Zhang Wan was quick to act; the day after Zhao Rou's miscarriage, Li Huai'an brought her tonics.
He gave the tonic to Zhang Wan and inquired about Zhao Zhi from her.
Zhang Wan said that Zhao Zhi was wild and had disappeared somewhere to play; she hadn't seen her for two months.
Li Huai'an was somewhat disappointed.
He glanced down at his moon-white Song brocade outfit and thought to himself, "It's a pity Zhao Zhi can't see this."
Li Huai'an usually prefers dark-colored clothes, but Zhao Zhi prefers light colors.
He wore this moon-white Song brocade outfit today on purpose. The white jade pendant tied around his waist was a gift from Zhao Zhi to him on his birthday a few years ago.
His shoes today were also carefully chosen, with non-slip copper studs on the soles and the uppers made of fine silk, which were both comfortable and durable, and looked very nice.
Zhang Wan escorted Li Huai'an to the gate of the mansion. She looked up at the sky and said, "Huai'an, it's almost noon. Why don't you have lunch with your uncle before you leave?"
"Auntie, I—" Li Huai'an was about to say that he had something else to do and would not stay any longer.
Looking up, he saw Zhao Zhitong chatting and laughing with a man as they walked towards him from a distance. He immediately changed his mind and said, "Okay."
As the two approached, Li Huai'an immediately noticed the moon-white brocade robe the man was wearing.
The collar of the robe was exquisitely designed, with fine patterns embroidered in gold thread along the edges.
The cuffs are also embroidered with patterns in gold thread, echoing the design on the collar.
As the man swayed gently with his steps, his wide sleeves resembled a crane spreading its wings, flowing gracefully and freely.
The most striking feature is the unique brocade pattern on the robe, with silver threads interwoven against a moon-white background, creating a hazy and mysterious beauty.
Li Huai'an subconsciously glanced down at the Song brocade fabric he was wearing, and compared to the other person, he instantly paled in comparison.
He looked at Zhao Zhi, who was wearing a pale yellow brocade dress with openwork floral patterns at the waist and silver threads along the hem, which shimmered like a gentle glow as she moved.
The two of them standing together looked like a perfect couple.
A pang of sorrow welled up in Li Huai'an's heart.
"Just one?" Zhang Wan was somewhat surprised to see Zhao Zhi.
She strode over, intending to hug her as usual, but suddenly remembered her other identity and hesitated.
Instead, Zhao Zhi, just like before, hugged her tightly and called out affectionately, "Mother, I've missed you so much!"
Cui Shenghe, who was standing to the side, handed the gift in his hand to Baozhu and greeted her, "Hello, Madam Zhao."
Zhang Wan hurriedly asked Zhao Zhi to release her, and replied timidly, "Young Master Cui has also arrived."
Cui Shenghe nodded and smiled, "Just hanging around for lunch. Madam Zhao doesn't mind, does she?"
Zhang Wan quickly shook her head, "I don't mind, I don't mind." She turned her head and muttered to herself, "It's really lively today."
Zhao Zhi then looked at Li Huai'an and happily asked him why he had come.
Li Huai'an stammered, unsure how to answer.
He was deeply reluctant to let Zhao Zhi know about his messy affair with Zhao Rou.
Before Li Huai'an could answer, Zhao Zhi introduced him, "This is my sworn brother, Cui Shenghe. Brother, this is Li Huai'an, my sister's fiancé, hehe, and also my childhood friend."
Li Huai'an and Cui Shenghe exchanged a smile, which was considered a greeting.
Zhao Zhi looked behind her mother and asked, "Why do I only see my brother-in-law and not my sister? Mother, where is my sister?"
"Perhaps she was doing embroidery indoors," Zhang Wan lied.
When Li Huai'an first arrived, she sent Baozhu to invite Zhao Yun.
But Zhao Yun was unwilling to see Li Huai'an.
Zhao Zhi knew what Zhao Yun was thinking, so she smoothed things over by saying, "That's true. My sister and brother-in-law's wedding is only a few months away, so we need to hurry up with the embroidery."
Fearing she might ask something inappropriate, Zhang Wan quickly ushered them into the courtyard.
Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar.
No, they are two different sounds of horses' hooves.
Cui Shenghe listened intently, his brows furrowing slightly.
It seems the Zhao residence is quite lively today!
As expected, Zhao Shouzhen, dressed in court attire, stepped down from the first carriage, his face long and sullen, like a rock in a latrine.
Then, a person got off from another carriage.
It was Shen Hanshan, dressed in court attire.
This was the first time Zhao Zhi had seen Shen Hanshan in court attire.
He wore a crimson robe with a round collar and narrow sleeves, embroidered with exquisite patterns on the front, back, and shoulders. He wore a crown that reached the sky, a dark leather belt around his waist, and blue satin boots.
She was stunned.
Shen Hanshan was very satisfied with Zhao Zhi's reaction; this was exactly the effect he wanted.
Seeing that his daughter's soul was almost bewitched by her political enemy, Shen Hanshan, Zhao Shouzhen coughed and asked who the important person standing next to Zhao Zhi was.
Of all the people in this group, the one next to his daughter was the only one he had never met before.
Zhao Zhi blushed and introduced the two, saying that this was her sworn brother Cui Shenghe, who was also a royal merchant.
She asked again, "Father, shouldn't you be eating in the palace? Why have you come home?"
Zhao Shouzhen glanced at Shen Hanshan beside him and said in a low voice, "Who knows what this guy said to the Emperor? The Emperor allowed me to have lunch at home today."
After saying this, he invited everyone into the mansion.
Zhao Zhi glanced thoughtfully at Shen Hanshan, then quickly looked away.
If she wasn't mistaken, it was probably because her elder brother knew she was safe and sound and wanted to reunite with their father.
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