Outside the window, stars twinkle, delicately outlining the Milky Way's trajectory on the boundless sky.
Inside the hall, the candlelight flickered, and Shen Hanshan's hand, like the most skillful painter, slowly roamed over Zhao Zhi's skin, each touch stirring up delicate ripples.
He chuckled softly, a hint of smugness in his voice: "Your Majesty, you haven't answered me yet. Don't you think this night scene is perfect for us to paint a 'starry scroll' together?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhi's eyes sparkled, and her cheeks flushed even more. She gently scolded, "Shen Hanshan, you're always so improper!"
When their feelings were stirred, he would call her "Your Majesty," and she would address him by his given name.
Shen Hanshan ignored Zhao Zhi's words, gently took her hand, and slid it down his slender waist. His voice was hoarse and strained. "Your Majesty, I am willing to be your husband, someone you can't have in the open, but you have to have pity on me and let me at least have a little time in your galaxy, okay?"
A moment later.
On the dragon bed, the brocade quilt, embroidered with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns, seemed to come alive, swaying gently with the movements of the two people.
The bed was surrounded by gossamer-thin gauze curtains that swayed gently in the breeze.
An hour later, in a good mood, Shen Hanshan gently wiped the sweat from Zhao Zhi's forehead with a silk handkerchief.
Seeing her slightly flushed skin, he felt a pang of guilt. "Zhizhi, I'm sorry."
Zhao Zhi smiled shyly, her blush deepening. The next moment, Shen Hanshan tenderly took a handkerchief and gently washed Zhao Zhi's hands.
Seeing the other person's red hands, he immediately felt guilty. "Zhizhi, I'm sorry. I've made you go through all this trouble."
Recalling what had just happened, Zhao Zhi's face flushed red again. She abruptly pulled her hand away from Shen Hanshan's grasp, wiped it with a cotton towel, turned around, and got onto the bed. "So sleepy, let's sleep."
"Zhizhi, there's one more thing. Your imperial brother is coming to Chaoyang County for the New Year." After getting into bed, Shen Hanshan gently embraced Zhao Zhi and said.
"I think he probably had ulterior motives at the bar." Zhao Zhi yawned several times, her voice gradually fading. "I really don't understand. He clearly likes her so much, yet he kicked her out. Isn't that...he brought it on himself..."
Shen Hanshan only heard a few scattered words, and then he heard the woman's even breathing beside him.
Zhao Zhi fell asleep.
At 9 PM that night, Lin Wanqing and Zhu Sanniang traveled day and night and finally arrived at Cuiwei Palace.
The next morning, while Zhao Zhi was still getting ready, someone came to report that Lord Lin and Lord Zhu had arrived at the imperial palace at 9 PM the previous night, but fearing they might disturb His Majesty's rest, they delayed their arrival until this morning.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhi was overjoyed and quickly put down the rouge in her hand, instructing the maid to invite the two gentlemen inside.
Lin Wanqing and Zhu Sanniang entered the hall, their brows showing signs of fatigue.
"Quickly, offer them seats and serve tea." Zhao Zhi instructed the two to sit down, and while personally pouring tea for Lin Wanqing and Zhu Sanniang, she joked, "My lords, this is a 'royal special' tea that I brewed myself to refresh you. It is specially made to cure the fatigue of a long journey. I guarantee that after you drink it, you will be refreshed immediately, even warmer than a freshly baked sesame seed cake!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanqing exaggeratedly picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and then her eyes lit up as she laughed, "Oh my, Your Majesty's tea not only has the effect of refreshing the mind, but also has the magic of making people feel relaxed and happy. I'm afraid even the heavenly nectar of the celestial palace cannot compare to this."
Zhu Sanniang, beaming from ear to ear, chimed in, "Your Majesty, if you opened a teahouse with such skill, even the God of Wealth would have to patronize it every day. We, your subjects, would probably have to line up and offer silver for a cup!"
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