The Northern Frontier army usually prepared for winter on their own, capable of being self-sufficient under normal circumstances. However, this year's snow disaster meant there would inevitably be shortages. Baili Chongyan wouldn't rest easy without sending supplies.
Just as the messenger departed with supplies, someone from the Northern Frontier arrived.
Besides the young girl who had previously escorted Long Qian, there were four others. Among them were a pair of siblings, a senior brother and junior sister, who had been searching for medicine for Baili Chongyan. The other two were covert guards protecting them.
The weather remained bitterly cold, with heavy snow falling day after day. The roofs needed clearing every few hours to prevent collapse.
Elsewhere, only a path was painstakingly cleared, requiring constant shoveling to remain passable.
Snow piled up to waist height everywhere. Baili Chongyan pushed Zhu Zhi through the cleared path in her wheelchair, their laughter filling the small courtyard.
"Hahaha, one more time!"
Baili Chongyan propelled the wheelchair towards the entrance.
"To the left."
"Alright, don't move erratically!"
"Over there, over there!"
"Hahaha..."
Hearing the joyous commotion from within, those outside were momentarily unsure whether to enter or not, caught in an awkward pause.
"You inside, is that really the Prince?"
The captain of the guards' face froze. The denial he intended to utter turned to swallowed saliva amidst the laughter and playful shouts from within.
The young woman, cloaked and hesitant, spoke incredulously, "How has the Prince become like this?"
Their search for medicine was not yet complete. They had heard the Prince had recovered, which was good news, but how had he become like this?
The guard captain replied with some difficulty, "Young Master Du, the one inside is indeed the Prince. He's likely playing with the Princess. Perhaps we should return later? Disturbing them would displease the Prince."
Zhu Zhi had no objections; she always called a halt whenever they visited.
Conversely, Baili Chongyan, though outwardly showing no displeasure at the time, would later find subtle ways to subtly 'punish' those who disrupted their moments. And within this group, he was often the target.
"Playing with the Princess?"
Both of them were stunned.
In everyone's perception, Baili Chongyan had once been a mighty general, then a sickly, gloomy invalid confined to bed. How could he exhibit such exuberance?
"Yes."
As they hesitated, the young girl in colorful attire stepped forward and pushed open the door.
At that moment, it was Zhu Zhi's turn to push Baili Chongyan. The two were speeding towards her.
The group gasped in alarm.
"What are you doing! Stop!"
The young woman reached out to pull her back, but she remained unmoving.
Everyone's hearts tightened.
Fortunately, the wheelchair came to a steady halt before her, showing no signs of losing control.
Baili Chongyan dismounted the wheelchair with a blank expression. His recovered face bore his usual stern demeanor.
"It really is the Prince! The Prince has truly recovered!"
Zhou Yu, excited, moved to rush forward but was blocked by Zhu Zhi. Her voice, cold and tinged with possessiveness, demanded, "What are you doing?"
Zhou Yu involuntarily stopped. Facing Zhu Zhi, who stood before her in red with an imposing aura, she was rendered speechless.
"Ayu," Du Jin stepped forward, taking her hand and retreating a couple of steps. "This is Her Highness the Princess. You must not be disrespectful."
"Your humble servant Du Jin pays respects to Her Highness the Princess."
Zhou Yu, belatedly realizing, murmured, "This humble woman pays respects to the Princess."
Then she whispered, "Aren't you cold?"
On such a cold day, everyone else was bundled up like bears when going in and out. She, who always cared about her appearance, was now layered three or four times with a cloak. Why was this person in mere court attire, her face ruddy, showing no signs of cold?
"I'm not cold." Zhu Zhi, finding this person was not as she had expected, dropped her guard slightly and softened her tone.
She looked at the person beside her and offered her hand.
Baili Chongyan, dressed thinly to play and with red hands from the cold, quickly clasped her hand.
"Hiss." Zhu Zhi was not afraid of the cold, but touching something so frigid was uncomfortable. "Why are you so cold?"
Baili Chongyan smiled at her, looking innocent and pitiful.
Zhu Zhi had no choice but to hold his hand tighter to warm it.
As the two exchanged loving glances, engrossed in each other, the others instantly felt like intruders.
The young girl in colorful attire approached and called out, "Master."
"Mm," Zhu Zhi replied indifferently.
In her eyes, the colorful-clothed girl was not truly a person, so there was no need to be serious.
Unexpectedly, the girl then addressed Baili Chongyan, "My Lord, I escorted Young Master Long back to the Northern Frontier without incident, successfully delivering him safely without injury."
Baili Chongyan looked puzzled and could only say, "Thank you. You have worked hard on this journey."
Only then did Zhu Zhi glance at the girl again, noticing something amiss.