The touch brings tears to his eyes and though he wants to smile, the expression just won't take hold. Xichen is right to question his stability. He stumbles before he can fully stand and the pressure against his arm is reassuring.

The flinch, however, is not.

"You were protecting yourself." Meng Yao presses his lips together in a thin line, "We can talk...as long as you like..."

He will deny him nothing if he has any say.

"Zewu-Jun, I never moved. I promise you. I would never threaten your life."