The guard stiffened.
Zhao Yang found it increasingly peculiar and commanded once more, "Raise your head for this princess."
After a brief struggle, the guard slowly lifted his head, the brim of his black hat tilting upward.
Under the bright moonlight of a spring night, his handsome yet unfamiliar face came into Zhao Yang's view.
A stranger.
Zhao Yang was deeply puzzled and asked softly, "Have we met somewhere before?"
The guard's lips curved into a faint smile before he lowered his head again.
...
...
Night fell over Yongning Palace.
The hour was late, and Shen Wei, having drunk a bit at the banquet, felt her head swimming. After downing half a bowl of sobering soup, drowsiness overtook her, and she retreated early beneath the covers to rest.
Li Yuanjing lay beside her on the same bed.
As Shen Wei drifted in and out of sleep, she suddenly heard faint rustling by her pillow. Blinking groggily, she saw Li Yuanjing rise, draping his robe over his shoulders.
