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Chapter Eleven

Rather than speak up right away, Yu Dong-mei wrung her hands. Seeing this, Yuechan sighed and looked away.

"We don't have too long before they'll be heading into the city. Maybe we should do this later—" "I'm sorry!"

Yuechan jumped at her sudden shout. Returning her gaze to the other women, she found her bowing. Surprised but not willing to approach her, she frowned. "And what exactly are you sorry for?"

Keeping her chin tucked, Yu Dong-mei straightened. "I—My hunger got the better of me, and I said a few things, um, what I mean to say is if we hadn't been put in this situation, I wouldn't have said such rude things. And it isn't right to have food and ignore the rest of us—."

"Enough." Yuechan coldly cut her off. "No matter our circumstances, your words towards me and my lord were rude, even if it may be true. Instead of taking ownership of your actions, you're trying to blame your hunger and some twisted way, us. Next time, if you're going to apologize, do it without making excuses."

After finishing her piece, Yuechan didn't bother looking at the contrite woman and walked past her to join Lu Yuxian.

Seeing her return to his side, he looked her over. "Are you all right?"

Taking his hand, she surprised him by smiling up at him. "Mhmm, she just wanted to know what I was going to purchase so she could advise Yu Tong."

Yu Dong-mei, who'd returned overhead, quickly lowered her head and walked to her husband's side.

Ignoring the other woman, Yuechan followed the rest of the prisoners and guards towards the towering city gates. Man walked back and forth in the ramparts while the gates slowly opened, revealing the city inside.

Many other people were waiting their turn to enter, from merchants to nobles, hidden in their carriages.

Even the harsh tone of the guards couldn't reduce her excitement. Despite having been to the capital, she hadn't gotten a chance to explore and look around. She'd been more focused on her upcoming marriage and sentencing.

"Are you sure you want to go without me," Lu Yuxian asked, feigning a calm expression.

Yuechan nodded, "Yes, we need a few items for our travels. We can't be sure that we'll have the guards with us the entire way and," she glanced at these two men who were walking with their own families. "We don't know how long their positive emotions towards you will last."

"Sister, are you going in?" Shoi-ming asked, running to her side. He grabbed her free hand. "I heard they are letting us shop."

Letting go of Lu Yuxian's hand. Completely ignoring his obvious reluctance, she brushed her hand through his hair. "Yes, sister promises to grab you something good to eat."

Turning her attention back to Lu Yuxian she tried to soothe his worry.

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