Shen Huaixu unconsciously held his breath, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility before him.
The Shen Jintang at this moment is completely different from the decisive and ruthless Lord Siyan he remembered.
Her wrist, resting on the armrest, was so slender it was almost transparent, with faint blue veins visible, yet one could still discern the strength she displayed when wielding the sword—a tenacity that ran deep in her bones, a strength that had not faded even while she was bedridden.
The sunlight shone on her pale skin, gilding her with a thin layer of gold. The golden glow seemed to be trying to dispel the color she had lost during her illness, making her look more vibrant.
"Have you seen enough?" Shen Jintang's voice suddenly rang out, carrying a hint of laziness, yet also exuding an undeniable authority.
Her eyes remained closed, yet her tone seemed to reveal everything.
Shen Huaixu then came to his senses, coughed lightly, and walked forward with steady steps, his voice filled with undisguised concern: "You look much better."
Shen Jintang slowly opened her eyes, her dark pupils shimmering with an amber-like luster in the sunlight.
She looked at Shen Huaixu, the corners of her mouth curving upwards slightly, her tone tinged with a hint of teasing: "Lord Shen, you came here personally, surely not just to see me sunbathing?"
Shen Huaixu sat down naturally on a low stool beside her, gently smoothing the hem of her clothes that had been ruffled by the wind, and said as if chatting casually, "I heard you made a filter?"
The two tacitly avoided mentioning that Shen Jintang had contracted the plague and been sent to the west of the city, as if that period of time had never happened.
A subtle tranquility permeated the air, with only a gentle breeze bringing a touch of coolness.
"Hmm." Shen Jintang responded lazily, reaching for the teapot on the small table next to her.
Shen Huaixu quickly picked up the teapot and gently poured her half a cup. The aroma of tea rose and filled the air between them: "The people are very grateful to you."
"It was just a small favor."
Shen Jintang took the teacup, her fingertips inadvertently brushing against the back of Shen Huaixu's hand, the temperature burning hot.
Shen Jintang narrowed her eyes, looked up at him, and her eyes were filled with doubt.
The epidemic has been brought under control, so how could he have contracted it?
A sense of doubt arose in her heart, and her eyes became more inquisitive.
A brief silence fell between the two, with only the aroma of tea quietly filling the air.
Shen Huaixu's gaze lingered on her face, scrutinizing every detail.
She's still alive, that's good.
"How are the Yellow River fortifications progressing?"
Shen Jintang suddenly asked, her voice carrying a serious tone that could not be ignored.
"Progress is going well." Upon hearing about the serious matter, Shen Huaixu subconsciously became serious and said, "The craftsmen sent by the Ministry of Works are very capable, and it is expected to be completed in another month."
"Where are the officials in the city?" Shen Jintang asked again, his eyes narrowing slightly, his gaze fixed on Shen Huaixu like a sharp arrow.
Shen Huaixu paused, slightly adjusted his posture, and said in a deep voice, "Step by step."
Shen Jintang gave a soft snort, placing the empty teacup back on the small table. The crisp clinking sound was particularly clear in the quiet air: "Shen Huaixu, what exactly are you doing here?"
Seeing her impatient expression, Shen Huaixu smiled, his smile carrying a hint of composure: "There's a victory celebration banquet tonight, hosted by officials from the city." He paused, looking directly at Shen Jintang, "and you were specially invited."
Shen Jintang frowned, as if she was thinking about something. She tapped her fingertips lightly on the rim of the teacup twice, making a soft sound.
A moment later, she suddenly curled her lips into a meaningful smile: "Okay."
She turned her head and called out, "Xing Hui."
The maid who had been standing guard at a distance immediately stepped forward, her steps light and swift.
Shen Jintang whispered a few words in her ear, and Xing Hui's eyes instantly sharpened, as if a cold light flashed across them, but she quickly returned to normal, simply nodded slightly, and then withdrew.
Shen Jintang patted off non-existent dust from the hem of her clothes, her movements gentle and elegant: "Let's go, aren't we leaving the quarantine zone?"
She reached out her hand to Shen Huaixu, her voice tinged with languor: "Help me up, my legs are going numb from lying down for so long."
Shen Huaixu held her hand, and the touch was warmer and stronger than he had imagined.
He paused for a moment, then steadily supported her and said softly, "Be careful."
In the sunlight, their shadows overlapped on the ground, stretching out beyond the quarantine zone...
The carriage moved slowly along the official road, its wheels rolling over gravel, making a soft, rhythmic sound.
Shen Jintang leaned against the soft cushion, closing her eyes to rest. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the carriage curtain, casting a soft outline on her face, as if gilding her features with a warm glow.
Her breathing was steady and gentle, as if she were enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.
Shen Huaixu's gaze unconsciously fell on her.
She had lost a lot of weight; her clothes, which used to fit her perfectly, were now slightly loose, revealing the hollows in her collarbone and making the knuckles on her wrists more distinct.
These details were particularly dazzling in the sunlight. Shen Huaixu pursed his lips, a feeling he couldn't quite describe welling up inside him—a mix of heartache and regret, regrets he could never make up for.
But no matter how much regret there is, there is nothing that can be done.
Even if you give him another chance, his decision won't change.
Shen Jintang suddenly opened her eyes and met his gaze.
She raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone laced with a hint of languor and confusion: "What are you looking at?"
Shen Huaixu quickly looked away, his tone indifferent as he said, "It's nothing."
Shen Jintang didn't press the matter. She reached out and took a piece of pastry from the small table on the carriage, taking a slow and deliberate bite.
She chewed slowly, as if savoring this rare moment of tranquility.
After swallowing, she looked up at Shen Huaixu, her tone casual: "You should eat some too."
Shen Huaixu was slightly taken aback, and subconsciously shook his head: "I'm not hungry."
Shen Jintang pushed the pastries towards him, her tone leaving no room for doubt, carrying an unyielding determination: "Eat."
Shen Huaixu paused for a moment, then finally picked up a piece, but there was still some doubt in his eyes.
"We have a tough battle to fight today," Shen Jintang suddenly said, her voice soft, as if reminding Shen Huaixu.
Shen Huaixu looked up at her, his brows furrowing slightly: "What tough battle?"
Shen Jintang shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with a deep and uncertain look: "I haven't thought it through yet, but it definitely won't be anything good."
She paused, her gaze calm and firm. "It's never a bad thing to have something to eat."
Shen Huaixu looked at her and suddenly smiled, a smile that carried a hint of helplessness and a hint of submission: "Okay."
Shen Jintang glanced at him with some surprise. When did he become so obedient?
Shen Huaixu lowered his eyes and took a bite of the pastry, completely unaware of Shen Jintang's question, and just chewed silently.
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