After seeing her grandfather off, Zhao Zhi stood at the entrance of Chunchao Palace, wearing a cloak, quietly watching the white clouds suddenly fall from the thick night sky.
"Your Majesty, you must take care of your health." A gentle voice came from behind.
Zhao Zhi hummed in agreement, and with Cuiyun's support, slowly turned around, smiling at the newcomer. She said softly, "After staying in Chunsheng County for a few months, do you feel that the climate there is much better than that of Dunyang City?"
Zhu Sanniang smiled slightly and replied, "Chunsheng County has a pleasant climate all year round, making it ideal for recuperation. But Dunyang City has four distinct seasons. Whether it's the cold snap in spring, the sweltering heat, the autumn rain, or now the winter snow, it all makes one nostalgic."
As she spoke, her gaze fell on Zhao Zhi's swollen belly. If her child hadn't died, it might already be walking by now.
Thinking of this, she said gratefully, "Your Majesty, I must thank you for not transferring me to Da Xuan."
"Third Sister," Zhao Zhi interrupted her, "Now, you and Lord Lin are my right-hand men, and you two must take good care of each other."
"Your subject will keep it in mind." Zhu Sanniang was somewhat puzzled as to why Zhao Zhi suddenly said these words. But she naturally had her reasons for saying so.
Winter Solstice is just around the corner. Zhang Jing sent a message saying that the blood transfusion and all the necessary supplies have been prepared, but since it is winter in Dunyang City, Yun Zhang needs to be transferred to Chunsheng County, where the climate is warmer, for treatment.
"Your Majesty, the envoy from Daxuan, Shen Zhi, requests an audience." The high-pitched, effeminate voice of the Grand Eunuch Qin Han suddenly came from outside the Imperial Study.
"Announce." Zhao Zhi put down the vermilion brush and slowly stood up from the dragon throne.
Shen Hanshan, who was waiting outside the door, was dressed in a well-tailored dark purple brocade robe, with a fox fur coat with gold trim over it. The fox fur was shiny, pure white with a faint silver-blue luster.
Despite the harsh winter and swirling snowflakes, a thin layer of white covered his hair and shoulders, yet it did not diminish his graceful charm.
Just before stepping into the Imperial Study, Shen Hanshan lightly stamped his foot, a gesture that carried a hint of unruliness and casualness. He slowly raised his hand, took off the snow-covered cloak from his shoulders, and casually handed it to Du Heng, who was accompanying him.
The cloak was gently unfolded in Du Heng's hands, like a winter snow scene being laid out, while Shen Hanshan, with an almost ritualistic gesture, shut out the chill from the outside world before striding into the imperial study.
As Qin Han led the way, he secretly wondered: This Lord Shenzhi of Da Xuan has almost fully recovered from the stab wound inflicted by the Imperial Noble Consort several months ago, yet he still lingers in their Yun Dynasty, and comes to the Imperial Study to see His Majesty every few days. Could it be that he has taken a fancy to His Majesty?
Upon entering the study, Shen Hanshan instantly concealed the sharpness in his eyes, replacing it with an intense and tender affection.
He looked around and finally his gaze fell on Zhao Zhi, who had already stood up. A meaningful smile appeared on his lips.
“Chen Zhi of Da Xuan greets Your Majesty.” He bowed respectfully, his voice booming like a bell. This imposing manner suddenly reminded Qin Han of the legendary young general Shen Hanshan of Da Xuan.
"Please take a seat." Zhao Zhi nodded slightly. Shen Hanshan sat down as if they were old friends, and Qin Han served him hot tea.
Zhao Zhi raised her hand, signaling Qin Han and the palace attendants to leave. In an instant, only she and Shen Hanshan remained in the vast imperial study, and an indescribable, subtle atmosphere filled the air.
Shen Hanshan took a sip of tea and looked at Zhao Zhi with a half-smile.
Zhao Zhi smiled slightly and gestured for Shen Hanshan to step forward. "Shen Zhi, courtesy name Hanshan. Now the world only knows Shen Hanshan, not Shen Zhi, which is your real name. You, you—" She shook her head affectionately, then gently took Shen Hanshan's hand and pulled him closer to her until his cheek was almost touching her pregnant belly.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still, leaving only the delicate flow of emotions between the two.
"Listen to this little guy, he's been getting more and more rowdy lately," Zhao Zhi said softly.
Shen Hanshan leaned down, gently pressing his ear against Zhao Zhi's abdomen, his face revealing an unprecedented seriousness and tenderness.
He closed his eyes and listened, as if he could truly feel the pulse and miracle of life in those subtle movements. Zhao Zhi took his hand and placed it on her abdomen, and suddenly, a bulge appeared on her smooth belly. Shen Hanshan chuckled softly, "Little guy, you're quite strong."
"It seems even more boisterous than Xiaoxiao was back then," Zhao Zhi said, her smile gradually fading.
Before she could say anything, Shen Hanshan spoke first, slowly saying, "Zhizhi, I plan to return to Daxuan."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhi was taken aback, then her brows furrowed slightly. Shen Hanshan's injuries had long since healed, and she had tried to send him away several times, but he had refused each time.
His sudden decision caught her off guard. "Why?" she asked softly, a hint of nervousness in her voice. She hoped it wasn't her troublesome elder brother trying to take advantage of her weakened position!
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