The second letter should have been sent shortly after the first one was dispatched. The wording of this letter differed completely from the previous one.

Fu Zhi told Zhao Hanzhang that his health had declined since news of the late emperor’s death arrived, and recently, as the weather grew colder, he felt increasingly heavy and burdened each day.

He asked, “I haven’t heard from Tinghan in a long while. How is he lately? When might he return to the capital to reunite with you? Now that hostilities have ceased, do you two have plans to marry?”

Perhaps because there had been no news of a wedding in the several months since the war ended, Fu Zhi thought of something. His tone differed entirely from before as he said, “His parents have been stranded in Shu for many years. If you two have no immediate plans to wed, why not let him go to Shu to bring back his parents? Their family has been separated for years—it’s time for a reunion.”

Zhao Hanzhang knew Fu Zhi was testing her. If she agreed to let Fu Tinghan go to Shu, it would indicate their marriage plans had changed.

Fu Zhi didn’t yet know Fu Tinghan had returned to the capital. Unable to avoid overthinking, she decided to have him choose a wedding date.

As for betrothal gifts and such, thinking of Fu Zhi’s poverty and Professor Fu’s wallet she’d emptied, she decided—never mind, a token gesture would suffice. Most importantly, she currently had no money to prepare a dowry either.

The dowry her grandfather had left her—aside from some items difficult to convert to cash—had all been spent.

Zhao Hanzhang guiltily touched her nose. After work, on her way home from the palace, she discussed this matter with Fu Tinghan in the carriage. “…I don’t know if Grandfather’s health is truly poor or if he’s using this as a pretext to test us. I want to send someone to Chang’an—first, to request a wedding date; second, to invite him to come to Luoyang for the wedding.”

Fu Tinghan paused, asking, “When do you plan to marry?”

“Before year’s end.”

Fu Tinghan felt somewhat panicked. “So soon?”

With the change in status, they might truly begin living together in the future. Honestly, Zhao Hanzhang felt somewhat unaccustomed and even hesitant.

This time was different from the beginning. If back then, when she first arrived in this world, marriage meant allowing two people to be together more conveniently—a basis for cooperation—now they would truly form a family and become genuine husband and wife.

In the future, as one unit, she would need to enter his world, his life, his family, his interpersonal relationships—she would encounter and even participate in all of it.

Honestly, though she handled state affairs with ease, she felt somewhat anxious now.

But seeing Fu Tinghan so panicked, Zhao Hanzhang calmed down instead.

Considering her own situation, her world was more complex—her life and work, family and interpersonal relationships more difficult to sort through. Wouldn’t Fu Tinghan have it even harder than her?

Thinking this way, Zhao Hanzhang softened her tone and asked, “Are you nervous? Should we postpone the date?”

“No need,” Fu Tinghan had already composed himself and nodded. “Before year’s end would be perfect.”

Zhao Hanzhang examined his expression carefully. Seeing his face redden under her gaze but detecting no sign of reluctance, she smiled. “Good. I’ll send someone to invite Grandfather Fu.”

After pausing, she asked, “What are your thoughts regarding Princess Hongnong?”

Fu Tinghan was mildly surprised, clearly not having considered this question.

Zhao Hanzhang said, “Shu is currently in an independent state. Though they’re safe there now, they’re ultimately at others’ mercy. Life probably isn’t easy.”

“Previously, court struggles were constant and warfare unending, so we were unable to bring them back. But now hostilities have ceased, and the court is under our control, so we can negotiate with Shu to welcome Princess Hongnong and the others back.”

Fu Tinghan was silent for a moment before saying, “His relationship with his parents is somewhat distant. Princess Hongnong, being of imperial birth—if she returns with such status, will it affect you?”

Hearing this, Zhao Hanzhang smiled and said, “Do you know where a mother-in-law’s influence over her daughter-in-law originates?”

Fu Tinghan looked puzzled.

Zhao Hanzhang explained, “Besides differences in status, the greatest influence comes from her son.”

“So—would you oppose me for her sake?”

Naturally, he would not.

Not just him—even the original soul had his own principles and wouldn’t be easily swayed by his parents.

Zhao Hanzhang said, “That’s sufficient.”

“Status?” Zhao Hanzhang said indifferently, “If I cared about status and propriety, I wouldn’t be sitting in this position now.”

So status-based pressure and worldly rules held no power over her. Fu Tinghan wouldn’t stand in opposition to her because of Princess Hongnong, so regarding Princess Hongnong, she merely needed to placate her.

“Then let’s bring them back,” Fu Tinghan said. “This is also his responsibility.”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, then asked curiously, “In your memories, how was his relationship with his parents? With you being like this… won’t it really be discovered?”

Zhao Hanzhang was fortunate—she had pretended for a while at first. Conveniently, Zhao Hezhen herself wasn’t the obedient and virtuous person she appeared to be on the surface. Wonderfully, both Zhao Changyu and Wang Shi knew this, so they never suspected her.

But Fu Tinghan…

He relied on Fu Zhi not having seen him for years and not knowing his grandson’s specific personality and character, which allowed him to deceive. But if close relatives were involved…

Fu Tinghan calmly replied, “The mother-son relationship wasn’t harmonious, but I believe Princess Hongnong and Fu Xuan understood him well. Yet after so many years, with the Central Plains in chaos, wouldn’t a drastic personality change be normal?”

Zhao Hanzhang tilted her head thoughtfully and asked, “How’s your calligraphy practice coming?”

Fu Tinghan gave her a look. “Don’t worry.”

Zhao Hanzhang felt reassured.

Professor Fu never made claims without certainty. It seemed he’d practiced the handwriting very convincingly.

Returning to the Zhao residence, Zhao Hanzhang announced this matter at the dinner table. Wang Shi was naturally more joyful than anything, though she also felt the anxiety of marrying off a daughter. “This is a major matter. Shouldn’t we inform Fifth Grand-Uncle? Your marriage also requires the clan to manage it.”

Zhao Hanzhang said, “I’ll speak with Fifth Grand-Uncle.”

But Zhao Song wasn’t the first person Zhao Hanzhang notified. Ji Yuan and Ming Yu were.

Her marriage would greatly impact the political situation. She needed to inform her dear advisors.

Since pacifying the hostilities, Ji Yuan and Ming Yu had been prepared. Now it was merely being confirmed, so neither panicked. “The young lady needs to confirm whether the Zhao clan will change its stance.”

“Also the Fu clan—will they become overly involved in political affairs?” Ming Yu said. “Bringing back Princess Hongnong—how will Fu Xuan be arranged? Besides Fu Xuan, Governor Fu has three other sons. We don’t know their current whereabouts. If the Fu clan comes to seek refuge, how does the young lady plan to handle this?”

Zhao Hanzhang replied, “Everything will follow the court’s new policies and laws. Privately, Tinghan and I are willing to help them within our means in daily life.”

Ming Yu and Ji Yuan exchanged glances and asked, “Does Master Fu think the same?”

Zhao Hanzhang said, “We are husband and wife—one entity. Our thoughts are naturally aligned.”

Ji Yuan and Ming Yu greatly relaxed, both showing smiles as they praised, “Worthy of being Master Fu—broad-minded, balanced, and refined.”

Zhao Hanzhang: … Shouldn’t they be praising her for being impartial and having the realm at heart?

Never mind—praising anyone was praising, wasn’t it?