Chapter 77: You three brats!!!

Yichen continued along the passage, keeping his steps careful as he carried Xiaoyu.

The weak light in his hand trembled against the walls, stretching their shadows ahead of them.

"Do you remember what you said back in the village?" he asked softly. "About how people should be remembered for more than the way they died?"

There was no answer, but Yichen continued as though the silence itself were enough.

"I didn't understand it very well at the time. I thought you were simply being kind to those people. But now…" His voice faltered, and he took another slow step. "I think I understand a little."

He walked on, listening to the sound of his own footsteps.

"You know, I never asked you much about your mother. You mentioned her when you were talking about the dance, but I never asked what she was like. Was she strict? I imagine she must have been, if she taught you something so difficult."

A faint smile touched his face.