Because it is the truth! [ His voice is tight, pained, and his hands grip at nothing until they find the fabric of Lan Xichen's robes, squeezing at them with all his strength - almost enough to rip them into pieces if he had less self control.

Breathing out, he shakes his head. ] My father said it from the moment Wei Wuxian joined our Sect. My mother reminded me every single day. I was never as good as he was and was never as favoured as he was. Why should I believe anything else?

[ He scoffs. ]

Even a-Jie preferred him to me.