"Very well." The group promptly dispersed, fanning out in all directions.
Ling pursued the path along the river and passed by a child of about five or six years old.
She halted for a moment, glancing back at the mud-streaked, disheveled child before continuing on her way.
The child, wrapped in a worn and tattered cloak, squatted beneath a tree root, engrossed in playing with mud. Once Ling had distanced herself, the child lifted their head slightly, observing the direction she had departed.
With a nonchalant shrug, she patted her dingy clothes.
However, the act of dispersing dust proved less than favorable. The child coughed twice, quickly covering their mouth with a petite hand.
Her Excellency Lady Qiaoqiao sighed inwardly, straightening her body and taking a few unsteady steps forward.
