[ All the things that Jin Guangyao has done up until now have lead to this moment, to him reclaiming what should have been his from the beginning. His father had never wanted anything to do with him, he understands that, but his work during Sunshot, the things he did with Lan Xichen at his side... Those things were impossible to ignore. All he had ever wanted was to have what was properly his, what had been promised to him. To have something to honour the work he had done, the things his mother had wanted for him.

It's not his fault his father was as cruel and terrible as he was. It wasn't his fault that madness overcame the world. He wanted to make the world better with his power, but in the end...

As soon as he hears Xichen's voice he drops his arms and turns around, making his way towards him. There's something desperate on his face, something that he can't hide with his own usual smile, the gentle thing he acts upon to make the world see him, want to like him, to recognise the work he puts in. Everything he has ever shared with Xichen has been pure and honest, there is no denying that, and this moment is no different. Even if the honesty will burn them to shreds he will make sure that Xichen knows how much he means.

Stepping up, he lifts his head and bows, just a little, with his smile settled in place. ]

Er-ge, I'm glad you're here. I'm making plans and it is all coming together now.

[ A wave of his hand and the attendants leave, letting the two of them stand together. He reaches out to take Xichen's hands, the same way his honoured brother had always done to him. ]

I have missed you. We've both been too busy lately, haven't we, with guests and other matters.

[ He's no fool, Xichen, nor is he blind to Wangji's devotion to Wei Wuxian. ]