The mist over Zhu River was hazy, and a light fog blanketed the area in the early chill, making it seem as if one had returned to the waterways of Jiangnan.
Reaching the ferry crossing, Ping'an leapt down, turned back with his umbrella raised, and respectfully invited Xiao Cheng.
"Your Majesty."
Xiao Cheng glanced at him, "Your injury has not healed, why not rest for a few more days?"
He turned his gaze to Jixiang, "You, come here."
Jixiang saw the despondency in Ping'an's eyes, nodded, lowered his head, took the umbrella, and held it over the Emperor's head, maintaining a distance and a respectful stance, silently moving forward.
Xiao Cheng, dressed in a loose robe, walked with an upright posture, questioning the guard as he went.
"Did the scout say what illness she has?"
Xuchi shook his head, "The Imperial Guard Camp sent out a fast horse in the middle of the night, heading straight to Andu to fetch someone. Some speculate that the lady might be with child..."
