On the carriage ride back, Xiao Yi'er fell asleep in Shu He’s arms, tearstains still streaking her face. Even in her sleep, her hands were clenched tightly into Shu He’s clothes, as if she feared that letting go for even a moment would cause Shu He to vanish.
Shu He stroked Xiao Yi'er’s cheek, consumed by self-reproach. "I’m sorry. It was because of me that this child suffered."
On the other side of the carriage, Baili Moqing sat with a brooding expression, his eyes betraying a hint of self-blame. Shu He glanced at him. In truth, she held some resentment toward him—resentment that he had allowed others to discover his partiality for Xiao Yi'er, leading them to use the child as a tool against him. Yet, she also knew that if he hadn't left to search for her when she went missing, he would never have allowed Yi'er to be taken under any circumstances.
Chapter 171