( these tiny braids are happening, almost like tiny French braids if jingyi even had the concept of that name. the styling, sure. less so a specific name, here as he's prettifying pet inigo.

he snorts, then frowns, mostly to himself. )

I follow the rules that make sense to me. Not the ones that don't. As far as backtalking... I can tell it's different for people here, but you don't talk back to your elders where I'm from. It's unfilial, it's disrespectful, and if you're doing it you better have a reason other than not simply liking them. Otherwise you know you'll get punished.

( this is the state of things, and the reality for him. technically even here. )

Writing hundreds of copies of rules, going without meals to reflect, physical endurance holding a position kneeling or in handstands for hours, beatings with discipline rods... depends on what you did for how severe, but it's all fairly normal.

( for him, personally, for the Lans in general, for the sects and the culture her comes from. )

Not whippings. That's... that takes a lot. Though it's not unheard of.