In the early March evening of Xiajing, the breeze still carried a refreshing coolness. The crowds outside Shenwu Gate in the Forbidden City gradually dispersed, the shadow of its red walls stretching long under the setting sun.
Grandma held Tang Tang's little hand as they walked slowly on the cobblestone path. Seeing the vendor selling candied hawthorns not far away, she couldn't help but smile and ask, "Did you have fun today? Was exploring the Forbidden City tiring?"
"Oh~ oh~"
Tang Tang tilted her small face up, responding with cheerful sounds, but her gaze wasn't on Grandma; instead, she was staring intently at the ground—someone had dropped a small red five-star flag, the red fabric slightly dusty but still vibrant.
She tugged on Grandma's hand and quickly walked over, carefully bending down to pick it up.
There was no wind at the moment, so the flag drooped softly in her palm. Tang Tang furrowed her small brows and leaned closer, gently blowing on the flag's surface.
