Chapter Text
The lake was calm this time of year, its surface undisturbed save for lotus that drifted about. And the boats, of course - merchant vessels that brought produce in and out of Yunmeng, as well as small, elaborately designed crafts meant for leisurely trips.
Jiang Cheng guided their boat across the lake, his oar making elegant ripples on the surface as they made their way past pods of lotus in full bloom. With the blue, cloudless sky above and the lake teeming with life below it was an absolutely perfect day.
Or, well, almost perfect.
"Lingling want swim-swim!!"
Seven-year old Jin Ling tries to struggle out of his little uncle's arms for the nth time since they left the pier. The tyke's constant tantrums shakes the small vessel, prompting his other uncle to throw a sharp glare over his shoulder.
"Will you stop that!"
Jin Guangyao sighs, attempts to return Jin Ling's limbs to where they should be. "A-Ling, we can't go swimming right now. The lake is too cold."
Jiang Cheng scoffs, already on the last few threads of his patience. "Just admit you can't swim, Lianfang-zun. No need to use the kid as an excuse."
Turning back to the water, Jiang Cheng was grateful for the silence. Seems he finally got through to Jin Ling. Finally.
Then a splash.
"What did I just tell y- -"
Not one pile of robes but two greet Jiang Cheng's glare. A few meters away, Jin Ling swims happily with Jin Guangyao - both looking like a pair of fish frolicking in the water.
"Hey! Get back here!!" Jiang Cheng furiously paddles over to them, ignoring the heat in his cheeks at Jin Guangyao's absolute incredulity.
How dare he! First saying how the lake water was too cold for A-Ling to swim in, but now jumping in himself as if that didn't bother him!
( You taunted him, whispers the small voice in his head. You get what's coming to you. )
Jin Guangyao merely chuckled as their ride approaches. He allows Jin Ling to swim around him a bit more before lifting the tiny tyke and easing him back on to the boat.
Grumbling, Jiang Cheng momentarily abandons his perch to help Jin Guangyao out of the water. Lianfang-zun's thin inner robe was absolutely soaked through, offering no actual modesty or coverage as he jumped back onboard. Planes of pale, smooth skin unmarred by scars; a hint of perked pink nipples on his chest. And that perfectly-shaped behind, reminiscent of a plump peach at its ripest.
Jiang Cheng hastily looks away, his cheeks flaring crimson. "Don't ever do that again."
Jin Guangyao smiles serenely, unperturbed even as he slips his outer robes back on. "As long as Sandu Shengshou doesn't challenge me again."
That was a choked sound as Jiang Cheng hovers between yelling his head off or keeping his mouth shut. The nerve! (That skin, those nipples, that ass- -)
"We're heading back! No more swimming!!"
Jin Guangyao chuckled. "As you wish, Sect Leader Jiang."