After the wind and rain subsided, the moon had somehow climbed up the sky.
Shen Hanshan suddenly pressed down on the hand that was on his waist, and said with slightly disordered breathing, "Zhizhi, stop messing around, let me rest for a while."
He was really exhausted.
Zhao Zhi chuckled softly, trying to pull her hand back, but she couldn't.
The next day, as dawn broke, Zhao Zhi woke up to find that the other side of the bed was empty.
“Your Majesty, an hour ago, Lord Shen requested an audience outside the palace, saying he wanted to return to Da Xuan. However, he was worried about disturbing Your Majesty's plans, so he asked me to send a message to Your Majesty. Now, I'm afraid he has already returned to Da Xuan.”
When Cuiyun saw that Zhao Zhi had woken up, she hurriedly went to help her get dressed and wash up, while reporting to her.
Zhao Zhi yawned and nodded, indicating that she understood. She then asked, "Is there any movement from Jinglan Pavilion?"
"The physician Zhang sent someone to deliver a message saying that the matter has been completed. However, the next month is a crucial period, and no one is allowed to disturb Jinglan Pavilion."
To the outside world, Zhang Wan was just a female physician. When Zhao Zhi spoke with her maternal grandfather and mother yesterday, she dismissed everyone else. Cuiyun only knew that the Empress had a close relationship with Physician Zhang, but she did not know their true identities.
"A simple bun will do." Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhi prepared to get up. "I'll go take a look at Jinglan Pavilion."
“Your Majesty.” Cuiyun slightly moved the comb away from her hand and hesitated before speaking, “The messenger specifically instructed that Your Majesty is pregnant with the imperial heir and may be disturbed, so this ‘anyone’ includes Your Majesty.”
Zhao Zhigang's raised buttocks slowly fell back down.
She glanced at the clear blue sky outside, remained silent for a moment, then looked down at herself in the bronze mirror and muttered to herself, "A month has passed, and it will be almost Chinese New Year."
“Yes, this servant has never spent the New Year in Chunsheng County before!” Cuiyun stood by the window, looking out through the gap in the window paper, her eyes revealing a hint of longing and anticipation.
She tilted her head slightly, smiled, and said to Zhao Zhi, "I really wonder what it's like to celebrate the New Year here..."
Looking at Cuiyun's expectant expression, Zhao Zhi had a sudden thought and asked, "Would you like to go out for a walk?"
Upon hearing this, Cuiyun's face flashed with surprise and hesitation. She turned to Zhao Zhi and said with some worry, "This... Your Majesty, I'm afraid this is inappropriate. After all, we are in a foreign land. What if we encounter danger? Besides, we are unfamiliar with this place..."
Zhao Zhi waved her hand gently and comforted her with a smile, "Don't worry, Chunsheng County and Chaoyang County are far from the capital, and the people are simple and honest, so there shouldn't be any danger. Besides, I have so many imperial guards protecting me, and they are not to be trifled with."
After hearing Zhao Zhi's words, Cuiyun felt a little more at ease, but she was still somewhat worried.
"Go and make the arrangements."
"Yes, ma'am!" Cuiyun received Zhao Zhi's order and quickly instructed the servants to prepare for the trip.
The border area between Chunsheng County and Chaoyang County.
As the year draws to a close, the market becomes increasingly lively, as if the air itself is filled with festive joy and warmth.
The unique geographical location at the junction of the two counties has made this market a blend of northern and southern flavors, with a dazzling array of goods that are hard to resist.
As dawn breaks, a ray of sunlight shines on the bustling streets, its golden glow reflecting the smiles on people's faces.
In the distance, female students from Yunxuan College strolled through the market in twos and threes during their winter break.
"Look, the sugar painting master over there is absolutely amazing! The dragon and phoenix are so lifelike!" A female student with pigtails and eyes sparkling with curiosity exclaimed excitedly, pointing to a stall not far away.
Upon hearing this, her companions gathered around, chattering amongst themselves about what kind of pattern they wanted.
"I want one with a lotus pattern, symbolizing elegance and purity for the New Year," a gentle girl in a light green dress said softly.
"I'd like to try that tiger. I hope next year I'll be even more successful and have great academic achievements!" Another cheerful girl in a bright red dress laughed heartily, drawing laughter from those around her.
Not far away, an elderly man selling Spring Festival couplets was writing with great skill, and the black characters on the red paper revealed a strong festive atmosphere.
"Spring breeze and rain nourish all things, joy fills the door and good fortune shines." A female student softly recited the Spring Festival couplet that the old man had just written, her eyes full of admiration. "This couplet is so good. It is both poetic and appropriate for the occasion. I want to buy it and paste it on my door."
At the market, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, chatting, and bargaining mingled together, creating a joyful prelude to the Spring Festival.
The vendors busily and joyfully attracted customers, who eagerly selected New Year's goods, their faces beaming with anticipation and hope for the new year.
Cuiyun carefully supported Zhao Zhi as they strolled through the market, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Master, all of this is thanks to your good deeds!" Zhao Zhi smiled slightly, a sense of satisfaction welling up within him.
Since taking over Yunchao, a series of reforms have been implemented, giving this land a new lease on life. Today, the markets are thriving, and the people live prosperous lives.
The vast land is developing in the way she envisioned.
If nothing unexpected happens.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
