The next day.
Bright stars hung high in the night sky, and the sky gradually brightened from the hazy darkness.
The surrounding mist made the locust trees look as if they were draped in a light veil, while the cries of crows from the city gate gradually faded into the distance.
In the Spring Morning Palace, Zhao Zhi slowly awoke, and the morning light shone gently on her face through the light gauze window.
She gently opened her eyes, only to find herself alone beside the empty bed, the warmth of her own presence lingering in the blankets. A bitter feeling welled up inside Zhao Zhi.
I wonder when this life of being apart so rarely will end!
Seeing that she was awake, Cuiyun lifted the beaded curtain, and soon a group of palace maids filed in, carrying clothes and jewelry, and served her in soft voices.
Because Zhao Zhi was to accompany the Emperor of Da Xuan to visit Yunxuan Academy today, they chose a set of clothes for the Empress that were both practical for travel and dignified—a deep purple palace dress embroidered with golden phoenixes, with intricate cloud and dragon patterns embroidered on the lapel, which not only highlighted the Empress's noble status but also showed the gentleness and elegance of a woman.
For makeup, they chose an elegant yet dignified look, with lightly drawn eyebrows and a touch of red on the lips, making Zhao Zhi's face even more beautiful and refined, like a fairy who stepped out of a painting.
Zhao Zhi stared at herself in the mirror, momentarily stunned.
She had almost forgotten that she was still an eighteen-year-old girl.
In the prime of youth, when one is just beginning to blossom.
"Has the Imperial Noble Consort arrived?" she asked softly.
“She arrived early this morning!” Cuiyun’s expression was somewhat strange, but Zhao Zhi did not see it. She then said, “The Imperial Noble Consort was afraid of disturbing His Majesty’s rest, so she did not ask me to announce her arrival.”
"Let's set off once we're all packed!" Zhao Zhi nodded slightly.
As she stepped out of the palace gates, she immediately spotted the tall, elegant man standing outside, impeccably dressed in a dark red brocade robe embroidered with gold. But his incomparably handsome face ruined his entire attire.
"But I didn't go to your bedchamber last night, so why is your face so gloomy it looks like you could squeeze water out of it?"
Zhao Zhi approached and teased them in a voice that only the two of them could hear.
"Of course I can." Yun Zhang slowly turned around and took Zhao Zhi's hand. Zhao Zhi tried to pull away, but was met with an even stronger grip from him.
"If I had been the one to enjoy Your Majesty's beauty last night, I would have died without regret," Yun Zhang sneered. "It's just a pity that my heart is set on the bright moon, but the bright moon shines on the gutter."
Having spent so much time with Yunzhang, Zhao Zhi knew his personality quite well. Hearing his words, she understood that he was still jealous about what happened last night, so she didn't hold it against him.
The two remained silent as they made their way to Yunxuan Academy.
Their troops arrived at almost the same time as Zhao Yi's troops.
Upon seeing Zhao Yi and the disguised Shen Hanshan, Yun Zhang felt a chill run down his spine, his eyes seeming to carry the coldness of an ancient pool.
"Brother Zhao, Yunxuan Academy is the place where our dynasty cultivates future pillars of society. It is a great honor to have the Emperor of Daxuan personally visit us today."
Zhao Zhi smiled and spoke polite, official words.
Zhao Yi nodded slightly. "Sister He, you flatter me. I have long heard of the name Yunxuan Academy, and seeing it today, I can see that it truly lives up to its reputation."
The group marched into Yunxuan Academy in a grand procession, and everywhere they looked, there was a vibrant and lively scene.
Sunlight filters through sparse clouds, dappling the cobblestone path. Ancient trees tower on both sides, and the fragrance of flowers and the aroma of books intertwine to create a unique ambiance.
Witnessing all this, Zhao Yi couldn't help but admire it in his heart. Yunxuan Academy truly lived up to its reputation. Not only was the environment quiet and elegant, but its educational philosophy was also open and diverse.
He lowered his head and occasionally talked to Shen Hanshan. In Yun Zhang's eyes, this scene looked like the two of them plotting how to kill Empress Zhao Zhi without anyone noticing, just like two cunning foxes discussing how to eat a defenseless rabbit.
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