This prompt has been on my mind for DAYS
Jin Ling entered the gates to Lotus Pier and walked the familiar route to his uncle’s office. He knew his uncle would be working on an important sect matter, but Jin Ling found that that never stopped him from paying attention to him on his undeclared visits.
Which he also found had been becoming more frequent.
With the stress of becoming Sect Leader, Jin Ling was often escaping to Lotus Pier and asking his uncle for help. Jiang Cheng always acted irritated when he came knocking on his door, but Jin Ling could tell he was pleased to see him.
As he turned a corner, a voice called out.
Jin Ling stopped and turned to find his Aunt standing by a door. He smiled as he quickly stepped in front of her and gave her a bow.
“Ah, Sorry for not seeing you there auntie Jiang.”
His aunt laughed and waved her hand softly, “don’t worry about it dear I was just stepping out. But, now that I’ve got you here, if you wouldn’t mind having a word. . ?”
She motioned to the door and Jin Ling nodded, “of course Auntie Jiang.”
They both stepped through the door, and she quietly closed the door behind him. When she turned around, Jin Ling couldn’t help but notice a strange look in her eyes.
“Jin Ling, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s the point of your visit today?”
Jin Ling scratched his neck, suddenly embarrassed. “Um, Jinlintai was just becoming too overwhelming is all.”
She smiled knowingly, “Yes, it can be a little overwhelming here as well. A-Cheng spends so much time in his office, he hardly rests these days.”
Jin Ling scoffed, and crossed his arms, “Uncle never knows when to take a break, don’t worry auntie, I’ll make sure he rests when I visit him today.”
The woman smiled, but shook her head. “Thank you Jin Ling, but I don’t think that would be very helpful.”
Jin Ling tilted his head, confusion clear on his face. “What do you mean?” He asked.
The woman stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You see, recently your uncle has been learning how to control his temper, I think he’s finally realized that his moods shouldn’t be everyone else's problems.”
Jin Ling let out a laugh, but quickly stopped when he saw the expression on his aunt’s face.
She leveled her stare, and gripped his shoulder tighter almost as if to make sure Jin Ling was listening. “Jin Ling I’m afraid that means he’s letting things that bother him keep happening in hopes of gaining self control over his emotions.”
Jin shuffled a little in her hold, suddenly discomfited. “What kind of things?”
“Oh you know, all sorts of things, incompetent disciples, needy townspeople. . . undeclared visitors.”
It took a second for her implication to settle in, but once it did Jin Ling found himself taking a step back.
“No, he would have told me if I was bothering him, he’s never been one to not tell people when he finds them annoying.”
The woman looked down sadly, as if hating to be the bearer of bad news. “He might have before, but recently, he’s been more lenient on such matters. But, that doesn’t mean it stops bothering him.” She said gently.
Jin Ling gulped, feeling his heart race. “What-what do you mean?”
The woman sighed heavily, and looked down. “A-cheng loves you very very much dear, however, I fear it is a tad too much. He will never tell you if you bother him, but that doesn’t mean you don’t. Do you understand what I’m saying here?”
Jin Ling did, but he really didn’t want to. He felt a terrible ache in his chest, and he quickly looked down at the floor when his eyes started burning.
“I bother Uncle Jiang?” He asked quietly.
The silence that hung between them was heavy, and Jin Long took a stuttering breath.
The woman rushed over and placed a gentle hand on his arm, trying to comfort him. “He’s just under a lot of stress right now. What with problems rising in every corner, he hardly has any time for me as well, but I believe all we can do is be understanding of the situation.”
She gently grabbed his chin, and turned it so he was looking at her. Jin Ling noticed the strange look was back in her eyes.
“I think it would be best if you kept your distance for a while. Just until things cool down.” She told him earnestly, waiting for him to respond.
Jin Ling didn’t answer, but eventually he nodded in sad acceptance and the woman patted his head lovingly.
“I knew you’d understand.”
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