With Baozhu's help, Zhang Wan quickly regained consciousness. "Baozhu, don't make a fuss. I'm just getting old and can't stay up all night anymore."

“Yes, Madam,” Baozhu replied, tears welling in her eyes.

Zhang Wan struggled to her feet and roughly checked her body. Apart from a small abrasion on her elbow, there was nothing wrong with her.

After having breakfast, Zhao Rou boarded Bai Wei's carriage and set off together for Yunxuan Academy in Chunsheng County.

A light mist swirled around, and all things began to awaken. The horse-drawn carriage slowly rolled out of the morning mist and into the market at the border.

Along the way, Bai Wei would occasionally lift the curtain to glance at Li Afu driving in front of her.

Zhao Rou silently observed everything, secretly thinking to herself: Could it be that something happened between Madam Bai and Li Afu that I don't know about? I have a feeling that Madam Bai's gaze towards Li Afu is not innocent?

"Godmother, I've noticed you've been quite restless lately. Is it because of the matter of the young master, Brother Huai'an, being transferred to the prefectural governor's office to do clerical work?"

Last month, Bai Wei recognized Zhao Rou as her goddaughter, thus fulfilling a promise between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. She had originally planned to recognize Zhao Yun as her goddaughter as well, but Zhao Yun disdained it, so she gave up on the idea.

A few days ago, someone used their connections and Li Huai'an was suddenly transferred from the Chaoyang Garrison to the Prefectural Governor's Office to do clerical work.

Zhao Rou was unaware of the inside story, but Bai Wei vaguely guessed what it was, which is why she seemed absent-minded when facing Li Afu these days.

After getting drunk that rainy night, she seemed to have a bizarre dream. In the dream, Zhang Fang held her and they slept soundly all night. But when she woke up, she saw Li Afu standing tall and elegant outside the window.

She didn't have the courage to question Li Afu: Was the man in her dream him? Was the person she kissed while drunk him?

“An’er has never been able to endure much hardship, so I’m happy that she’s been reassigned to do some clerical work.”

At this point, Bai Wei suddenly raised her voice, her eyes still on Zhao Rou, but her voice drifted to the front of the carriage, "I just don't know which kind person helped An'er make this happen, I want to thank them but I can't find anyone to thank."

“Oh, that person must be very concerned about my godmother.” Zhao Rou raised her voice in response when she saw that she had raised her voice.

Li Afu, who was holding the reins at the front, couldn't help but curl the corners of his lips, straighten his back, and look ahead with a smile.

"Whoa—" The carriage came to a steady stop at Yunxuan Academy, and Zhao Rou helped Bai Wei carefully get off the carriage.

As soon as the two got out of the car, they saw many students gathered in twos and threes next to the academy.

"Cuilan, have you heard? Our Empress is coming to the palace to celebrate the New Year!"

"Cuilan, you have really long ears! You can hear everything that happens in the palace!"

Zhao Rou joked with a smile.

"Greetings, Master Zhao! Greetings, Master Bai!" Upon seeing this, the surrounding students all came forward to pay their respects.

"That's right, Master Zhao. Look around the academy, everyone is talking about it."

Our Empress is the sun, moon, and stars in our hearts. Without her pioneering spirit, how would we girls have had the chance to step into this hall of knowledge, let alone achieve great things like men in the future!

Cuilan looked proud, and her eyes lit up instantly when she mentioned the Empress.

Zhao Rou tried her best to suppress her laughter when she heard Cuiyun mention "old lady." She wondered how shocked these female students would be if they saw her second sister's appearance!

"Yes, yes, Cuilan is absolutely right! Back then, my mother was worried that I wouldn't be able to get married, saying that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent."

"Hmph, look at her now! Not only is our Empress exceptionally talented herself, but she has also given us women the opportunity to learn to read and write. She's truly our savior!"

A round-faced female student next to her couldn't help but chime in, looking smug.

"Haha, the way you're saying things makes me blush for Her Majesty the Empress."

But honestly, without Her Majesty the Empress, we'd probably still be at home embroidering and weaving. We wouldn't have the chance to discuss state affairs here, or even dream of one day serving as officials in the court!

Zhao Rou smiled and patted Cui Lan's shoulder, her eyes full of admiration for her second sister.

"Speaking of which, I've heard that Her Majesty the Empress is not only proficient in both civil and military affairs, but also incredibly beautiful. She's practically a role model for all women!" Another female student said, her eyes sparkling with longing.

"Oh dear, stop dreaming. Let's focus on our studies and strive to help Her Majesty the Empress in the future. That's the right path!" Cuilan smiled and poked her forehead, and everyone burst into laughter.

Just then, in the distance, a crisp sound of horses' hooves, accompanied by rousing drumbeats and resounding gongs, broke the silence and approached.

In the thin mist, the guards, holding long poles and carrying brightly colored flags and gongs, marched in unison, each step accompanied by a rhythmic "dong dong qiang qiang" that resounded through the sky.

Zhao Rou's heart leaped with joy; this must mean her second sister has returned!