Night faded into morning.
Han Zhi woke at the hour of Mao. Outside the window, the sky was still a pale grayish-blue; the chirping of the autumn insects in the courtyard had ceased, leaving only a crisp, desolate stillness. He rose with the utmost care, terrified of disturbing the person sleeping beside him. Su Zhen had exhausted herself soothing the children late into the night, and she was now deep in slumber, her breathing steady and even.
He silently donned his official robes, fastened his jade belt, and before stepping out, turned back to the bedside. He leaned over to tuck in the quilt around Su Zhen, lingering a moment on her serene sleeping face before turning to gently pull the bedroom door shut.
Chapter 502