Zheng Xie stroked his beard with a faint smile, watching Han Zhi and Su Zhen coaxing the children. His eyes were filled with the gentle warmth of an elder. "Colleague Han, Lady Su, the little ones are fast asleep, and this is the very best time to head home. The sun is climbing higher, nearly noon, and the streets outside are growing busier by the moment."
His remark was remarkably well-timed. Su Zhen lifted her gaze toward the window and saw that the sun had indeed risen considerably. The shadow at the eaves of the Fan Tower had shortened, and the shouts of vendors and the clatter of carriages from the street below sounded even more clamorous than they had at dawn.
She let out a soft breath, genuine fatigue showing in her brows. "Academician Zheng is right. We've been out for the better part of the day, and the children are tired. It is indeed time to return."
Chapter 479