Hou Ye's palm heart is a black lotus

But the next moment, Xiao Wu raised her little hand, quickly wiped away her tears, hugged Ye Chutang's hand tightly, and shook her head with red eyes to indicate that she was alright.

At this moment, she didn't want her older sister to worry anymore.

But she was still young, and despite her best efforts to hold back, her scalding tears continued to flow uncontrollably, and the more she wiped them away, the more they flowed.

Ye Chutang bent down and hugged Xiao Wu in her arms, gently patting her back.

Xiao Wu immediately buried his face in her shoulder.

Ye Chutang soon felt a wet patch on her shoulder.

She didn't say anything, and walked out.

……

The entire journey was speechless.

Finally, they arrived at the palace gates, and Ye Chutang carried Xiao Wu into the carriage.

"Alright, there are no outsiders here." Ye Chutang put her down and said softly, "If you want to cry, then cry."

Xiao Wu raised his head, his eyes as red as a rabbit's.

However, she stubbornly shook her head, holding back her tears.

—Don't cry! Fourth Brother said crying is useless!
Ye Chutang sighed softly and ordered the carriage to return to the mansion.

Shen Yanchuan, who had boarded the carriage with him, watched this scene and finally asked, "Do you suspect that there's something wrong with that urgent report?"

Ye Chutang snapped out of her daze and met his gaze.

Xiao Wu held her, and a glimmer of hope finally appeared in his eyes.

Ye Chutang shook her head. "No. It's just that I need to see him alive or dead. I have to see Ah Feng to confirm it."

Her tone was remarkably calm, almost devoid of any emotion.

If Shen Yanchuan didn't know her well enough, he would probably think that she didn't care about Ye Yunfeng's death at all.

"You don't seem surprised by this."

Ye Chutang lowered her eyelids slightly, and that blurry dream resurfaced in her mind.

After a moment, she nodded.

"On the battlefield, swords have no eyes. When Ah Feng chose to join the army to guard the border, I was already prepared for today."

Shen Yanchuan stared at her, remaining silent for a moment.

How could someone who went to great lengths and overcame numerous obstacles to protect his younger siblings from death be truly content?
"You have a lot of confidence in him?" he asked.

Ye Chutang looked up and met his gaze. She said frankly, "I really don't know whether Ah Feng is alive or dead, and I'm waiting too."

We're waiting for the procession to return to the capital! I want to see it with my own eyes!
Shen Yanchuan didn't press further, only nodding slightly, "I'll immediately send someone to the southwest—"

"No need."

Ye Chutang interrupted him, her tone calm, but her gaze as steady as ever.

Firstly, Shen Yanchuan's men were not familiar with the Southwest, and secondly, the situation there was unclear. If they went there rashly at this time, it might only bring more trouble.

"The situation in Beijing is also very tense right now."

Seeing that she was determined, Shen Yanchuan did not insist further.

"Okay. I'll let you know as soon as there's any news from over there."

Their eyes met, and nothing was said.

Ye Chutang turned her head and looked at Xiao Wu again.

She gently wiped away the tears from Xiao Wu's eyes.

"Xiao Wu, we should be proud of your fourth brother."

If Ah Feng hadn't died, that would have been the best outcome.

If... soldiers dedicate themselves to the country, they will have no regrets even in death.

……

News of Ye Yunfeng's death in battle spread like wildfire.

The capital was abuzz with discussion, and an invisible gloom hung over the Ye family.

Ye Chutang simply stopped going out and spent her days reading, writing, and drying herbs in the mansion.

It seems no different from any other day.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, the city gates were opened wide, and a group of soldiers carrying the coffin returned.

The streets were already packed with people, and some even held a spontaneous roadside memorial service.

The sound of crying could be faintly heard.

Ye Chutang, dressed in plain clothes, came to the front of the group.

Upon seeing her, the soldiers spontaneously stopped. (End of Chapter)