Song Qingshu carried A'ke out of the imperial palace, sending true qi into her body as he comforted her. "A'ke, don't be afraid. I'll heal you."
A'ke's little face was somewhat pale, but her eyes curved like crescent moons, and her face was full of smiles. "With Brother Song here, I'm not afraid at all."
Song Qingshu smiled faintly, then began considering how to treat her injuries. By ordinary standards, her wounds were already severe; the slightest misstep could make them beyond saving. Fortunately, treating internal injuries was what he excelled at most. Saving her life should not be too difficult, since he had handled injuries like these several times before.
Suddenly, a cool, soft sensation brushed against his cheek. Song Qingshu was startled and looked at the girl in his arms in astonishment.
A flush appeared on A'ke's pale cheeks. Her gaze darted away as she said shyly, "Brother Song, thank you. Thank you for taking such a huge risk to save me."
"Silly girl, saving you was only natural. Besides, I accepted your mother's request. How could I leave you alone in that terrifying palace?" Song Qingshu replied, though his heart was heavy with worry. How was he supposed to explain that nothing could ever happen between them?
"Anyway, thank you. Though I've lived in fine clothes and rich food all these years, I was never happy. I was like a canary raised in a cage. Today, I finally escaped that cage. I feel freer than ever before, as though even the air is sweet." A'ke murmured as she took a deep breath, her face revealing an intoxicated expression.
Song Qingshu was filled with pity. She was only a young girl, yet her parents' reputations had brought her endless troubles. At an age when she should have been