"We... came to look for someone."
The woman who had spoken glanced at the others before turning to Verdant Green Maiden.
Looking for someone?
Verdant Green Maiden's gaze shifted slightly. After a moment of silence, she asked, "Is it because of the defeat in Liaodong?"
They all nodded.
Tears trickled from the corners of the first woman's eyes. "Our fathers and brothers were either conscripted as laborers or went with Your Imperial Majesty to fight Goguryeo. But... news of the crushing defeat in Liaodong has spread across the land, and our fathers and brothers still haven't come home. We miss them..."
"So we came to Luoyang to search! We don't know... if we'll find them."
Most likely, they wouldn't.
After hearing their stories, Verdant Green Maiden fell silent.
These people had come from every direction and gathered in Luoyang, each searching for their own family.
But their loved ones were probably already buried in Liaodong.
"Alas..."
Verdant Green Maiden sighed.
Seeing her sigh, the woman said, "Young Lady, you needn't grieve. We can tell you're a good person! And you must come from a noble family. You don't need to grieve for us."
Even in such desperate circumstances, she could still say something like that?
Verdant Green Maiden couldn't help studying the woman more closely.
"Have you studied?"
Verdant Green Maiden asked.
The woman nodded. "I have."
"What's your name?"
"Gongsun Xiaoyu."
Verdant Green Maiden hadn't heard of her.
She blinked and continued, "Did your father and brothers die in Liaodong too?"
"I don't have a father, only an older brother. He was conscripted as a laborer and hasn't been home for a long time. I think... he's probably gone."
Gongsun Xiaoyu spoke softly.
Looking at her calm expression, Verdant Green Maiden smiled.
"You're remarkably calm."
"What good would it