He has forced Jin Ling down a path similar to his own. Except this child never knew his father or mother; Meng Yao at least had his mother - she had been his confidante and his teacher - and he had a chance to understand his father's nature. Jin Ling had been an innocent baby when he was denied parental affection.

He will never forgive himself - and he shouldn't. As good as he is at making others into puppets, he should have pulled back. He could have done so and Jin Zixuan would have lived; Jiang Yanli wouldn't have had to protect Wei Wuxian.

The tragedy had been acted out by others, but he had been the author. And the man he became during it all was a thousand times worse than his father had ever been.

He can be better than that. Jin Ling has his love and his regret and that is what spurs the tears. Meng Yao isn't even embarrassed to show the emotion or to greedily hold Jin Ling against his side once they are settled.

"You have done nothing wrong." he whispers, "I do love you, Jin Ling, and I'm proud of the man you have become."

It needs to be said.

"Your parents would feel the same, I know it."