"It would not be possible to replace your mother," Lan Wangji agrees. He studies Magnus' face for a moment. He thinks he does understand, inasmuch as one person can understand another person's heart. His own father hated to acknowledge him or even look at him. He never wanted a replacement. He wanted to forget that he had a father at all. A little quieter, then, he adds, "I imagine at times that I am continuing her work -- caring for you because she no longer can."