The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Meanwhile, Zheng Xun, upon returning to the princess's residence, was overjoyed to learn that there would be a holiday the next day, and walked with a light heart.

Aman and Afeng had already woken up. She hadn't seen Zheng Xun in the morning, so she didn't make a fuss. She just squatted in front of Afeng's bed and looked at the door.

The servants wanted to move her to another spot, but Aman was adamant: "I'll wait for her."

The "she" in this context refers to Zheng Xun.

She ate breakfast obediently, fed her brother, and continued to wait without making a fuss.

Aside from being unusually silent, Oman showed no signs of anything amiss.

The sun was shining brightly today, and Zheng Xun was in a good mood. He asked enthusiastically, "Shall we go out and soak up some sun?"

Aman hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.

Zheng Xun was prepared to be rejected, but was somewhat surprised and teased, "I thought you didn't want to go out."

“Because Ah Xun has no patience,” Aman explained.

Zheng Xun: ...

“I’m not that impatient,” Zheng Xun said, lifting Afeng into the wheelchair.

The cook was efficient; she went to the largest bookstore in the capital and asked the shopkeeper to select a large stack of books, which were delivered today. Zheng Xun picked up a few books and slowly pushed Ah Feng into the courtyard.

Zheng Xun pushed the wheelchair into the pavilion and nodded in satisfaction.

"Sit down." She patted the chair next to her, gesturing for Aman to sit down.

Aman sat down next to her, then moved closer to her.

"So well-behaved." Zheng Xun's eyebrows curved slightly.

Aman and Afeng were stronger than she had imagined; they showed no sign of death, only stubbornness.

It's remarkable that he hasn't gone insane after suffering for so long.

I can't imagine how brilliant they would be if they had normal lives, if suffering had never befallen them.

Zheng Xun placed a book on his lap and opened it: "Can you read?"

Ah Feng and Ah Man shook their heads.

“I will read it to you.”

This is a collection of essays. The first essay is a travelogue. The protagonist is forced to resign from his official post and recuperate due to illness. The travelogue recounts his experiences on his way back to his hometown, and the content is very humorous and interesting.

"Auntie said that Ah Feng's hands and feet are not seriously injured, but it has been delayed for a long time and will take a year and a half to heal. Once he is fully recovered, he can visit the places mentioned in the travelogue. But before that, you can try to learn martial arts to strengthen your bodies so that you can better protect yourselves."

protect yourself?

When Ah Feng heard this, he glanced at his sister and met her gaze.

Since their rescue, the brother and sister have lost their former intimacy. They rarely look at each other and rarely communicate. Perhaps it's because every time they see each other, it's like seeing their most wretched and painful past selves.

Even if they are not weak people, the demons in their hearts are not so easy to overcome.

But at this moment, they are very clear that they share the same belief—to protect themselves and the people they care about.

Aman said softly, "Okay."

Zheng Xun was stunned for a moment before realizing that Aman had agreed. She smiled and said, "Okay! Let's learn martial arts. Although it's a late start, maybe you can become a little expert in the future."

She also wanted to learn martial arts.

She firmly believes that all fear stems from insufficient firepower. Although she has superpowers, superpowers will eventually run out. As for trump cards and skills, you can never have too many.

After all, the peaceful days of the Great Yong Dynasty would only last for ten years.

Ten years later, the country was shattered and war raged, and there was no longer any chance for peaceful leisure.

However, all of this is still far off. At this moment, Aman rested her chin on her hand, and a gentle breeze ruffled her hair.

A few leaves drifted down and landed gently on Ah Feng's arm. He blinked and looked up at the sun.

Zheng Xun gently turned to the next page: "It was March, spring was in full bloom, and the new willows were just beginning to sprout..."

She read two paragraphs, then stopped abruptly.

Aman turned to look at her and found that she had her brows tightly furrowed and her expression was not good.

She quickly finished reading the entire book, and then skimmed through the rest of the books.

"What's wrong?" Aman asked hesitantly.

"It's nothing." Zheng Xun picked out a book and read it as usual.

The brother and sister were not in good health to exert themselves, so half an hour later, Zheng Xun took them back to rest and then left in a hurry.

She naturally didn't see that after she left, the harmonious scene instantly changed, and Aman and Afeng were each in their own rooms, the atmosphere around them returning to a suffocatingly oppressive state.

It seems that all her ease and composure were just an act for Zheng Xun's benefit.

Those who spend too much time in darkness may also be corrupted by it.

Things needed to be done one at a time, so Zheng Xun first went to Jianyang.

"You want to learn martial arts?" Jianyang was somewhat surprised when he heard her purpose. "You've never learned it before?"

Princesses of the Dayong Dynasty were also required to learn martial arts, but the level they reached depended entirely on their own initiative.

Could it be that the little girl regrets not studying harder back then?

Zheng Xun blinked: "I haven't learned that either!"

Jianyang's face was filled with disbelief: "What about the literature lessons?"

Zheng Xun flipped through the original owner's memories and answered truthfully, "I only attended for two years. The Empress Dowager passed away at that time, and once I missed it, no one called me back to class."

Jianyang: !!!

She hesitated several times before speaking.

She listened to Zheng Xun's candid and insightful remarks, which revealed her unique perspective on the court. She was completely surprised that Zheng Xun had only studied for two years. Finally, she sighed and said sympathetically, "Alright, I'll find it for you."

Zheng Xun bowed respectfully: "Thank you."

“I’m your aunt, no need to be so polite.” Jianyang patted Zheng Xun’s head.

From the very beginning, Jianyang always referred to herself as "I" when facing her. She never acted presumptuously, but only interacted with her as her aunt.

Zheng Xun saw it clearly, but she was used to being independent and couldn't reciprocate the respect and affection that a junior should have. She could only silently keep this favor in her heart.

“With Aunt’s help, Ah Xun is relieved,” Zheng Xun paused for a moment, then asked, “Does Aunt know where the largest bookstore in the capital is?”

Jianyang was surprised.

She just had a stack of books delivered yesterday, and today she's already thinking of buying more. Has she already finished reading them? Is this why she's so knowledgeable about politics?

"Going now?"

Zheng Xun nodded.

"You eat first, I'll have someone prepare the carriage. Just tell the driver where you want to go, he knows the way."

Although Zheng Xun had something on his mind, he did not refuse her kindness.

People in the apocalypse always have an extraordinary respect for food. Although people have later developed various delicious ways to eat mutated plants and animals, those who have experienced food crises and seen countless starving people will never forget the taste of hunger.

So even if the sky is about to fall, you should still eat properly.

Jianyang said he wanted to prepare a good meal, and the kitchen staff were eager to bring out their best dishes to satisfy their master.

Soon, a table full of delicacies was laid out in front of Zheng Xun. There were things that flew in the sky, ran on the ground, grew in trees, swam in the sea, and even things that were sentenced to three years for being served before the apocalypse. It was a feast for the eyes and the palate, and every dish was delicious and beautiful. It was even more lavish than a palace banquet.

She was very curious as to how the kitchen could prepare so many different dishes in just half a day.