Jiang Yanchuan held Jiang Yingcheng's hand, and Jiang Yingcheng held the hand of her newly made friend, Guan Zhili. The three of them strolled leisurely through Jiayu City, as relaxed as if they were wandering through their own back garden.
Guan Zhili's already bewildered face grew even more puzzled.
He did not know why he had joined this father and daughter to form such a strange trio, did not know what to call the emotions stirring in his heart, and, even more than that, did not know...
What expression he should wear as he faced the chaos in Jiayu City before him.
Seeing that Beiming's people were not rising up in resistance, Great Rui's soldiers ordered them to squat in the open space in the middle of the road with what could be called gentle handling. Then they cautiously pried open the tightly shut houses one by one, searching for any war advocates hiding in the shadows and intending to fight back.
The shops along the street that had been confirmed safe were simply left with their doors wide open. Aside from the absence of shopkeepers and customers inside, they looked no different from before.
The little girl holding his hand suddenly spoke.
"Daddy, candy."
Guan Zhili turned at her words and saw the little dumpling who called herself Jiang Yingcheng release Emperor Mingze's hand. Pointing at an open shop ahead, she asked for candy in a clear, bright voice.
Emperor Mingze looked over as well and said in a low voice, "One piece."
The little girl lowered her head and thought, then held up two fingers, forming two adorable dimples in her chubby little hand as she bargained. "Two pieces."
"...Fine."
Before Emperor Mingze could take a step, the little girl suddenly dropped another bombshell. "Two pieces a day."