What follows his nephews words is nearly a blur. Xichen coughs again, shaking his head slightly but neither his nephew nor Wanyin seems convinced.

He raises a hand to reach back as the other man does but then another cough overtakes him, the world nearly spins. Wanyin is asking a-Yuan to leave with Jin Ling before he knows it. It takes a moment for Xichen's brain to catch up before he nods along, giving his nephew an assuring look. "We will be alright, a-Yuan--- do as you've been asked, alright? The rabbits need you more than we do."

Which doesn't seem to convince the young boy, who watches them with hesitation before nodding. He glances back over his shoulder as he carries a squirming Jin Ling in his arms. "No more lotuses, uncle..."

Which feels like another stab in Xichen's chest, because the boy keeps walking and does not realize the burden he has placed on shoulders that are not his own. Xichen's attention, at least, for the moment turns back to Jiang Wanyin, to the man turned away from him. It feels like he is overstepping as he tentatively touches his shoulder, a gentle touch. "Wanyin-- I-- Wanyin, please. Are you alright?"