[Wuxian knows Meng Yao is likely trying to get a rise out of him. He knows. And yet...- and it takes a few read throughs before he's ready to write a reply-]
You chose me because we're similar? More than you think. Yes, I was adopted. Yes, most of my foster family cared for me.
But you are mistaken in believing I was never beaten.
You are mistaken in thinking I was not hounded by whispers doubting my parentage.
You could have made different choices. You could have gone to Lan Xichen, or me, or-
[...Probably not Wangji.]
Look.
I am sorry for how you were treated. For all your choices and what you tell yourself to justify them.
From the sound of things, you did use your intelligence for some good when you had the power you so craved. You just could have gotten it in a better way.
[Text]
You chose me because we're similar? More than you think. Yes, I was adopted. Yes, most of my foster family cared for me.
But you are mistaken in believing I was never beaten.
You are mistaken in thinking I was not hounded by whispers doubting my parentage.
You could have made different choices. You could have gone to Lan Xichen, or me, or-
[...Probably not Wangji.]
Look.
I am sorry for how you were treated. For all your choices and what you tell yourself to justify them.
From the sound of things, you did use your intelligence for some good when you had the power you so craved. You just could have gotten it in a better way.
Thousands of innocent people did not have to die.