Prince Yan still harbored some lingering affection for Liu Ruyan. When she fell ill with a cold, he decided to visit her out of past sentiment.
"Your Highness, let this concubine accompany you," Shen Wei said, slowly rising with a hand on her waist, instructing Cai Lian to fetch her cloak.
Prince Yan gave a faint smile and clasped Shen Wei's warm hand. "It's snowing outside, and the cold is biting. Weiwei, you should rest. This prince will go to Qixue Pavilion and return shortly."
Shen Wei wanted to see him off, but Prince Yan stopped her. She could only watch "reluctantly" as his tall figure gradually vanished into the vast expanse of snow.
"Cai Lian, bring me the tea oil," Shen Wei said, her smile fading the moment Prince Yan left.
She intended to apply the tea oil to her belly to minimize stretch marks.
...
The snow continued to fall at night, blanketing the stone paths of the prince's residence.
