Huaisang's expression doesn't change, but he's quietly pleased that the compliment obviously went down so well, and that Jin Ling actually seems to be reacting rather positively - there's caution, of course, and there should be, but the fact he's not being yelled at or immediately dismissed is a very good sign. He thinks the young sect leader has matured an awful lot in the last few years - he only wishes it didn't have to happen the way it did for Huaisang himself, with the power suddenly being thrust upon him. Grief and responsibility are one hell of a kick into maturity. He's just glad that Jin Ling at least had his friends and his uncle to help him through it.
"Well, an alliance between us will lend you more support. However much my own reputation is for weakness, my clan is still strong, people will think twice before moving against you with a more obvious alliance between us," he starts thoughtfully - and it doesn't hurt that formalising an alliance is an excellent reason for him to be here, and one that will hopefully smooth over any rumours about him and Jiang Cheng "I'm willing to lend you reliable men to add to your guard, temporarily, to replace those who betrayed you, until more of your own men are fully trained. When it comes to covert matters, however... how would you feel about allowing some of my more experienced agents to provide training to yours?"
It would be a risk for Jin Ling, he knows, the expertise they could learn would be invaluable, but it could leave him unsure if his own spies answered to him, or to Huaisang - it's a reasonable concern to have, though he doesn't know if Jin Ling will think of it, because he doesn't know where Huaisang's loyalties lie. He only hopes, if the younger man does consider such a thing, that he realises his devotion to Jiang Cheng will keep Jin Ling safe, because his uncle would never forgive someone for betraying him.
More than that, though, Huaisang would never present himself as an ally and then turn round and betray someone the way Meng Yao did to him, but he's also smart enough not to mention that.
~~~
Wuxian just watches Yuan eat happily, oblivious to the thoughts running through his husband's mind in that moment. When Yuan puts the bowl aside, he smiles encouragingly.
"Let's get you back home to sleep." He announces - he knows they'd both rather have him back in the Jingshi tonight so he can rest properly. Yuan looks like he's about to protest, his desire to sleep in the now-familiar surroundings at war with his desire to not have to move, but he nods.
"Yes, baba." he says, trying to sit up more fully so he can get off the bed.
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ninetydegrees
no subject
2021-11-14 03:21 (UTC)Huaisang's expression doesn't change, but he's quietly pleased that the compliment obviously went down so well, and that Jin Ling actually seems to be reacting rather positively - there's caution, of course, and there should be, but the fact he's not being yelled at or immediately dismissed is a very good sign. He thinks the young sect leader has matured an awful lot in the last few years - he only wishes it didn't have to happen the way it did for Huaisang himself, with the power suddenly being thrust upon him. Grief and responsibility are one hell of a kick into maturity. He's just glad that Jin Ling at least had his friends and his uncle to help him through it.
"Well, an alliance between us will lend you more support. However much my own reputation is for weakness, my clan is still strong, people will think twice before moving against you with a more obvious alliance between us," he starts thoughtfully - and it doesn't hurt that formalising an alliance is an excellent reason for him to be here, and one that will hopefully smooth over any rumours about him and Jiang Cheng "I'm willing to lend you reliable men to add to your guard, temporarily, to replace those who betrayed you, until more of your own men are fully trained. When it comes to covert matters, however... how would you feel about allowing some of my more experienced agents to provide training to yours?"
It would be a risk for Jin Ling, he knows, the expertise they could learn would be invaluable, but it could leave him unsure if his own spies answered to him, or to Huaisang - it's a reasonable concern to have, though he doesn't know if Jin Ling will think of it, because he doesn't know where Huaisang's loyalties lie. He only hopes, if the younger man does consider such a thing, that he realises his devotion to Jiang Cheng will keep Jin Ling safe, because his uncle would never forgive someone for betraying him.
More than that, though, Huaisang would never present himself as an ally and then turn round and betray someone the way Meng Yao did to him, but he's also smart enough not to mention that.
~~~
Wuxian just watches Yuan eat happily, oblivious to the thoughts running through his husband's mind in that moment. When Yuan puts the bowl aside, he smiles encouragingly.
"Let's get you back home to sleep." He announces - he knows they'd both rather have him back in the Jingshi tonight so he can rest properly. Yuan looks like he's about to protest, his desire to sleep in the now-familiar surroundings at war with his desire to not have to move, but he nods.
"Yes, baba." he says, trying to sit up more fully so he can get off the bed.