Enough time had passed that her mother had calmed, as much as she could and Yanli had decided it was safe enough to ask permission to take A-Xian out for the afternoon. The boat ride was the least likely option to get a refusal and she'd spent the morning preparing a lunch for the two of them with A-Xian's favorites.

And once the boat was on the river, she gestured for him to come join her inside.

"Come and sit with me, A-Xian."