Jin Ling stabbed Wei Wuxian primarily because, upon the exposure of Wei Wuxian's true identity, Jin Ling likely believed that Wei Wuxian had killed yet another member of his family, contributing significantly to his intense shock and distress at that moment.
Contextual Background of the Stabbing
The dramatic event unfolded after Jin Guangyao publicly revealed "Mo Xuanyu" to be the infamous Wei Wuxian. This revelation was a profound shock to everyone present, especially to Jin Ling, who had long harbored deep resentment towards Wei Wuxian. Jin Ling had grown up believing Wei Wuxian was directly responsible for the deaths of his parents, Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli, during the First Siege of the Burial Mounds, as well as the later demise of his uncle, Jin Guangyao.
Jin Ling's Core Motivation and Emotional State
When Wei Wuxian's identity was exposed, Jin Ling's existing grief and anger were reignited and intensified. In that highly charged moment, he was overcome by a wave of shock and distress. His actions were driven by the overwhelming belief that Wei Wuxian had caused further harm to his already fractured family. This immediate perception—that Wei Wuxian had just killed another one of his relatives—fueled his desperate and impulsive act.
The confluence of these factors led to Jin Ling, in a moment of profound emotional turmoil, instinctively stabbing Wei Wuxian. His attack was not premeditated but rather a desperate lashing out born from years of pain and a sudden, traumatic belief that his tormentor was once again inflicting loss upon his family.
Here are the key factors contributing to Jin Ling's decision:
- Identity Revelation: The sudden exposure of "Mo Xuanyu" as Wei Wuxian, the Yiling Patriarch, whom Jin Ling had been taught to despise.
- Pre-existing Trauma: Jin Ling carried the heavy burden of his parents' deaths, for which he blamed Wei Wuxian.
- Immediate Perceived Threat: In the chaos, Jin Ling was led to believe that Wei Wuxian was responsible for yet another family member's death, triggering an immediate defensive and vengeful reaction.
- Intense Emotional Distress: His actions were a result of overwhelming shock, grief, and anger, rather than rational thought.
Summary of Factors Leading to the Stabbing
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Wei Wuxian's Identity Revealed | Jin Guangyao's exposure of "Mo Xuanyu" as Wei Wuxian, the Yiling Patriarch, profoundly shocked Jin Ling. This revelation brought to the forefront all the past grievances and traumas associated with Wei Wuxian. |
| Belief of Further Family Harm | Crucially, in the immediate aftermath of the reveal, Jin Ling was led to believe that Wei Wuxian had just killed yet another member of his family. This specific misperception was the direct trigger for his action. |
| Overwhelming Emotional State | This belief, combined with his long-held resentment and the shock of the situation, plunged Jin Ling into an intense state of distress. His decision to stab Wei Wuxian was an impulsive reaction fueled by these powerful emotions, rather than a calm, calculated act. |
| Pre-existing Grievances | Jin Ling harbored deep-seated hatred for Wei Wuxian, whom he held responsible for the deaths of his parents, Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli. This deep-rooted animosity made him particularly susceptible to believing the worst about Wei Wuxian in a crisis. |
