The Legend of Zhen Huan: Year after year, we share the spring breeze

The north wind was freezing cold, carrying fine snow particles as it raged on the official road. The dead branches of the old trees on both sides of the road trembled in the wind, as if they would break under the weight at any moment.

The sky and the earth were vast and the mountains in the distance were hidden in the falling snow.

Even though Shen Pingchuan specially prepared the most comfortable carriage for An Lingrong, with thick fox fur mattresses covering the carriage and gilded heaters hanging on the four corners, the bumpy official road still made her suffer.

The wheels made a "crunching" sound as they rolled over the icy road, and the violent shaking of the car made An Lingrong's already pale face look even more haggard.

She felt her stomach churning, cold sweat oozing from her forehead, and even her breathing became rapid. It seemed as if all her internal organs were shaken and displaced.

He suppressed his discomfort, lifted the car curtain and looked out.

Shen Yunfei's back was covered with snow, his nose and ears were red from the cold, a layer of fine frost formed on his thick eyelashes, and his hands holding the reins were frozen purple.

Seeing An Lingrong lift the carriage curtain, he immediately rode closer, forcing a smile. His voice was a little hoarse in the cold wind, but still gentle, "Cousin, I didn't expect it to snow so suddenly. Please bear with it for a while. We're almost entering Cangzhou. Let's find an inn to rest."

Looking at his face, An Lingrong felt a little apologetic.

Along the way, she was eager to go home and kept urging Shen Yunfei. Shen Yunfei had to arrange food and accommodation in advance and be vigilant about the dangers on the road at all times. His originally handsome face had become haggard, and a dark stubble had appeared on his chin.

"Cousin, why don't you get in the carriage?"

Although the carriage was bumpy, it was at least warm.

"It's okay," Shen Yunfei shook his head and smiled casually, the white breath he exhaled quickly dissipating in the cold wind. "I have been practicing martial arts since I was a child, so this little bit of wind and snow is nothing. Please put down the curtain quickly, or you will catch a cold."

After saying this, he patted the horse's neck gently, then retreated to the front of the carriage and continued to clear the way.

He hid his numb fingers in his sleeves, thinking that it didn't matter if he suffered a little, but if he rode in the same car with his cousin and it got out and ruined her reputation, he would be blamed for it forever.

After walking for a few more days, the city wall of the capital finally came into view.

In front of the gate of the Shen Mansion, Mrs. Shen had already received the news and was waiting eagerly with Wang Zhiwei and a group of maids.

The sound of horse hooves could be heard in the distance.

Shen Yunfei appeared first. His cloak was covered with dust, but his face was filled with the joy of returning home.

Mrs. Shen hurried forward.

"Mom..." Seeing his mother coming, Shen Yunfei hurriedly went to greet her with a bright smile.

Madam Shen passed him by, came to the carriage, and lifted the curtain herself: "Rong'er, you're finally back!"

An Lingrong held Liu Zhu's hand and lightly jumped down, calling out with a smile, "Auntie!"

Madam Shen patted her back lovingly: "You must have had a hard time on the road. Come back home quickly. Hot water and hot food are ready."

As he was about to pull her inside, he told the servants, "Hurry up and serve the meal."

An Lingrong said softly, "Aunt, my sister must miss me. I'd better go back first!"

Madam Shen pondered for a moment, then finally nodded: "Then I'll take you there?"

"Okay." An Lingrong smiled faintly and turned around to get back into the car.

Shen Yunfei, who had been ignored, heard their conversation and took a few steps forward, his voice filled with urgency: "Wait a minute, cousin! You've been traveling so long, why don't you rest for a night? I'll personally take you back tomorrow."

An Lingrong paused, looked back at him, and shook her head softly. Her voice was soft but distant: "You are tired too, have a good rest."

Her gaze lingered on his tired face for a moment, then she suddenly became serious and bowed solemnly to him, "Third Young Master, I'm deeply grateful for your care along the way."

The name "Third Young Master" seemed to draw an invisible boundary between them.

Shen Yunfei's heart tightened, and he waved his hands in panic, his tone somewhat helpless: "Cousin, you are too kind. This is... what I should do!"

An Lingrong said nothing more, just nodded slightly, turned around and got into the car.

The driver whipped the wheel and shouted softly, and the wheels rolled over the bluestone slabs, making a dull sound.

Shen Yunfei stood there in a daze, and suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if something important was slipping through his fingers, and he didn't even have the right to keep it.

He watched the carriage gradually move away, and every little detail of the journey came to mind - her lowered brows as she brewed tea, the unknown tune she hummed across the screen in the inn, and even the occasional glint in her eyes when he made her laugh...

These subtle warmth now became out of reach as the carriage drove away.

He suddenly woke up and ran after her, his voice a little hoarse: "Cousin! Cousin!"

The carriage stopped at the sound.

An Lingrong lifted the car curtain, revealing half of her delicate face: "What's wrong?"

"I..." Shen Yunfei suddenly grabbed the shaft of the cart. The texture of the sandalwood hurt his palm, but he was completely unaware.

He took a deep breath: "I will come to see you in a few days, you...you wait for me!"

The voice was firm, as if making a promise.

An Lingrong was slightly startled, then the corners of her lips lifted slightly, revealing a very faint smile, but she did not comment.

The curtain was lowered and the carriage started again, and this time it never stopped.

Shen Yunfei stood there, watching the carriage disappear around the corner until the sound of the wheels completely dissipated in the wind, but the inexplicable dull pain in his chest lingered for a long time.

Wang Zhiwei came to his side and called softly, "Third brother? Third brother?"

Shen Yunfei came back to his senses: "Sister-in-law."

"You're tired too. Go back and rest." Wang Zhiwei looked at his red eyes and softened her voice. "You've been traveling so long. I asked the kitchen to make some ginseng soup..."

"Sister-in-law." Shen Yunfei suddenly interrupted her, his eyes blazing as he looked towards the direction where the carriage had disappeared. His voice was filled with unprecedented determination, "I have something to ask of you."

Wang Zhiwei was slightly stunned.

This brother-in-law, who has always been free and unrestrained, now has a look of stubborn seriousness between his brows.

She couldn't help but said seriously, "If you have something to say, just tell me directly. I won't refuse to help you if I can."

"I want to get married." Shen Yunfei said word by word, "I'll ask my sister-in-law to help me prepare the betrothal gifts and matchmaker!"

Wang Zhiwei's usually serious face suddenly broke into a smile: "Okay!"

She couldn't help but pat Shen Yunfei on the shoulder. "Your betrothal gifts have been prepared by your mother-in-law a long time ago, and we have been waiting for this day. But you have to tell me which girl you like so that I can find a matchmaker of equal status."