Everyone turned toward the sound of sobbing.
Madam Wen was dabbing her nose with a handkerchief, two lines of tears sliding down her cheeks as she choked out, "Master, it is my fault. I heard someone say the Third Young Lady had lost her bracelet and, in my sudden anxiety, I caused Concubine An to cry for nothing and even frightened the Fourth Girl."
With that, she took a few steps forward and personally leaned down to help the two of them up. Her fingertips brushed lightly against Xiaoli’s face as she said pitifully, "The poor child, her little face is streaked with tears." She produced a silk handkerchief, feigning an attempt to wipe the child’s tears. Xiaoli flinched, instinctively shrinking back behind Concubine An. Madam Wen’s handkerchief missed its mark, and a flicker of malevolence flashed in her eyes.
Chapter 24