But the next moment, Xiao Wu raised her small hand and quickly wiped away her tears. She hugged Ye Chutang's hand tightly and, with red-rimmed eyes, shook her head to show she was fine.
'I can't let my sister worry right now.'
But she was still young, after all. Despite her best efforts to hold them back, scalding tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes. The more she wiped, the more they flowed.
Ye Chutang bent down and pulled Xiao Wu into her arms, gently patting her back.
Xiao Wu immediately buried her face in Ye Chutang's shoulder.
Ye Chutang soon felt her shoulder grow damp.
She said nothing, simply turning and heading outside.
...
They walked in silence.
Finally, upon reaching the palace gates, Ye Chutang climbed into the carriage with Xiao Wu in her arms.
"It's okay. We're alone now." Ye Chutang set her down, her voice low and gentle. "If you want to cry, go ahead and cry."
Xiao Wu looked up, her eyes as red as a rabbit's.
