Xiao Ransheng did not answer her. He held her hand tightly and asked, "Do you want to go to Nanjiang?"
Before Ye Mochu could speak, Xiao Ransheng continued, "If you don't want to, you don't have to force yourself. I'll speak to Father and have you stay in the palace, or you could come with me to Hanlin Temple..."
Ye Mochu looked at him in confusion and shook her head. "No, Brother Shengsheng, I want to go to Nanjiang."
Xiao Ransheng felt a burst of irritation. He swept the little girl up and set her on the carved railing behind him. Jiu, who had been watching them, hurried forward, only for Xiao Ransheng to pin her in place with a prayer bead.
Seeing this, Ye Mochu tried to climb down, but Xiao Ransheng stopped her and said sullenly, "She's fine. She'll free herself in a moment."
Only then did Ye Mochu relax. She looked at Xiao Ransheng and asked, "Brother Shengsheng, are you unhappy?"
Xiao Ransheng looked at her. "You really have to go to Nanjiang?"
Ye Mochu thought about it. Brother Shengsheng must be sad to see her go, so she patted her chest and said, "Don't worry, Brother Shengsheng. I'll write to you."
Xiao Ransheng looked at Ye Mochu and sighed inwardly. She was still too young.
"When you get to Nanjiang, listen to the Marquis and Madam. Eat properly and don't get sick. Your health has never been very good, so bring all your medicine. The poisonous mists and gu insects of the Wusu Kingdom are impossible to guard against, and the foreign tribes of the Turks are dangerous too. Have Chu Xing accompany you whenever you go out. I'll have Fu Xiao go with you as well. He'll bring antidote pills and other things you might need." He paused, then rubbed Ye Mochu's head. "Remember, don't get too close to other men, understand?"
Ye Mochu thought his last sentence was a little strange, but she still nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Brother Shengsheng." She rested her head on Xiao Ransheng's shoulder and smiled softly.
