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Jīn Líng can’t remember what the festival was for, hadn’t really been paying attention when Ōuyáng Zǐzhēn explained it. He’d been sitting at his desk going through piles and piles of paperwork while his friend chattered at him. It was mostly requests from his people and Jīn Líng did his very best to read through and manage all of them. He couldn’t always, but his advisors knew his mind on most matters. Jīn Líng had been trying to decide between sending rice or wheat to a village that had lost most of their stored food to a freak storm when Zǐzhēn mentioned that Lán Sīzhuī and Lán Jǐngyí had already agreed to come. So he agreed as well. After all, a good leader knows to maintain relationships with his peers.
Now he was lost in a swarm of people, trying to reach the inn Zǐzhēn had mentioned. Baling wasn’t far from Yúnmèng so everything was familiar and incredibly strange at the same time. The colors were all wrong and there wasn’t the ever present smell of lotus flowers. The food was similar, but the spices were more bitter and sour than anywhere he’d ever been before. Someone pushed past him, all but shoving him out of their way, and Jīn Líng bit back his initial reaction. He was a Sect Leader now. His words and actions carried weight, particularly outside of Lánlíng.
“Mistress Jīn! Over here!”
Jīn Líng scowled and turned to see Jǐngyí grinning at him from a nearby rooftop, hands full of food. Narrowing his eyes, he leapt to join the Lán, causing gasps around him. Lán Jǐngyí waved a stick of roasted meat hunks in his face, holding his little stack of buns close to his chest.
“Such a showoff. I thought Mistress Jīn wanted to be discreet.”
Jīn Líng glowered at the other boy, then swiped the meat right out of his hands. Jǐngyí barely got a word of protest out before he bit off the first two pieces.
“Not fair! Give it back.”
“You want it back? Here, take it.” Jīn Líng opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue, the chewed up meat on full display. Jǐngyí gaped at him in disgust, so he swallowed it down and pulled off another piece. “What’s wrong? I thought you wanted it back? You’re so changeable and moody these days.”
“You-!”
“Is everything all right?” Sīzhuī landed next to them, his robes fluttering around his body and not a hair out of place. Elegant and kind. He truly was the foremost junior in their generation.
Jīn Líng saluted him, careful to not drop his ill-gotten dinner. “Lán Sīzhuī, Jǐngyí was simply sharing his food with me. It was a long journey and he was concerned I had not eaten. I am grateful for his thoughtfulness.”
Jǐngyí elbowed him in the side as he straightened and he launched an immediate and devastating counter-attack. Then the Lan tried to hip-check him and peace was officially no longer an option. Just as he was about to use his free hand to full advantage (Jǐngyí was ticklish on his ribs), the other boy shoved a bun into his hands.
“You’re elbows are much bonier than they were last we met. Eat. If your own clan won’t feed you, Gūsū Lán will see it done.” Jǐngyí was red around his collar, but held Jīn Líng’s gaze. “You need to take better care of yourself. The people of Lánlíng need their leader at his best, not collapsing from exhaustion.”
Jīn Líng floundered for words for a moment before simply saluting his friend. “I will strive to act on your advice, Lán Jǐngyí.”
Zǐzhēn landed next, already snorting. “So formal! You’ve definitely been shut away in Koi Tower for too long.” He clapped Jīn Líng on the shoulder. “I’m glad you decided to come! The light is already returning to your eyes, the color to your cheeks. I thought I was speaking to a corpse when I visited you.”
“I’m not that bad.” Jīn Líng muttered. His friends stared, judging. “I’m not! You’re just overreacting.”
Sīzhuī stepped forward, resting a hand on his shoulder. “We’re concerned for your health, Jīn Líng. It’s been months since we last spoke and you do not look well. Even your Uncles are worried you’re working too hard.”
Jīn Líng slumped in defeat. “There’s just so much work to do. My people suffered because of what my Unc- what Mèng Yáo and his father did. It feels like I fix one problem and seven more spring up. How can I rest when their lives are difficult or endangered because of what the Jīn sect has failed to do?”
“What can we do to help you?” Sīzhuī asked, his face earnest. Jīn Líng almost cried when the other two asked as well.
He shuffled his feet trying to control his emotions. To maintain some dignity at least. But Sīzhuī smiled at him encouragingly and he was lost.
“Can- can I have a hug?” Jīn Líng immediately bit his tongue with embarrassment and braced for the teasing.
Instead, Sīzhuī carefully took his food away and set it aside before pulling him into his arms. He forgot to breathe for a moment, remembering how reserved Láns were with their touch. Jǐngyí joined in, wrapping them both in his strong hold and squeezing a little too tightly. Zǐzhēn came from the other side, his choice of perfume tasteful and his smile sincere.
It was too hot for this kind of closeness, but Jīn Líng buried his face in Sīzhuī’s shoulder and murmured his thanks. At least one of the other boys was feeding qi into his meridians and he felt better than he had in weeks. Of course, nothing good lasted forever.
“So…” Zǐzhēn started and Jīn Líng could hear the teasing grin in his voice as he leaned close to Jīn Líng’s ear. “How does it feel to be wrapped in the arms of so many handsome young men, Jīn Líng? Do you feel life returning to you? Does our very presence refresh you?”
Jīn Líng shoved his face away. “Piss off, I’m trying to enjoy human contact.”
“Oh ho! That’s not a no. The lonely, tragic lord leaning on his companions for strength and his noble friends welcoming him into their tender embrace. How strong their cultivation will become together.” Zǐzhēn wiped an imaginary tear away. “Your epic writes itself, my friend. Now if you could please just stare stoically into the distance and think of the true meaning of justice, the picture will be complete.”
“I’ll show you a tender embrace!” Jīn Líng pulled away from the others (who were still holding him tightly) and chased Zǐzhēn around the roof. “Come here! I’m going to break your legs and then your face!”
Zǐzhēn laughed, dancing out of the way of Jīn Líng’s hands onto another roof. He followed the fool, grabbing at the long sash around Zǐzhēn’s waist. “Ooh, Sect Leader Jīn. So forward in your advances. Shouldn’t you declare your intentions to my father first.”
“You!” Jīn Líng flushed from head to toe. “Shameless!”
Zǐzhēn only smiled wider, prancing over. “I’m not hearing any denials, my friend.” He leaned closer, eyes sparkling. “From you or either of our companions.”
Jīn Líng gaped like a fish and Zǐzhēn patted his shoulder, his smile much softer. “Don’t worry about it. Tonight is for fun and friendship! I’m glad you’re feeling better, Jīn Líng. We’ve been trying to think of a reason to call you away for weeks. Baling Ōuyáng Sect is pleased to aid our valued ally.”
“What are you whispering about?” Jǐngyí asked, frowning as he tried to balance all his snacks. “It was rude to leave us behind like that!”
Zǐzhēn saluted, bowing deeply. “Ah, my fault, my fault. I could not help but tease our dear Mistress. Let me help you carry all that! It will be a few hours until the fireworks so we should eat then head to the markets. There are merchants from all over the country here tonight!”
They all nodded, though Jīn Líng felt a little like he was watching from a great distance as they ate and laughed. Everytime he looked at his friends’ faces too long, he flushed a little. He was perhaps a little too pleased to be in their company, to see them smiling around him. At least he could blame it on the wine. After, Zǐzhēn led them over the rooftops, pointing out every little thing to them as they walked. It was clear his friend loved his people.
“That stall sells the best sour candies during springtime. When I was young, I would spend almost my whole allowance there! Granny Yun passed three years ago and the whole town came to her funeral. People who came to Baling that day thought a great man had died, but Granny Yun was better, the best. I thought I’d never eat her candies again but her son took over. He hasn’t told me the recipe yet, but I’m wearing him down.”
Zǐzhēn spun around, a happy flush on his cheeks. “You will all have to visit more often! There’s so much to see here and I want to show you everything.”
“Of course we’ll come.” Sīzhuī smiled, twirling the last of sweet buns in his hands. “But you must come to us as well. I have been traveling with Senior Wēn and there are many towns I’d like to share with you all.”
Jīn Líng blinked and suppressed a frown. Wēn Níng hadn’t been in control of his own actions when he killed Jīn Líng’s father, but old hurts were slow to heal. “How is that going?”
Sīzhuī brightened considerably. “Well. Senior Wēn is teaching me how to be a doctor like his clan was back when he was alive. There’s so much to learn, Jīn Líng! I must have learned a hundred herbs the first day alone. I never knew there were so many ways to heal people. He even gave me their old texts.” Now, he dimmed. “Senior Wēn told me they knew the main branch of the Wēn clan was going to capture and punish them for aiding the Sunshot Campaign, so they hid all their books and texts away, hoping that they’d be able to return someday. They never did.”
They walked in silence for a few moments and Jīn Líng privately cursed his grandfather. If only the man hadn’t been so power hungry, maybe Sīzhuī would have some of his birth family left. An entire people murdered so he could become Chief Cultivator. Despicable.
Jǐngyí reached out and gripped his friend’s hands. “You came back. Even if you weren’t from that branch originally, someone came and cared enough to learn. And you can teach others once you’re ready, if you want to. They may have died, but you can make sure their teachings live on in others. Hánguāng-jūn would absolutely support you if that’s what you wanted.”
“As would we all.” Jīn Líng said firmly. He touched Sīzhuī’s shoulder. “Whatever your wishes, we’ll support you. If you want the texts made freely available, please come to Lánlíng. We’re already in the process of distributing some materials, adding a few more to the scribes’ list won’t slow them down.”
Sīzhuī smiled, still holding Jǐngyí’s hands. “That sounds nice. That their teachings could be shared and used to help everyone. I’ll need to discuss it with Senior Wēn , though. It’s his clan too. What texts are you giving out?”
“Basic defense against fierce corpses, some things anyone can do without having to cultivate. Engineering and building manuscripts. Farming techniques. Anything that could help my people grow and become strong. I’ve also started to invite master craftsmen to Koi Tower so we can write down their wisdom and teach it to others.”
“Clever.” Zǐzhēn nodded as scratched his head. “Your lives are all so complicated. Makes me glad I’m a nobody from a small sect.”
“Hey! You’re not nobody.” Jīn Líng snapped. “You’re a pain in my ass!”
Someone in the streets below told them to mind their language and the boys snickered.
----
Eventually, they have to get down off the roofs and wander through the streets. Zǐzhēn suggested they meet at the canal, next to his favorite tree (who even has a favorite tree?). Jīn Líng made him point it out, twice, before they separated and they all wound up at the same food stand because apparently dinner hadn’t been enough. Jǐngyí teased him when even his smallest coinage is far too much for his meal, so Jīn Líng shoved him then bought Sīzhuī’s and Zǐzhēn’s buns too. For a moment, Jǐngyí looked hurt and for all that he’s annoying, Jīn Líng has no desire to make any of his friends feel like he didn’t want them by his side. So he split his bun in half, shoved it in the other boy’s mouth, and marched off.
Jīn Líng wandered through the market, curious but mostly uninterested. Most of the goods are far below the quality of what he could get at Koi Tower. Nothing he received had ever been anything less than the very best. Gifts from others, almost exclusively from Sect Leaders, tended to be expensive. But as he watched a man give his lady companion a hair comb and her responding smile, he wondered if quality wasn’t the point. Of all the gifts he’d been given over the years, the ones that were beautiful, well-crafted, something others would only dream of, Jīn Líng hadn’t enjoyed a single one (other than Fairy). They had been obvious attempts to buy favor in Koi Tower or an excuse to flaunt wealth.
No, the ones he kept and treasured were the ones that mattered. His first bow, now far too small for him, that his jiujiu had gifted him. A portrait of his parents and Fairy, given to him by Mèng Yáo. Uncle Wei’s little book, filled with his mother’s favorite songs. The random trinkets his friends brought back from their far-flung night-hunts. Jīn Líng felt his cheeks warm with happiness, that they thought of him even when he wasn’t there.
Perhaps he should get them something tonight. He thought of Sīzhuī smiling at him, Jǐngyí’s quiet surprise, Zǐzhēn’s pleased face. That’s what Jīn Líng wanted tonight, his friends happy and close. With a goal in mind and all the more determined, he searched the market for an appropriate gift. He’d found a set of painting brushes for Zǐzhēn, choosing the best ones at the stall, when he paused. Jīn Líng could definitely find better brushes at home, better everything. He put the box back down (to the stall owner’s apparent dissatisfaction) and considered.
Maybe, he shouldn’t get them each personal gifts, but something that symbolized their friendship? Jīn Líng turned, walking away even as the owner tried to haggle with him, and narrowed his eyes in frustration. It would be difficult to find gifts of similar prices, given his friends’ vastly different interests. This wasn’t some grand event and an expensive gift may even make them feel uncomfortable. Like they needed to repay him. Jīn Líng scrunched his nose in distaste. He needed to find something that fit the occasion. Something light-hearted and simple that they could enjoy. Not only to symbolize his regard for them, but his pleasure in having a night in their company.
Jīn Líng glanced around and walked the market with a critical eye. It needed to be perfect. He thought of the comb the man had bought and found himself pleased with the idea that his friends might wear his gift. But the Lán clan had firm rules around presentation and Zǐzhēn was fastidious about his dressage. Something subtle then. He ignored the hair pieces, even though there was a carved cherry blossom pendant he was sure Zǐzhēn would like. The bracelets weren’t acceptable either, they could hamper the drawing of a sword if too large or too tight. He paused at the necklaces, but discarded that as well. It was something for an enemy to grab onto.
His frustration started to get the best of him and he ducked into a side alley to escape the crush of people. Little gifts were hard ! But Jīn Líng wanted his friends happy, to know he was happy with them. Breathing deeply, he was about to slip back into the flow of people when he spotted a little stand, tucked behind the others. Clearly whoever owned it had been slow to set up and lost out on getting a good spot. He wandered over, nodding at the woman. She ducked her head in a bow, but was focused on bouncing the toddler on her back.
Ribbons, in a dozen colors and lengths. He ran his fingers over them, pleased that many were of decent quality. Should he get their clan colors? Jīn Líng picked through them, but couldn’t find a blue that suited both Sīzhuī’s and Jǐngyí’s coloring. He puffed out his cheeks in frustration. He nearly left when his fingers found perfection. Jīn Líng pulled out the long, red ribbon and held it up to the light. It was decent cloth and embroidered in gold thread with a pleasing pattern. They would all look good in red, he thought absently.
Jīn Líng saluted the stand owner and spoke quietly to not disturb the child, though the ruckus of the festival was more likely the problem. “Madam, do you have more like this?”
She nodded eagerly and her child coughed, wetly. A lung sickness had been passing through the region and he hoped the babe hadn’t caught it. He was likely her only sale so far, could be her only one of the night, and her child clearly needed medicine. She ducked down and returned with five more. Jīn Líng inspected each in turn, setting aside two that were not as shapely as the others.
“All of these, please.” She quoted him a price and Jīn Líng paid triple. The shock and startled relief on her face was well worth it. He tucked the ribbons carefully into his sleeve. “They are well made and I’ve been looking for these gifts all evening. Thank you for your assistance.”
He bowed and decided he should wander towards the tree. Jīn Líng was nearly there when he saw the candy stand and sighed internally as he marched up to buy enough for all of them. Not a habit befitting a Sect Leader. But he wasn’t here as a Sect Leader, he told himself sternly, he was here as a friend. Arms embarrassingly full, he speed walked his way to the canal, hoping that no one knew who he was. The little sugar rabbits he bought swayed as he moved, adorable and a reputation killer if he ever saw one.
Jīn Líng rounded the corner at the end of the street and tsked. He was last to arrive. He hurried forward and Jǐngyí spotted him first.
“There you are! We were going to launch a search mission to find you.”
“Jǐngyí.” Sīzhuī scolded. “We’ve barely been waiting ten minutes.”
“Still late.”
Jīn Líng stuck out his tongue. “Guess you don’t want any of these candies I bought then, since I’m so late.”
Jǐngyí perked up. “Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. If there’s candy, all can be forgiven.”
Zǐzhēn and Sīzhuī rolled their eyes but also came forward eagerly. They all smiled, bickering over which candies were whose, and Jīn Líng could have floated away he was so pleased. He and Zǐzhēn passed a bottle of wine back and forth as Sīzhuī told them about how to season pottery, because that was an important part of his training. Jǐngyí just grinned at his sect brother like an idiot.
“The fireworks are going to start soon, we should sit.” Zǐzhēn was nearly bouncing with energy and Jīn Líng almost regretted the amount of sugar he’d just fed them all.
He remembered the ribbons in his sleeve. “Wait! I forgot.”
“What is it? Did you leave something at the market?” Sīzhuī frowned. “We’ll need to hurry to find it.”
Jīn Líng flapped his hands at his friend, then wondered if maybe he’d had a bit too much wine tonight. “No, nothing like that. I bought gifts and I almost forgot to give them to you. Here.” He pulled out one of the ribbons and handed it to Sīzhuī. “I saw it and thought of you.”
Sīzhuī stared at the ribbon, standing still enough that Jīn Líng became concerned. “Do you not like it?”
“It’s not that.” Sīzhuī assured him. “Just…”
“Here, let me tie it on your wrist. Maybe it won’t be so strange then.” He stepped forward and grabbed Sīzhuī’s hand. Jīn Líng blinked at how warm his friend was and took the ribbon to carefully wrap it around Sīzhuī’s wrist, under his robes so Hanguang-Jun wouldn’t scold him. He may have stuck his tongue out when tying it, but no one said anything. Jīn Líng stepped back. “There, I thought you would look good in red.”
Sīzhuī flushed deeply, ducking his head in a bow. “Thank you, I accept your gift.”
Jīn Líng beamed and looked at his other two friends, eager to give the other ribbons now. Jǐngyí looked… sad, staring at Sīzhuī’s wrist wrapped in red. The kind of sad that made Jīn Líng want to fight the whole world and cook his mother’s soup.
“Hey! Stop with the face.” Jīn Líng pulled out the other ribbons. “I got one for all of us.”
He grabbed Jǐngyí’s arm without asking and quickly wrapped his wrist. When he looked up, his friend’s mouth was moving but no words came out. Jīn Líng hesitated, reaching out to grip his friend’s sleeve. “Is it alright?” Not what he meant to say.
Jǐngyí stared at him for a long moment, his lips trembling. Jīn Líng stepped closer, gripping his arm more firmly in concern.
“Jǐngyí…”
His friend shuddered and closed his eyes, worrying Jīn Líng even more. When he opened them, there were tears in his eyes even as he gave a wobbly smile. “It’s good. I just…”
Jīn Líng searched his friend’s face but couldn’t find anything beyond an overwhelmed look and tears. He wiped the second away with his sleeve as gently as he could. “Idiot, making me worry.”
“Sorry.” Jǐngyí choked out and Jīn Líng was panicking. What had he done wrong? Jǐngyí never apologized. Did he really think he wouldn’t get a gift? He knew the Lán faced a lot of criticism, but he was absolutely worthy and welcome and Jīn Líng wanted him happy forever.
“Jīn Líng~” Zǐzhēn whined. “Don’t I get one?”
“Of course you do! Do you think I wouldn’t get one for all of you?” Jīn Líng snatched his arm and tied this ribbon too. Sīzhuī moved over to Jǐngyí and spoke to him softly as his friend buried his face in Sīzhuī’s shoulder. “You’re all… You’re all just really fucking important to me, understand? And I’ve missed you all and you’re so, so good.”
Jīn Líng fumbled the knot because his hands were starting to tremble. “I thought we could all wear them like- like our own little sect. Together even when we’re apart. You deserve the world, but none of you would take- And I thought- I just-”
Zǐzhēn gripped his hands and tugged him into a hug. “I understand. Thank you.”
Jīn Líng buried his face in his friend’s neck, aware he was shaking. “I upset Jǐngyí. I just wanted us all to be happy.”
“He is happy, Jīn Líng.” Zǐzhēn shushed him when he started to protest. “He just wasn’t expecting you to give him a ribbon too.”
“Fucking idiot.” Jīn Líng sniffled pulling back. Little gifts were apparently much more emotional as well. He was still shaking, but he laid the last ribbon over his own wrist and glared at it, knowing he couldn’t tie it himself.
“Let us.” Sīzhuī said as he glided over, Jǐngyí on his heels (eyes red and shivering despite the heat).
Jīn Líng nodded, holding out his arm as steady as he could. His friends frowned at it, glancing at each other. Then, somehow, they came to the absurd conclusion that they should all have a hand in wrapping it: Jǐngyí holding one end as Sīzhuī wrapped the rest carefully around his wrist and Zǐzhēn tied it.
Ridiculous. Jīn Líng grinned. “How many Láns does it take to tie one ribbon?”
“Two, with an Ōuyáng to supervise! Everyone knows the Láns just follow where their favorite person leads.” Zǐzhēn said cheerfully, pulling the strange mood away. He stumbled into Sīzhuī, who immediately reached to steady him. “Ah, Sīzhuī! I drank too much. The world spins, all I see is you. Make me better with your healing touch.”
Jīn Líng stared as Zǐzhēn became increasingly incapable of holding his own weight and Sīzhuī, bless him, kept trying to help. Jǐngyí stepped up beside him. They glanced at each other and Jīn Líng shrugged, gesturing towards the canal steps. He sat, distantly aware that his robes were going to be quite dirty, and hummed when Jǐngyí sat close enough to brush sleeves with him. Jīn Líng looked over, noticing the rich red peeking out of white sleeves.
“Red looks good on you. I knew it would.” He said, with no little satisfaction. Jǐngyí glanced at him and he grinned back. “I’ll wear mine everyday from now on and you should too. Then, we’ll both know that we’re wearing them and feel better. Or I will at least.”
“I’ll wear your stupid ribbon.” Jǐngyí muttered, then slung an arm around Jīn Líng’s shoulders. “We all will.”
Jīn Líng leaned into his friend. “Good.”
Sīzhuī wrangled a laughing Zǐzhēn over to them, who happily sat on the step below them to lean against Jīn Líng’s legs, suddenly very much in control of his movements. He started complaining as Sīzhuī sat down next to Jīn Líng. “Jīn Líng! Your legs are too bony. Move them so I can sit properly.”
“You sat there! Deal with it.” Jīn Líng shot back, already shifting so his legs framed his friend. “Brat.”
Zǐzhēn leaned back, arms slung over Jīn Líng’s thighs like he was sitting on a throne. “You love me.”
Jīn Líng rolled his eyes. “Of course I do. Why do you think I came? To spend time with people I don’t care for.”
“Oh.” Zǐzhēn leaned back so he could look up at Jīn Líng, the line of his throat open and vulnerable. His eyes were wide and a little misty. “I-”
“Shut up! Stop looking so surprised and- and sad.” Jīn Líng threaded his fingers through Zǐzhēn’s hair. He’d definitely had too much wine. “I never want any of you to be sad, understood? Someone hurts you, you send them to me and I’ll break… something!”
Sīzhuī laughed and leaned into his other side, a warm, welcome weight. “You can’t protect us from everything, Sect Leader Jīn.”
“I can damn well try!”
Whatever else might have been said was cut off by the first firework, a beautiful red. Jīn Líng smiled as Zǐzhēn laughed in delight. The next one’s were gold and purple and he lost track after that because one of the Láns started petting his hair and it felt too nice to not lean into.
He must have dozed off at some point because the next thing he’s even remotely aware of is being carried on someone’s back. Sīzhuī and Zǐzhēn were talking in soft, rushed tones nearby, so Jīn Líng decided he’s safe enough with Jǐngyí. They’re outside, then inside a house, then in a room. He didn’t recognize any of it, but it didn’t matter. He’s with friends, safe.
“... so tired. ...talk to Hánguāng-jūn ...too thin.“
Then he’s in a bed and someone was pulling his hair piece away at the same time someone else tugged his boots off. Jīn Líng really should protest, but he’s warm and full and someone was petting his hair again as they tucked him in. They're still talking around him, but he let himself float on the edge of consciousness.
“...sleep on the floor.” And Jīn Líng did protest then, flinging a hand out to catch someone’s sleeve. He pulled them closer.
“No floor. Sleep here.” He insisted because none of his friends should have to sleep on the floor. This bed was big enough. Jīn Líng wanted to get them all beds with the softest sheets and good mattresses so they always sleep well. Someone giggled and he may have said that out loud.
“Scoot over then.” Someone pressed his shoulder and he whined as he rolls onto his side. Whoever it is slipped in behind him, touched his shoulder, then slung their arm around his waist. Jīn Líng reached down, fingers brushing over the ribbon tied over the others wrist and fell asleep with a smile on his lips.