"No, this is the result of everyone's joint efforts," Zhao Zhi replied with a smile.
None of this would have been possible without the support and dedication of everyone. Therefore, she cherishes this achievement even more and is determined to continue her efforts to create better living conditions for the people.
Looking at the bustling scene before her, Zhao Zhi felt immense satisfaction. She knew this was just the beginning, and many more challenges awaited her. But she believed that as long as she persevered, she would surely realize her dreams and make this land a better place.
While carefully supporting Zhao Zhi, Cuiyun secretly kept an eye on the surroundings.
Although she knew that the bodyguards around her and the Empress were dressed in plain clothes and scattered throughout the crowd, she figured that if she looked closely, she couldn't go wrong.
For safety reasons, Zhao Zhi wore a human skin mask from the Great Xuan era today. Time had passed, and she had become somewhat plumper than before, so a new mask was made that fit her face perfectly, almost indistinguishable from a real person.
“I heard that the Lantern Festival in both counties will be held by the lake on Chuncho River this year. Shall we go together?” A female student suddenly suggested from behind, and her suggestion was immediately met with enthusiastic responses from her companions.
"Wow, I've never seen such a large-scale lantern festival before!"
"And I've heard there will be a lantern riddle guessing activity, with prizes for winning!"
"Master, I heard that the Lantern Festival is jointly organized by the two prefectures and should be very lively. Would you like to watch it? We can make arrangements in advance..." Cuiyun asked Zhao Zhi softly from the side.
We'll see.
As the sun rose higher, the bustling atmosphere of the market not only did not diminish, but became even more intense.
When Zhao Zhi and Cuiyun got tired, they stopped at a wonton stall in the market and ate some wontons. Before eating the wontons, Zhao Zhi lifted up her wide sleeves and discreetly tested them for poison with a silver needle. After confirming that there was no harm, she nodded slightly to Cuiyun, indicating that she could eat them without worry.
The sun was already high in the sky, shining through the veil of clouds onto the bustling crowd.
The human skin mask on Zhao Zhi's face appeared even more natural amidst the interplay of light and shadow; only her bright eyes revealed genuine emotions that transcended the mask.
"Mmm—it smells so good—" Zhao Zhi hadn't felt this happy in a long time.
Indeed, only the smoky atmosphere of the marketplace can bring out the true flavor of smoked food.
She suddenly missed the days she spent living on Liujiang Street.
Although not her biological mother, her mother treated her extremely well. Zhang Wan was even more affectionate towards her than towards her own children. So much so that when she learned her true identity, she thought it was a joke her mother and grandmother were playing on her.
Thinking of this, Zhao Zhi looked at the wontons in her bowl and her eyes suddenly reddened.
She suddenly realized that the New Year was approaching, and her elder brother Zhao Yi must be very lonely in the Lingyang Imperial City all by himself.
"Cuiyun, how many more days until Zhu Sanniang arrives?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, judging by the days, Lord Zhu and Lord Lin should arrive in the next day or two. Should we urge them to speed things up?" Cuiyun didn't know why Zhao Zhi suddenly asked about Zhu Sanniang.
Originally, Zhu San Niang was supposed to go with them, but the Emperor Emeritus had something that needed her to do, so she was delayed for a few days.
"No need, I was just asking casually."
After finishing her wontons, Cuiyun took out a silver ingot and placed it on the table, indicating that she didn't need to keep the change. The stall owner accepted it with profuse thanks, and watching the two figures leave, he muttered to himself, "Although these two noble ladies' appearances are not outstanding, their overall demeanor is incomparable to that of ordinary people."
"Master, if we go any further, we'll reach the territory of Da Xuan," Cuiyun whispered, reminding Zhao Zhi when she saw that he showed no sign of stopping.
"It's alright."
As soon as Zhao Zhi finished speaking, two men walked towards them.
The younger man was dressed in a simple blue robe with delicate bamboo leaf patterns embroidered on the lapel, and a fine inkwell and several bamboo scrolls hung at his waist. One could immediately guess that he did clerical work.
Standing beside him was Xu Hui. The two occasionally whispered to each other, the man holding a quill pen, intently writing something in his notebook.
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