Outside, snow was falling heavily, and the snowflakes, as big as goose feathers, blurred everything in sight.

The wet nurse was still awake. When she saw Jiang Shuwan return in the wind and snow without even a hand warmer, she called Qingxing out and gave her a scolding.

Qingxing pouted, feeling wronged, but dared not argue back.

I didn't dare tell my wet nurse what happened today, for fear of frightening her.

Inside the room, Jiang Shuwan sat on a soft couch, fiddling with her magnolia palace lantern.

This lamp used to belong to Pei Yanzhi, but he gave it to her later. A few days ago, the lamp frame broke, so Pei Yanzhi took it back to repair it.

Now everything is repaired, and even the clumsy painting she stuck on the palace lantern has been given a few more strokes.

Her original painting was quite ingenious and would be considered a pioneer of abstract art in modern times. Now, with a few added strokes, it has become even more appealing.

"Miss, your painting has become even more beautiful..."

The maid who served the tea exclaimed in surprise, and all the other maids looked over, giving her a second look.

Jiang Shuwan blushed with embarrassment, "It's all thanks to the Crown Prince's excellent painting."

Even with her painting skills, she was able to be saved, which is all thanks to Pei Yanzhi.

Upon hearing this, the maids all laughed, "The young master is so good to the young lady, fixing the lamp and bringing her back..."

Jiang Shuwan: "..."

Hey, hey.

Your forced pairings are really far-fetched...

Jiang Shuwan glanced at Pei Yanzhi, who silently sipped his tea without saying a word, his head lowered, seemingly lost in thought, as if he hadn't heard what they were saying.

However, when he lowered his head, his clothes and hair, which were half-wet from the wind and snow, were exposed to the light.

The snow was exceptionally heavy today. Pei Yanzhi, riding on horseback, was barely visible from a distance.

She hadn't noticed it while she was huddled in the carriage, but now, under the lamplight, she saw that his clothes were clinging to his neck, and snowmelt was dripping from his long, dark hair.

Such heavy snow.

It's so cold.

This person walked the whole way wearing these almost soaked clothes.

Jiang Shuwan's anger subsided considerably.

Having grown accustomed to Pei Yanzhi's self-discipline and propriety, and his every word and action being measured and lawful, this was the first time I had ever seen him so disheveled.

"Go to the prince's residence and get him a clean set of clothes, and have the kitchen prepare a hot pot. The prince will be having dinner here tonight."

After saying that, Jiang Shuwan asked the maid to bring over a few dry cloths to wipe Pei Yanzhi's hair.

Turning around, she first helped Qingxing out of the predicament, then let the wet nurse go back to her room to rest, and then personally placed the palace lantern on the antique shelf on the left side of the room.

Pei Yanzhi's palace lanterns are exquisitely crafted; they can be used not only in the dark but also for display at other times.

"Miss, the young master's painting is truly excellent." Qingxing praised the painting on the palace lantern.

"Yes, a few strokes are worth a thousand taels of silver, which is indeed better than mine."

Qingxing==_=: "..."

Miss really knows how to bring up money in everything.

No wonder prostitutes can make money.

The little girl sighed, then saw a hot pot with vegetables and meat in the kitchen and hurried off to get busy.

"You should go and rest first."

Jiang Shuwan simply sent Qingxing away to rest.

Qingxing was frightened today, so she asked the physician to prescribe a calming soup for her to drink before going to sleep.

"knew."

Seeing that Jiang Shuwan and Pei Yanzhi had something to say, Qingxing waved her little hand and went downstairs.

Outside, Jiang Shuwan directed the maids to place a hot pot on the kang table by the window. Inside, Pei Yanzhi's clothes were also brought over, and Xiao Tao, along with a female official and two palace maids, were helping Pei Yanzhi change.

The two female officials were bestowed upon them by the old emperor some time ago; together with the palace maids, there are six in total.

The people were chosen by Eunuch Su. Pei Yanzhi claimed they were his own people, but Jiang Shuwan didn't really trust them. Eunuch Su was clearly one of Pei Yanzhi's men. The people he chose wouldn't do anything to Pei Yanzhi or the Marquis's mansion, but it was uncertain whether they would do anything to her.

Besides, she also had many secrets she didn't want people to know, so a few days ago she sent a female official and two palace maids to supervise the Ministry of Works in building the county princess's mansion.

The rest of them stayed in the courtyard to serve, so the old emperor could rest assured. However, they were not allowed to interfere in confidential matters, but they were allowed to serve tea and water in daily life.

Those who come from the palace are very disciplined and have particularly clear minds, especially the maid named Bai Li, who stays in her room.

He was about the same age as Qingxing, but his personality was extremely steady and he was not arrogant. When Qingxing was around, he always respected Qingxing.

Now that Qingxing has gone back to rest, she doesn't act like the boss anymore. She follows Xiaotao around in everything. For example, when it comes to helping Pei Yanzhi change his clothes, Xiaotao is young and inexperienced, so Qingxing doesn't try to show off. She just follows behind Xiaotao, helping out and handing over the clothes.

With her setting an example, the other two palace maids also behaved very well.

Through half a room, Jiang Shuwan saw Pei Yanzhi's shadow imprinted on the screen; he was tall and slender with an upright posture.

He has a great physique; he looks slim in clothes but muscular when undressed. Judging from the curves of his shoulders and arms in the shadow, it's not hard to imagine his excellent muscle definition.

Especially since she had seen him with his wet clothes clinging to his body before.

He has an excellent physique.

If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, she would have liked to say "sha sha" as a sign of respect.

Thinking back to the assassination attempt at the bridge last time, Pei Yanzhi's nimble skills showed that he was raised in a military family. Even though he had chosen a civil service career, he still hadn't given up his martial arts skills.

This is probably what it means to be both scholarly and martial.

He was quite composed; seeing Xiao Tao in such a flustered state, he didn't urge her on but instead bent down to tie his own belt.

However, this person seemed to have some kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder regarding manners. Even the simple act of bowing slightly to tie his clothes was graceful and beautiful, making it impossible to look away.

Unlike Li Chengyun, who changed clothes like a thief, without even turning on the lights, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Soon, he was dressed and Pei Yanzhi walked out unhurriedly.

When he was outside, Pei Yanzhi always wore layers of clothing, living up to his reputation as a young master from a prestigious family.

At home, I'm much more casual. Most of my everyday clothes are the ones I usually wear. Some of them are obviously quite old, with the fabric faded from washing but I haven't thrown them away. I just keep wearing the sleeves and the tops.

He was wearing an old outfit that he often wore. It was made of light blue material, and although the fabric was old, the texture was still delicate, with a soft sheen and a good drape. The hem would spread out when he moved.

Every time she saw Pei Yanzhi, she had a question: was it because his amazing manners had infected his clothes? Otherwise, how could his clothes sway so beautifully with just a casual movement?

Watching Pei Yanzhi walk out step by step with his unhurried demeanor, Jiang Shuwan stared blankly into thought.

The other person didn't seem to notice that Jiang Shuwan was looking at him. He just took a dry cloth from Bai Li's hand and wiped his wet hair repeatedly.

Xiao Tao offered to help him, but he refused.

"Sit here."

Jiang Shuwan pointed to the opposite side and called out.

"..."