Zhao Junyao strolled around the Imperial Garden for a while, then he went to Xia Ruqing's place. Now that the Empress was not in the palace, he didn't need to consider other people's feelings, so he went wherever he wanted. Noble Concubine Shih was indeed dissatisfied, but she didn't dare to say anything. No one else dared to speak up either. Thus, Zhao Junyao's days were quite comfortable.
「Qingya Residence.」
When Zhao Junyao entered, bringing a chill of ice and snow with him, Xia Ruqing was comfortably curled up in bed, hugging the quilt and sleeping soundly. Seeing her finally at ease, Zhao Junyao couldn't bear to disturb her. He called for tea and pastries and sat by the window, reading a book by himself.
By mid-afternoon, the sky outside had grown even more overcast, and the sound of the wind could be heard even through the glazed windows. It wasn't long before it began to snow. The ice crystals, caught by the cold wind, beat against the glazed windows, rustling loudly.
