[ There is no upper hand in what is to come for the younger self. What is already coming. Xichen knows that if he could change things, he'd give his best to do that, but... he doesn't think it's possible.
But if it is...
He is trying to give him enough to be able to make a difference without destroying his ability to trust in himself and hope. Without paralyzing him as he is himself, now, paralyzed.
Again, he doubts he has the ability to do that, but he has to try.
He inclines his head slowly. ]
Indeed. Jin Guangyao... decided to sacrifice a great many things in order to achieve his father's approval, and when he gave up on that, to achieve other goals. None of it that should have been his to sacrifice.
I am sorry.
[ Again, Jin Guangyao. Not Meng Yao, because Xichen still thinks that Meng Yao still might have chosen otherwise than Jin Guangyao did. And not A-Yao. ]
no subject
But if it is...
He is trying to give him enough to be able to make a difference without destroying his ability to trust in himself and hope. Without paralyzing him as he is himself, now, paralyzed.
Again, he doubts he has the ability to do that, but he has to try.
He inclines his head slowly. ]
Indeed. Jin Guangyao... decided to sacrifice a great many things in order to achieve his father's approval, and when he gave up on that, to achieve other goals. None of it that should have been his to sacrifice.
I am sorry.
[ Again, Jin Guangyao. Not Meng Yao, because Xichen still thinks that Meng Yao still might have chosen otherwise than Jin Guangyao did. And not A-Yao. ]