Chapter 295 Companionship

Meanwhile, the greenhouse in the backyard of Weiyang Palace was also a scene of vibrant life.

Several tomato seedlings grew exceptionally strong, with red or green fruits hanging under their emerald green leaves, round and plump, glistening enticingly in the light filtering through the paper windows of the greenhouse roof.

The chili seedlings next to it also produced slender little chilies, which looked so delicious that they made one's mouth water.

"They've turned red! Your Majesty! Several more have turned red over here!"

He Ling carefully held a ripe red tomato, her face flushed with excitement, and her voice trembled.

[It's Chinese New Year! Now I can finally experience the fun of farming and simulation games!]

Jiang Huan was also squatting to the side, holding a small bamboo basket, carefully selecting ripe tomatoes, her face beaming with the joy of harvest.

"Great news! We're about to become famous all over the country!"

She picked a bright red tomato and weighed it in her hand.

"He's quite big. Let's make him some scrambled eggs with tomatoes tonight."

She then pointed to the chili peppers next to her: "These chili peppers are growing well too. They'll be ready to be picked in a few days. We can try making some chili sauce then."

The two chatted and worked in the greenhouse, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, temporarily isolating themselves from all the disturbances of the outside world.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

The battle reports from the North, like a cold wind, eventually penetrated the palace walls.

The Northern Di cavalry did not retreat due to the severe cold of early winter; instead, they launched several attacks.

With the border war suddenly raging, urgent military reports flew into the capital like snowflakes, reaching the imperial study.

Huo Lin's pressure suddenly increased. He spent almost every day and night in the imperial study, discussing military affairs and deploying troops with important ministers and generals.

The lights in the imperial study often stayed on all night.

Jiang Huan felt sorry for him, but she also knew that matters of state were not child's play and that she couldn't offer any real help.

All she could do was try her best to take good care of his health.

After dinner that day, seeing Huo Lin heading straight into the Imperial Study, Jiang Huan took some freshly made, light and easy-to-digest side dishes and a bowl of carefully stewed soup to the Imperial Study.

The atmosphere in the Imperial Study was heavy. Huo Lin was standing in front of a huge map of the northern border, listening to the report from the Minister of War, his brows furrowed.

Several high-ranking officials stood below with solemn expressions.

Jiang Huan quietly went in without disturbing them, and gently placed the food box on the small table on the warm couch in the outer room.

"The supply lines are being harassed by small groups of cavalry..."

"As the weather turns cold, the supply of winter clothing and charcoal for the soldiers needs to be expedited..."

...

Intermittent whispers drifted over, and as Jiang Huan listened, her mood grew heavy.

Looking at Huo Lin's tall but weary back, she felt a pang in her heart.

Sigh, being an emperor is no job for a human being.

With so many things to do and so much pressure, even a person made of iron couldn't handle it.

Look how thin he is, his chin is so pointed.

After a long discussion, the ministers bowed and withdrew.

Huo Lin rubbed his temples, exhaled a long breath, and then turned around to see Jiang Huan sitting quietly to the side.

"Why are you here?" he asked, somewhat surprised, his voice slightly hoarse.

"I've brought you some food." Jiang Huan stood up, opened the food box, and took out the still-steaming food.

"I'm afraid you'll be so busy that you'll forget about your health."

The food box contained stir-fried seasonal vegetables, a plate of tender shredded chicken, a plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and a bowl of steaming ginseng soup—all light yet nutritious dishes.

Looking at the still-steaming food and then at Jiang Huan's concerned gaze, Huo Lin felt a gentle touch on his tense heartstrings, and a sense of warmth welled up inside him.

[Smelling this familiar fragrance, I feel my soul returning.]

He walked to the warm couch and sat down, and Jiang Huan handed him chopsticks.

"Eat it while it's hot."

Huo Lin was indeed hungry, so he took the chopsticks and ate quietly.

Jiang Huan sat beside him, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him eat, occasionally putting some food on his plate.

"Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you. You absolutely have to finish this bowl of ginseng soup, it's nourishing and invigorating."

Without Jiang Huan even saying anything, Huo Lin devoured the food and soup like a starving ghost.

The hot food dispelled his fatigue, and his complexion looked somewhat better.

I really want to hold her and let her rest for a while, but I can't.

The military situation in the North is dire; not a moment's delay is warranted.

Being able to eat delicious food is already a luxury; thinking of the soldiers on the border, I cannot indulge in comfort.

He put down his chopsticks, took the warm handkerchief that Jiang Huan handed him at the right time, wiped his hands, and then turned his gaze back to the mountain of reports piled up on his desk.

"Don't stay up with me, go and rest. I'll rest after I finish these official duties, so you won't have to worry."

As Jiang Huan watched him sit back down at his desk, a pang of heartache welled up inside her, mixed with a touch of helplessness.

Sigh, how could I not worry?

Eating a meal is like going to war; after finishing, you have to rush to another event.

Even machines need some oiling and a break, right? It's working like this without even breaking a sweat! It looks exhausting.

She quietly cleared away the dishes, sighed as she looked at his tense profile, and quietly retreated to sit down on the warm couch, trying not to make a sound.

Silence fell once again in the Imperial Study, with only the occasional crackling of the candlelight and the soft rustling of Huo Lin turning pages and the nib of his pen tracing the memorials.

Time passed quietly, and the sky outside the window had long since turned completely dark, with the chill growing stronger. Only the Imperial Study remained brightly lit, with the underfloor heating keeping it warm and cozy.

Perhaps it was the warmth that was too comforting, or perhaps it was because she had been feeling tired for days, but as Jiang Huan looked around, she felt her eyelids getting heavier and heavier, and her head began to droop little by little.

No, I can't sleep. I promised to stay with him.

But I'm so sleepy...

The earthen ceiling is burning so warmly, it's like a hypnotic effect.

Doesn't he get sleepy? Is he made of iron?

She forced herself to stay awake, trying to keep her eyes open, and even secretly pinched her thigh to try to shake off the sleepiness, but to little avail.

Lately, for some reason, she's been feeling particularly sleepy and her energy levels are much lower than before.

Ultimately, physical exhaustion completely overcame willpower.

Jiang Huan's consciousness gradually blurred. Her head tilted to the side, and she leaned against the soft cushions of the warm couch, falling into a deep sleep.

Huo Lin was deep in thought about the allocation of resources in the northern border when he glanced up and saw Jiang Huan lying on the couch, fast asleep.

Her cheeks were flushed from the warmth, her long eyelashes drooped peacefully, and her lips were slightly pouting. She looked completely unguarded and exceptionally well-behaved.

He said he'd stay with me, but he fell asleep first.

However... she slept quite soundly.

Huo Lin's lips softened involuntarily, forming a very faint curve.

He put down his pen, got up and walked to Jiang Huan's side, carefully picking her up in his arms.