what were mine?"
He hears the movement of fabric and knows Jin Guangyao is studying him.
"I don't know if it matters now... you are here... You let your father use you and profit off your talents." Mingjue closes his eyes before tuning to face Jin Guangyao.
He hears the movement of fabric and knows Jin Guangyao is studying him.
"I don't know if it matters now... you are here... You let your father use you and profit off your talents." Mingjue closes his eyes before tuning to face Jin Guangyao.
He opens his eyes. "why do you let him use you? Why do you settle for less then what you deserve? I've never understood it."
Almost habitually he reaches out to tuck a flyaway hair behind Meng Yao's ear but he flinches back.
Mingjue stops and pulls back, fist closing.
Almost habitually he reaches out to tuck a flyaway hair behind Meng Yao's ear but he flinches back.
Mingjue stops and pulls back, fist closing.
"I'm sorry" his voice is softer. "I never meant to hurt you A-Yao. It was the last thing I ever wanted to do"
He searches the other man's eyes for anything. Anything that the recognises. Any sight that the walls will come down or at least spread out enough to include him inside
He searches the other man's eyes for anything. Anything that the recognises. Any sight that the walls will come down or at least spread out enough to include him inside
"But you did."
Jin Guangyao's voice is almost indifferent but he hears the faint tremor. "You stopped trusting me. You believed me to be on Wen Ruohan's side. And after... You wouldn't even look at me."
Jin Guangyao stands, his hat left on the bench next to Mingjue.
Jin Guangyao's voice is almost indifferent but he hears the faint tremor. "You stopped trusting me. You believed me to be on Wen Ruohan's side. And after... You wouldn't even look at me."
Jin Guangyao stands, his hat left on the bench next to Mingjue.
"It was you who stopped trusting me!" He argues. "You who let Lan Xichen in but left me. You let me mourn you Meng Yao! For months! I thought you were dead and I didn't even have a body to bury!"
"I... I had to... I was undercover" Meng Yao's voice shakes. "I needed Wen Ruohan to believe I was on his side But I didnt think that you... That youd really believe it..." He takes a few steps forward towards the pond and leans against the railing his head dropping to his hands
He picks up the hat and runs his finger over it before laying it back and leaving Baxia next to it.
"Why let Xichen know then? Why not me?"
The question he's been pondering the last years, since he had realised they had both kept him out of the loop slips from his lips.
"Why let Xichen know then? Why not me?"
The question he's been pondering the last years, since he had realised they had both kept him out of the loop slips from his lips.
"Why did you stop trusting me?!"
"I didn't!" Jin Guangyao finally snaps. "Of course i didn't! How could i stop trusting you of all people? I didn't tell you because i didn't want you worried about me while you were fighting on the front lines."
"I didn't!" Jin Guangyao finally snaps. "Of course i didn't! How could i stop trusting you of all people? I didn't tell you because i didn't want you worried about me while you were fighting on the front lines."
"I didn't want you to be waiting on me to come out alive if Wen Ruohan had killed me! I didn't want you to storm in there and get yourself killed trying to avenge me..."
He turns to face Mingjue.
"Now what do the braids mean?"
He turns to face Mingjue.
"Now what do the braids mean?"
Mingjue blinks at him. "You-?"
"The braids! Nie Mingjue what did they mean?"
Nie Mingjue leans against the bridge next to Jin Guangyao and sighs before looking up at the starts above them.
"The braids relate to status in the sect." he says quietly.
"The braids! Nie Mingjue what did they mean?"
Nie Mingjue leans against the bridge next to Jin Guangyao and sighs before looking up at the starts above them.
"The braids relate to status in the sect." he says quietly.
"Mine mean i am sect leader and Huaisang's show he is my heir" He takes a deep breath. "Your's... you'res meant you were my partner, or you would have been... it signified that i loved you and that after the war i had every intention of courting you like you deserved."
silence.
silence.
He feels more then sees Jin Guangyao stiffen next to him and closes his eyes again.
"Part of me thought you'd known... You were always very intelligent and Huaisang is prone to gossip... I thought he'd have said something..."
"He did..." Jin Guangyao murmurs lost in thought
"Part of me thought you'd known... You were always very intelligent and Huaisang is prone to gossip... I thought he'd have said something..."
"He did..." Jin Guangyao murmurs lost in thought
"once... He mentioned how happy he was that I was part of the family... I thought he was just teasing...."
A soft smile crosses Mingjue's face and he opens his eyes and shakes his head before glancing at Jin Guangyao. "That kid I swear..."
A soft smile crosses Mingjue's face and he opens his eyes and shakes his head before glancing at Jin Guangyao. "That kid I swear..."
"You never told me about the braids-"
"But you knew how I felt Meng Yao. And yet you couldn't wait to come here."
Frustrated he motions around them.
"If you had wanted a garden I would have built you one with my own hands..."
"But you knew how I felt Meng Yao. And yet you couldn't wait to come here."
Frustrated he motions around them.
"If you had wanted a garden I would have built you one with my own hands..."
"But still you settle for being a half acknowledged son. You let him name you after himself rather than give you the name that should have been yours. You left us,You never came back,You stuck yourself to Xichen like a fly on honey and the only time you come home is when he asks"
Jin Guangyao's eyes flick away and he reaches forward and runs a finger over the petals of one of the lotus flowers - and suddenly Mingjue realises where they are. "This is the garden Jin Zixuan had built for maiden Jiang?"
Jin Guangyao only nods.
Jin Guangyao only nods.
Minutes trickle by and neither speaks.
Mingjue grows fidgety the longer it drags out, wonders what's going on in Jin Guangyao's - Meng Yao's? He gets so confused - head, wants to draw him close and hold him tight and kiss him softly....
Mingjue grows fidgety the longer it drags out, wonders what's going on in Jin Guangyao's - Meng Yao's? He gets so confused - head, wants to draw him close and hold him tight and kiss him softly....
But he doubts he'll be let. Wouldn't put it past Jin Guangyao to draw Hensheng is warning now.
He had hurt Meng Yao and in turn Meng Yao had hurt him. He had now also hurt Jin Guangyao. Jin Guangyao had hurt him before but all this...
He had hurt Meng Yao and in turn Meng Yao had hurt him. He had now also hurt Jin Guangyao. Jin Guangyao had hurt him before but all this...
"I never meant for you to fall A-Yao.... Id never hurt you like that on purpose..." He lowers his head. "My qi is becoming more unstable the longer it goes without the song of clarity" He admits.
Silence falls again.
Perhaps, he thinks, Meng Yao... Jin Guangyao needs time.
It is quite the bombshell he's dropped.
"I return to Qinghe in the morning... You have an open invitation.... You always have. Always will."
Perhaps, he thinks, Meng Yao... Jin Guangyao needs time.
It is quite the bombshell he's dropped.
"I return to Qinghe in the morning... You have an open invitation.... You always have. Always will."
He reaches forward and even when Meng Yao tenses he lets his hand fall to his shoulder and squeezes softly. "Goodnight A-Yao"
Then he turns, picks up Baxia and with one last look at Jin Guangyao standing on the bridge under the moon surrounded by flowers,his hat discarded... He leaves him to his thoughts.
As he says he returns to Qinghe.
Zonghui stays to keep an eye on Huaisang - to stop him driving the young sect leader Jiang Wanyin up the wall and to make sure he gets home in one piece come morning.
Mingjue sits in his rooms.
Zonghui stays to keep an eye on Huaisang - to stop him driving the young sect leader Jiang Wanyin up the wall and to make sure he gets home in one piece come morning.
Mingjue sits in his rooms.
As he has done many a night before he lets a hand rest on the pillow that has long lost the scent of Meng Yao.
He closes his eyes and tried to meditate, tires to calm his fluctuating qi.
Tries to hum the song of clarity under his breath - it doesn't work.
He closes his eyes and tried to meditate, tires to calm his fluctuating qi.
Tries to hum the song of clarity under his breath - it doesn't work.
And so he falls asleep, braids still in and sleeps fitfully.
He wakes early and goes to train, Baxia humming under his fingers.
It's mid morning by the time he stops, he has felt someone watching him the last half hour and assumed it was one of the younger disciples
It wasn't.
He wakes early and goes to train, Baxia humming under his fingers.
It's mid morning by the time he stops, he has felt someone watching him the last half hour and assumed it was one of the younger disciples
It wasn't.
Meng Yao - Jin Guangyao stands to the side.
Beside him, Huaisang.
Huaisang beams. "Da-ge! San-ge has come to visit!"
Jin Guangyao steps forward, there's a tension to him, a crease in his brows, a wild look to his eyes. "You mentioned your Qi... If you like I can play for you"
Beside him, Huaisang.
Huaisang beams. "Da-ge! San-ge has come to visit!"
Jin Guangyao steps forward, there's a tension to him, a crease in his brows, a wild look to his eyes. "You mentioned your Qi... If you like I can play for you"
Mingjue is worried. He agrees, motioning for Jin Guangyao to follow and leads him towards his rooms.
He casts worried glances at Meng Yao - Jin Guangyao - as they make their way through the grounds. *Are you alright A-Yao? Is something troubling you?"
He casts worried glances at Meng Yao - Jin Guangyao - as they make their way through the grounds. *Are you alright A-Yao? Is something troubling you?"
Meng Yao startles, shaking his head. "No, Mingjue. I am fine"
'no you're not. Something is eating you up inside.' he wants to argue.
He pushes the doors open and runs a cool cloth over himself before settling down opposite Jin Guangyao and closes his eyes.
'no you're not. Something is eating you up inside.' he wants to argue.
He pushes the doors open and runs a cool cloth over himself before settling down opposite Jin Guangyao and closes his eyes.
As Jin Guangyao begins to play he opens them again.
When his A-Yao plays he closes his eyes and loses himself in the music and-
And this time he is crying.
Silent tears run down Meng Yao's cheeks and splash against the guqin.
And then Meng Yao hits a wrong note.
When his A-Yao plays he closes his eyes and loses himself in the music and-
And this time he is crying.
Silent tears run down Meng Yao's cheeks and splash against the guqin.
And then Meng Yao hits a wrong note.
And another.
The tears fall faster and Mingjue feels a thrum under his skin
He wants to hurt whoever has made Meng Yao cry
The thrum grows louder and he frowns rubbing at him temples
The tune is wrong
He has been listening to the song of clarity for years now
This isn't it.
The tears fall faster and Mingjue feels a thrum under his skin
He wants to hurt whoever has made Meng Yao cry
The thrum grows louder and he frowns rubbing at him temples
The tune is wrong
He has been listening to the song of clarity for years now
This isn't it.
He moves forward and stops Jin Guangyao's hands on the strings.
"What is this?"
After everything...
What is Jin Guangyao doing?
"Jin Guangyao, what are you doing?"
The smaller man flinches.
(He's never called him that before.)
"What is this?"
After everything...
What is Jin Guangyao doing?
"Jin Guangyao, what are you doing?"
The smaller man flinches.
(He's never called him that before.)
And the tears fall faster and Mingjue is helpless to do anything but draw the slighter man forward into his arms
Jin Guangyao folds in on him, his head falling to the crook of his neck.
Mingjue holds him tighter, one hand combing through the fine hair
"A-Yao what is all this?"
Jin Guangyao folds in on him, his head falling to the crook of his neck.
Mingjue holds him tighter, one hand combing through the fine hair
"A-Yao what is all this?"
A-Yao curls closer, quiet words whispered against his skin. He can't hear the most of it, only the odd word or so -
'overheard.' 'ultimation.' 'death.' 'love.'
'Father.'
It isn't hard to put the pieces together.
'overheard.' 'ultimation.' 'death.' 'love.'
'Father.'
It isn't hard to put the pieces together.
"He told you to kill me. To use my love and trust for you against me?"
The body in his grasp shudders.
"You come into my home, and use the some twisted version of the music Xichen thought you and attempt to hurt me? Cause me to qi divate? Betray both your sworn brothers?!"
The body in his grasp shudders.
"You come into my home, and use the some twisted version of the music Xichen thought you and attempt to hurt me? Cause me to qi divate? Betray both your sworn brothers?!"
"I don't... I never wanted... No choice-!"
Mingjue closes his eyes and tried to calm himself.
Losing his temper - even if justified - won't help them. Not when they are balancing on such a perilous edge.
"You always had another choice. Always. You just ignored it"
Mingjue closes his eyes and tried to calm himself.
Losing his temper - even if justified - won't help them. Not when they are balancing on such a perilous edge.
"You always had another choice. Always. You just ignored it"
Jin Guangyao takes a deep breath before attempting to pull back - Mingjue only tightens his arms.
"You will answer me - you owe me an explanation. For all of it."
And so Meng Yao starts talking.
and it all comes spilling out.
"You will answer me - you owe me an explanation. For all of it."
And so Meng Yao starts talking.
and it all comes spilling out.
/He wants the control - Yunmeng jiang is still weak under Jiang Wanyin./
/He knows you don't agree with him - you're the only one that fights him on points./
/One of his spies overheard you in the gardens last night./
/If i didn't agree to try this he would have Huaisang-/
/He knows you don't agree with him - you're the only one that fights him on points./
/One of his spies overheard you in the gardens last night./
/If i didn't agree to try this he would have Huaisang-/
Meng Yao breaks off unable to voice it but Mingjue understands.
There are many ways to hurt Nie Mingjue but the blow that would hurt the most would be the death of his family.
Huaisang.
"I was trying to buy time... I was trying to stop this-"
There are many ways to hurt Nie Mingjue but the blow that would hurt the most would be the death of his family.
Huaisang.
"I was trying to buy time... I was trying to stop this-"
"I didn't want to hurt you again. I-"
Jin Guangyao cuts himself off and sinks back into the hug, his face turning against Mingjue's neck.
Nie Mingjue closes his eyes.
Their current position is so familiar.
Jin Guangyao cuts himself off and sinks back into the hug, his face turning against Mingjue's neck.
Nie Mingjue closes his eyes.
Their current position is so familiar.
Nights when A-Yao had nightmares and had curled against him in search of comfort.
Nights where he had pressed tender kisses to A-Yao's brow - a brow where a red vermillion dot now sits instead.
Come home, he wants to beg.
Get out of there - its killing you. Changing you.
Nights where he had pressed tender kisses to A-Yao's brow - a brow where a red vermillion dot now sits instead.
Come home, he wants to beg.
Get out of there - its killing you. Changing you.
Come home
Let me love you
Come home
"Come home"
The words slip out and when Jin Guangyao tries to pull away again Mingjue lets him.
His gaze focuses on the table. "I won't... I won't ask you to return to my side if that is not what you want, but come home... Come back here."
Let me love you
Come home
"Come home"
The words slip out and when Jin Guangyao tries to pull away again Mingjue lets him.
His gaze focuses on the table. "I won't... I won't ask you to return to my side if that is not what you want, but come home... Come back here."
Jin Guangyao pulls back so he's kneeling facing mingjue.
Mingjue is ready for him to stand and leave. To go and not come back.
"Why?"
The voice is small in a way he's not used to hearing. "I tried... After everything... Why would you invite me back?"
Mingjue is ready for him to stand and leave. To go and not come back.
"Why?"
The voice is small in a way he's not used to hearing. "I tried... After everything... Why would you invite me back?"
Mingjue lifts his head to find Meng Yao twirling one of the strings from his hat between his fingers -a nervous gesture he is used to seeing - Meng Yao used to twirl a pen between his fingers -a habit Huaisang unconsciously picked up and now everytime he does it all Mingjue sees-
He reaches forward and takes one of the smaller hands between both his own and a pair of wide eyes meet his.
"Because i am still in love with you, you foolish man"
He lifts the hand to his lips and presses a kiss to the knuckles. "Come home to me A-Yao. Please"
"Because i am still in love with you, you foolish man"
He lifts the hand to his lips and presses a kiss to the knuckles. "Come home to me A-Yao. Please"
Another soft kiss - this time to the palm of his hand. "Leave Jin Guangshan in Lanling... you dont need all of that to be happy..." He rests Meng Yao's palm against his cheek. "Stay A-Yao"
The fingers tighten at his jaw momentarily and Meng Yao halfheartedly tries to pull his hand away.
"But what do i have then?" he asks quietly. "If I give up my place in the sect I return here as what... your second in command? A solider? Someone to keep Huaisang out of trouble?"
"But what do i have then?" he asks quietly. "If I give up my place in the sect I return here as what... your second in command? A solider? Someone to keep Huaisang out of trouble?"
Mingjue tightens his fingers around Meng Yao's unwilling to let him pull away.
"If... if that is what you would like I won't fight you. You can have your old rooms back or pick another if you prefer... or..." he takes a breath.
"If... if that is what you would like I won't fight you. You can have your old rooms back or pick another if you prefer... or..." he takes a breath.
"Or you can give the chance to ask you what i should have years ago."
Let me marry you. Let me call you mine without the fear of us being pulled apart.
I can't court you while you're in Lanling because your father will twist it and try to gain more power from it.
Let me marry you. Let me call you mine without the fear of us being pulled apart.
I can't court you while you're in Lanling because your father will twist it and try to gain more power from it.
He doesn't want any political strings attached if A-Yao agrees to let him court him.
Wants it to be about them and them alone.
No waiting for the other shoe to drop or conditions
Wants it to be about them and them alone.
No waiting for the other shoe to drop or conditions
He can only imagine the conditions Jin Guanshan would have and he doesn't want to have to choose between the future of his sect and the future he wants with Meng Yao.
"there are no conditions here A-Yao... You may do as you please... Just... Just /stay/"
He cups Meng Yao's face gently. "No more schemes. No more plotting. Just us A-Yao."
He cups Meng Yao's face gently. "No more schemes. No more plotting. Just us A-Yao."
He sees the moment something lifts in A-Yao's eyes before they close and he leans into the touch.
Mingjue rests their foreheads together.
Come home.
Come home
Come home.
"There are things you don't know-" Meng Yao murmurs.
He assumes he means Xue Yang's presence in Lanling
Mingjue rests their foreheads together.
Come home.
Come home
Come home.
"There are things you don't know-" Meng Yao murmurs.
He assumes he means Xue Yang's presence in Lanling
"tell me later"
Brown eyes flicker open, tears coating the lashes, tears Mingjue quickly wipes away.
"We have time"
If you stay.
If you go I don't want to think of what we happen.
What might come of Jin Guangshan's assassination attempt.
War. Maybe Meng Yao's death.
Brown eyes flicker open, tears coating the lashes, tears Mingjue quickly wipes away.
"We have time"
If you stay.
If you go I don't want to think of what we happen.
What might come of Jin Guangshan's assassination attempt.
War. Maybe Meng Yao's death.
He can't mourn him again.
Then softly, so softly he can barely hear it a word is whispered against his chest.
"Okay"
Then softly, so softly he can barely hear it a word is whispered against his chest.
"Okay"
Relief hits him.
"You will stay?"
"Yes"
"You will stay with me?"
"Yes"
He tilts Meng Yao's chin up so that their eyes meet.
"As Meng Yao?"
"Yes" a small smile this time.
Mingjue grins and reaching forward rests his thumb against Meng Yao's brow.
The slighter man nods.
"You will stay?"
"Yes"
"You will stay with me?"
"Yes"
He tilts Meng Yao's chin up so that their eyes meet.
"As Meng Yao?"
"Yes" a small smile this time.
Mingjue grins and reaching forward rests his thumb against Meng Yao's brow.
The slighter man nods.
Mingjue runs his thumb over it, wiping away the vermilion dot.
Then he presses a gentle to kiss where the dot had been before standing and holding a hand out to him.
"Your... Your old robes are still in your quarters." He murmurs as Meng Yao takes his hand.
Then he presses a gentle to kiss where the dot had been before standing and holding a hand out to him.
"Your... Your old robes are still in your quarters." He murmurs as Meng Yao takes his hand.
With his free hand he reaches forward and unties the hat, tossing it back to the table.
Meng Yao doesn't fight it.
With each movement he relaxes, as if each post taken away removes a weight from his shoulders.
The halls are deserted as he leads him back to his old rooms.
Meng Yao doesn't fight it.
With each movement he relaxes, as if each post taken away removes a weight from his shoulders.
The halls are deserted as he leads him back to his old rooms.
He opens the door and steps aside to let Meng Yao through first before hesitating and following, shutting the door behind him.
"It's all the same" Meng Yao murmurs as he runs a finger over a carving on the bed post Huaisang had made years ago.
Mingjue just smiles .
"It's all the same" Meng Yao murmurs as he runs a finger over a carving on the bed post Huaisang had made years ago.
Mingjue just smiles .
He holds himself back from wrapping an arm around A-Yao's waist and pressing a kiss to his head.
Instead he leans back against one of the pillars and watches him. "Of course it is. Its all yours to redecorate as you see fit of course, I dont doubt Huaisang will be glad to help"
Instead he leans back against one of the pillars and watches him. "Of course it is. Its all yours to redecorate as you see fit of course, I dont doubt Huaisang will be glad to help"
He watches as Meng Yao trails his fingers over the walls and pillars and bed frame before he sinks into the seat in front of his mirror.
Mingjue meets his gaze in the reflection and his smile widens at the soft blush that colours the younger mans cheeks before he glances away
Mingjue meets his gaze in the reflection and his smile widens at the soft blush that colours the younger mans cheeks before he glances away
He takes a few steps further into the room before reaching Meng Yao's side and opening a small drawer. "Your ribbons and ties are still here - just where you left them" he murmurs softly.
Meng Yao blinks down at the box and lets a dark green ribbon trail through his fingers.
Meng Yao blinks down at the box and lets a dark green ribbon trail through his fingers.
Then he stands, and Mingjue takes a step back, unsure how close he can stand when A-Yao has said so little and still looks so unsure.
Meng Yao moves as though in a trance towards the wardrobe and opens it, fingers moving over the fabric.
Meng Yao moves as though in a trance towards the wardrobe and opens it, fingers moving over the fabric.
And then Meng Yao starts to disrobe.
Mingjue glances away, moving back towards the dresser to give himself something to do.
He glances at the mirror out of habit - Meng Yao's long hair does little to hide how much weight he has lost.
His brow furrows in worry.
Mingjue glances away, moving back towards the dresser to give himself something to do.
He glances at the mirror out of habit - Meng Yao's long hair does little to hide how much weight he has lost.
His brow furrows in worry.
But then Meng Yao is reaching for his clothes. The sect colours have always looked better on him - the gold and white of Lanling had washed him out but the greens and browns of Qinghe had only ever complimented his skin tones.
As Meng Yao continues to change Mingjue sends a message - a cat rather then the butterfly's of Lanling - to the kitchen, requesting an early dinner. Informing the kitchens to prepare some of Meng Yao's favourites.
A soft cough and he turns back.
"Do you mind tying the sash?"
A soft cough and he turns back.
"Do you mind tying the sash?"
Mingjue steps forward again and lightly brushes Meng Yao's hair off of his neck before taking the tie and fastening it.
The make eye contact in the mirror and Mingjue presses a kiss to the top of Meng Yao's head.
"Do... do you want me to braid it for you?"
How do you want it?
The make eye contact in the mirror and Mingjue presses a kiss to the top of Meng Yao's head.
"Do... do you want me to braid it for you?"
How do you want it?
Meng Yao studies his reflection in the mirror, a lock of hair curled around a finger.
"I'd like that. As it was before, yes?"
Mingjue smiles. "As it was before" he agrees
"I'd like that. As it was before, yes?"
Mingjue smiles. "As it was before" he agrees
He leads Meng Yao over to the seat Infront of the mirror and softly starts taking strands and braiding them.
Meng Yao passes him pins and he slides them into place.
"Beautiful" he murmurs
Meng Yao passes him pins and he slides them into place.
"Beautiful" he murmurs
Meng Yao lifts a hand to the braids, lightly tracing one with a finger.
"Thank you"
"There's no need to thank me" Mingjue smiles, squeezing his shoulder lightly. "It would give me great pleasure to do them every day for you"
"Thank you"
"There's no need to thank me" Mingjue smiles, squeezing his shoulder lightly. "It would give me great pleasure to do them every day for you"
They stay there in front of the mirror for a few minutes before Mingjue bends down and kisses his head again.
"Come, Dinner will be in a while and i think we should inform Huaisang before he finds out by himself.
"Come, Dinner will be in a while and i think we should inform Huaisang before he finds out by himself.
A-Yao muffles a laugh behind his hand. "I agree, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of his ire. That boy can hold a grudge better than most people i've met"
Mingjue laughs loudly - louder than he has in years, and wraps an arm over A-Yao's shoulder. His smile widens as the other man leans into the touch, moving closer.
"Da-ge!" A voice calls from behind them, and Mingjue turns to see Huaisang.
"Da-ge!" A voice calls from behind them, and Mingjue turns to see Huaisang.
Huaisang's eyes pass over the figure of A-Yao at his side. "Wheres San-ge? Has he left already? Da-ge we need to go to-"
He cuts himself off as his eyes flick back to the figure at his brothers side.
The familiar braids. The green robes. The bare forehead. The soft smile.
He cuts himself off as his eyes flick back to the figure at his brothers side.
The familiar braids. The green robes. The bare forehead. The soft smile.
"Yao-ge?"
Huaisang's voice is smaller then Mingjue had heard it in years and he feels Meng Yao pull away, to step closer to Huaisang.
"I'm home A-Sang"
Huaisang drops his fan to the floor as he throws his arms around Meng Yao's neck.
Then he hears the quiet "I missed you"
Huaisang's voice is smaller then Mingjue had heard it in years and he feels Meng Yao pull away, to step closer to Huaisang.
"I'm home A-Sang"
Huaisang drops his fan to the floor as he throws his arms around Meng Yao's neck.
Then he hears the quiet "I missed you"
Meng Yao smiles. "I missed you too A-Sang"
"Youre staying?"
"I am."
The voices quiet and he misses what Huaisang says next but Meng Yao chokes and when he pulls back theres a blush on his cheeks.
"I promise A-Sang"
Huaisang pulls back wiping the tears from his eyes. "Great!"
"Youre staying?"
"I am."
The voices quiet and he misses what Huaisang says next but Meng Yao chokes and when he pulls back theres a blush on his cheeks.
"I promise A-Sang"
Huaisang pulls back wiping the tears from his eyes. "Great!"
"Huaisang, are you going to accompany us for dinner or are you heading to the training grounds?"
It's a question he doesn't need a reply to but watching Huaisang step behind a shorter Meng Yao and start babbling about how hungry he was and how he couldn't possibly train...
It's a question he doesn't need a reply to but watching Huaisang step behind a shorter Meng Yao and start babbling about how hungry he was and how he couldn't possibly train...
And then Meng Yao laughs. "A-Sang... Calm down... You won't be made train today"
Mingjue smiles. "Come. Food is ready"
That night Qinghe Nie sect is full of laughter.
Somehow (Huaisang no doubt) word had spread about Meng Yao's return. And his new position.
Mingjue smiles. "Come. Food is ready"
That night Qinghe Nie sect is full of laughter.
Somehow (Huaisang no doubt) word had spread about Meng Yao's return. And his new position.
Meng Yao had, at one point, had friends here. It hasn't all been bad for him.
But watching the disciples who had missed him crowd around and greet him with none of the masks of Lanling.... Meng Yao relaxes more and more and....
And then he falls asleep. Slumped against his arm
But watching the disciples who had missed him crowd around and greet him with none of the masks of Lanling.... Meng Yao relaxes more and more and....
And then he falls asleep. Slumped against his arm
Mingjue carefully picks him up and brings him back to his rooms, away from the feast.
A-Yao doesnt awaken when he carefully changes him out of the outer robes and lays him on the bed.
Mingjue lays next to him and when he awakens the next morning Meng Yao is curled in his arms
A-Yao doesnt awaken when he carefully changes him out of the outer robes and lays him on the bed.
Mingjue lays next to him and when he awakens the next morning Meng Yao is curled in his arms
But the peace doesn't last.
3 days into Meng Yao's arrival Jin Guangshan himself arrives unannounced in the unclean relam.
3 days into Meng Yao's arrival Jin Guangshan himself arrives unannounced in the unclean relam.
When they get word of his arrival Mingjue and Meng Yao are some training some of the youngest disciples.
Then Mingjue spots Huaisang running towards them.
"Huaisang? What is it?" He knows his brother steers clear of the grounds for fear if being roped into training.
Then Mingjue spots Huaisang running towards them.
"Huaisang? What is it?" He knows his brother steers clear of the grounds for fear if being roped into training.
Huaisang glances between them before his gaze settles on Meng Yao. "Your father..."
Meng Yao stiffens next to him.
"He's... He's in the recieving hall. Wants to talk to you and da-ge. Left Zonghui with him..."
Huaisang is panting - out of breath after sprinting to them.
Meng Yao stiffens next to him.
"He's... He's in the recieving hall. Wants to talk to you and da-ge. Left Zonghui with him..."
Huaisang is panting - out of breath after sprinting to them.
Nie Mingjue turns to Meng Yao. "You do not have to come with me" he cups his jaw lightly. "I'm not letting him take you back - no matter what he threatens alright?"
Meng Yao nods but steels himself. "I'm coming"
Mingjue presses a kiss to his forehead. "Let's go then"
Meng Yao nods but steels himself. "I'm coming"
Mingjue presses a kiss to his forehead. "Let's go then"
As they move towards the welcome room he feels Meng Yao stiffen with each step and wraps an arm around his waist. "You weird more power here then he does" Mingjue reminds him as they pause at the doors. "Then he ever will"
He lifts Meng Yao's hand to his lips and kisses his palm
He lifts Meng Yao's hand to his lips and kisses his palm
Meng Yao nods once, shakily, and then again as he steels himself
Mingjue smile and with a motion of his hand the does fly open
"Jin Guangshan, I do not remember extending my hospitality towards you or your men" Mingjues eyes flick around the room where Mingjue men in gold stand
Mingjue smile and with a motion of his hand the does fly open
"Jin Guangshan, I do not remember extending my hospitality towards you or your men" Mingjues eyes flick around the room where Mingjue men in gold stand
"Sect leader Nie" there's a faint tone of surprise in his voice and Mingjue knows he hadn't expected him to be up and around.
"Guangyao hasn't returned to Lanling, last I heard he was heading here. Given the /history/ between you both I was worried... I'm here to take him home"
"Guangyao hasn't returned to Lanling, last I heard he was heading here. Given the /history/ between you both I was worried... I'm here to take him home"
Jin Guangshan's eyes don't flicker to the figure at Mingjue's side, likely doesn't recognize him out of gold and without the vermilion dot, dressed in the colours of Qinghe with braids in his hair.
"I'm afraid that's impossible Sect Leader Jin"
"I'm afraid that's impossible Sect Leader Jin"
Mingjue didn't bother faking a smile, merely glances away.
"He's my son! I won't have you arrest him-"
Mingjue eyes flash. "So you're willing to recognise him as your son of you think you can threaten me? And why do you think I'd arrest A-Yao sect leader Jin?"
"He's my son! I won't have you arrest him-"
Mingjue eyes flash. "So you're willing to recognise him as your son of you think you can threaten me? And why do you think I'd arrest A-Yao sect leader Jin?"
He watches in satisfaction as Jin Guangshan turns red in anger and embarrassment & turns away again.
"But if youre so interested in his wellbeing Im surprised you have ignored him since we've entered the room."
"What are you talking about?!"
A cough from by his side.
"Father"
"But if youre so interested in his wellbeing Im surprised you have ignored him since we've entered the room."
"What are you talking about?!"
A cough from by his side.
"Father"
He takes perhaps too much joy in seeing Jin Guangshan's eyes widen in horror and understanding.
"Jin Guangyao, what is this?"
Mingjue's fingers flex, wanting to pull A-Yao into his arms but he knows that Meng Yao wants to do this himself.
So he steps back behind him smiling.
"Jin Guangyao, what is this?"
Mingjue's fingers flex, wanting to pull A-Yao into his arms but he knows that Meng Yao wants to do this himself.
So he steps back behind him smiling.
• • •
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