Threads 424-Shenglu 3
Ling Qi embraced Hanyi tightly, her nose full of the wintergreen scent of her junior sister's hair. Said junior sister squirmed as she hugged her back, patting her shoulders. She could feel the increased chill as her sister’s snow white cheeks flushed a dark blue.
"C'mon, Big Sis. Not in front of everybody!" Hanyi whispered.
Ling Qi snorted. She gave her sister a final hard squeeze before straightening up, resting her hand on Hanyi's head. They stood at the edge of Shenglu where the temporary stables had been set up. Workers and merchants passed them by with lowered heads. Bao Qian looked on, amused from the driver’s seat of his wagon.
"Be well, my sister. Perform your duties diligently, and bring honor to the Ling clan on your journey."
Moons, she sounded so old, talking like this.
Ling Qi rested both of her hands on Hanyi's shoulders, looked her in the eyes, and smiled.
"And have fun, of course. Don't trouble Sir Bao too much."
"I'm not going to trouble him at all!" Hanyi whined.
Ling Qi looked at her.