"Zhizhi—" A gentle voice rang repeatedly and stubbornly in Zhao Zhi's ears, as if trying to wake her from her slumber.
She suddenly opened her eyes, and the images in her mind vanished instantly, leaving only the real scene before her.
"Brother, you're awake!" she exclaimed in surprise, her voice trembling slightly.
She looked up and met Cui Shenghe's worried eyes. Those eyes were like warm sunshine, piercing through the gloom in her heart.
"You had a nightmare," Cui Shenghe said softly, his tone revealing concern and worry. He reached out and gently wiped the cold sweat from Zhao Zhi's forehead, his movements gentle and careful, as if afraid of hurting her.
Zhao Zhi held his hand tightly, her head bowed, not daring to meet his gaze.
Her eyes were red like a rabbit's, tears welling up but stubbornly refusing to fall. She didn't want her brother to see her vulnerable side, nor did she want him to worry about her.
"Zhizhi, I've woken up, don't worry," Cui Shenghe said gently, stroking her back with his other hand, trying to comfort her. His eyes were full of doting affection, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.
However, his words only made Zhao Zhi more agitated.
Her eyes reddened further, her shoulders trembled slightly, and her suppressed sobs finally turned into low whimpers.
She threw herself into Cui Shenghe's arms, hugging him tightly, as if only in this way could she feel his presence and confirm that he was really still alive.
Cui Shenghe hugged her tenderly, patted her back gently, and comforted her, "Don't cry, silly girl. Your brother is here, and I will never leave you again." His words were full of determination, like a promise he was making to her.
Zhao Zhi looked up at him through teary eyes and choked out, "Brother... I'm so afraid of losing you..." Her voice was trembling with sobs, which made people feel sorry for her.
Cui Shenghe reached out and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, saying softly, "Zhizhi, I know you're scared, but I promised you I would always be with you, and I will keep my promise." His gaze was sincere and affectionate, which gradually calmed Zhao Zhi's heart.
Zhu Sanniang stood quietly to the side, watching this scene, a feeling of emotion welling up in her heart. She silently picked up the handkerchief on the table and handed it to Cui Shenghe, then lowered her head and slowly retreated to a distance.
Cui Shenghe took the handkerchief and gently wiped Zhao Zhi's cheeks, continuing to comfort her, "Alright, stop crying, or your eyes will get swollen." He smiled and tried to cheer her up, attempting to distract her.
Zhao Zhi burst into laughter through her tears, her eyes sparkling like brilliant stars. At that moment, she felt incredibly at peace, as if all her fear and anxiety had vanished.
As dawn broke, the palace was bathed in a pale golden light.
Qin Han entered with a stooped posture, the morning sun elongating his shadow. From the side, he looked exactly like a large shrimp, making people chuckle.
"Your Majesty, everything is arranged." He said softly through the beaded curtain.
The shrill voice abruptly stopped Zhao Zhi's sobs.
She looked up at Cui Shenghe and said anxiously, "You are not well yet. No matter how important the affairs of the state are, they are not as important as your health. You are better off not being the king."
As she spoke, she began to sob softly again.
Cui Shenghe gently stroked her hair, his deep eyes filled with reluctance and determination.
He spoke softly, like a gentle spring breeze, gradually calming the turmoil in Zhao Zhi's heart. "Zhizhi, it's getting late, we should go and meet with the ministers."
"After today, with you in Yunchao, I will feel much more at ease."
Zhao Zhi understood his words in an instant. She suppressed her tears, nodded, and her eyes showed both unease and determination.
Seeing this, Cui Shenghe sighed softly and gestured to Zhu Sanniang, who was not far away, to take Zhao Zhi to get dressed, while Qin Han helped him change into a dragon robe.
Half an hour later, Cui Shenghe gazed at the completely transformed Zhao Zhi, his mind wandering slightly.
At this moment, Zhao Zhi was dressed in a magnificent palace gown, her robes fluttering in the breeze, a sight to behold. Her skin was as translucent and smooth as white jade; her eyebrows resembled distant mountains, her eyes as clear as autumn water, and every glance exuded endless charm. Her head was adorned with exquisite hair ornaments, surrounded by pearls and jade, shimmering with dazzling light.
The shimmering gown accentuated Zhao Zhi's dignified bearing, making her appear as if she were born to be an untainted royal flower. Her beauty and nobility were captivating and inspired awe.
Cui Shenghe slowly extended his hand to Zhao Zhi and walked step by step toward the main hall. His steps were steady and powerful, each step carrying a firm determination.
Along the palace path, servants knelt in reverence, their eyes filled with both awe and curiosity, eagerly anticipating the unveiling of Princess Anping's identity. The princess had been bestowed with titles and honors last winter, but had rarely appeared in public. Within the palace, aside from Emperor Yun Li, even among Qin Han, few had ever seen Princess Anping.
At dawn, sunlight shone on the magnificent imperial court, where officials stood in neat rows on both sides, their expressions solemn.
Dressed in a magnificent dragon robe, Cui Shenghe slowly walked up the steps, sat on the dragon throne, and surveyed the crowd with his majestic gaze, finally settling on Zhao Zhi, his eyes filled with encouragement and trust.
He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "My beloved ministers, today I have an important matter to announce to you all."
Zhao Zhi clenched her hands tightly, trying to maintain a calm demeanor, but her heart was already churning with turmoil.
Even though she had prepared herself well in advance, and it wasn't her first time standing on the throne, at this moment, feeling countless eyes watching her, each gaze seemingly scrutinizing her identity, her heart still pounded like a drum.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
